Hacker Timesnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Why would that annoy you? I’m always puzzled by that sentiment – it doesn’t hurt you in any way if others could download it for free, it doesn’t change anything for you. That’s pure jealousy, isn’t it?


Its the same feeling I get when I buy something and the next day its on sale for 50% off or when steam has one of its mega sales when I just bought the damn game..

or pretty much anytime I buy an apple product.


I once worked for a product company that started out charging a lot for its product. They began to struggle finding new customers for their product because it cost so much. I said, "Why can't you just decrease the price?"

The reason was because they didn't want to anger their existing customer base who had already paid a lot.


Seems the human mind is wired to be sensitive to the concept of fairness. From what I understand it's been observed in chimps as well. At any rate, people see giving out things for free after they themselves paid for it as unfair, and most people react to that. It's not the logical reaction, as you're pointing out, but it is instinctual.

This isn't exactly the same case, but I believe it's close enough to be applicable: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inequity_aversion




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: