Lobsters

Platform Details

Lobsters (lobste.rs) is an open-source, invitation-only link-aggregation and discussion site focused on computing topics. Main features • Link submissions and in-depth comment threads, ranked by user up-votes and time-decay. • Topic tags (e.g., security, networking, rust) instead of one global front page, allowing filtering by interest. • Completely open-source Ruby on Rails codebase (github.com/lobsters/lobsters) that other communities can self-host. • Moderation by a small team of volunteer admins; user accounts can invite new members, helping maintain discussion quality. Target audience Software engineers, system administrators, security researchers, and other technically-inclined readers who prefer low-noise, high-signal discussions similar to Hacker News but with stricter community control. Business model / ownership Non-commercial and community-run. No ads, sponsorships, or paywall. Hosting and development are funded and performed by volunteers; occasional donations cover server costs (per the project README and site FAQ). Content that performs well Deep-technical write-ups, original research, security disclosures, programming language design, infrastructure and networking articles, and open-source project announcements. Pure product marketing, sensational tech news, or non-technical topics rarely reach the front page. Posting guidance Do: • Share substantive, original, or hard-to-find computing content. • Use accurate, non-click-bait titles and appropriate tags. • Engage respectfully in technical discussion. Avoid: • Off-topic links (politics, general news, memes). • Reposts of very recent submissions (duplicate detection is enforced). • Self-promotion without disclosure or substantial value. Favorable posting times No published data; activity appears highest on US/European weekdays when most members are working. Given the small, globally distributed audience, timing is less critical than content quality. Other relevant details • Registration requires an invite from an existing member; this gatekeeping is central to maintaining community tone. • The software’s permissive license has led to several "Lobsters-style" forks for other subjects. • Permanent user karma and public invitation trees encourage accountability for both submitters and inviters.