> the story of someone's life and activities is only truly interesting for a small fraction of the population, maybe one out of 50 people.
I think you're wrong here. Most people relate more to people than to gadgets. We're the exception here, not the rule. HN readers want the facts, but for the general population, the human interest angle improves the article. It gives them a reason to care.
A bit late, but I see now that I biffed on expressing myself here, and I don't blame you all for thinking I'm wrong. What I meant was that one out of 50 people's life stories are interesting, not that only one out of 50 people find life stories interesting.
I think you're wrong here. Most people relate more to people than to gadgets. We're the exception here, not the rule. HN readers want the facts, but for the general population, the human interest angle improves the article. It gives them a reason to care.