Writers decide if they want to use a publisher and which publishers to use. With the internet, I don't think any good author needs to rely on a traditional publisher.
Anybody can self publish on Apple Books, and probably on Amazon as well. Who cares about Random House, or B&N endcap (whatever that is). A "good author" in this case is somebody who can independently make sure his book is readable, and doesn't have to rely on a publisher to fix spelling, get pages in order, and such.
We've banned this account for repeatedly and egregiously breaking the site guidelines.
If you don't want to be banned, you're welcome to email hn@ycombinator.com and give us reason to believe that you'll follow the rules in the future. They're here: https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html.
I don't think the fellow deserves to be banned, and would like to vouch for him (if that's possible?). It's his or her livelihood we're talking about here, and which is at stake with the threats of AI. Understandably things can get a little bit heated.
Then illuminate me. Or is this the hacker classic again to have the cake and eat it too? Ie, you should have the right to use the publishers' distribution networks for your book, but they are evil capitalists when they charge their rate?
