Ask HN: What Social Hacks have you done in your life?

[31reasons]

If you have done anything that is unusual, unconventional, rule breaking in the real-world please share your story.

I read this article on FastCompany about Jerry Jao and want to know more about such social engineering stories from other entrepreneurs.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3006111/innovation-agents/confessions-conference-crasher

[will_brown]

It may not apply, if you were looking examples that included deception or are economic in nature. The following is my answer for the non-computer hack question from the YC application and in this instance I believe related to social engineering.

One day while in college I was walking across campus to get to class. As students do, in one direction students walk on the right-hand side of the sidewalk and in the opposite direction students walk to their right resulting in an efficient flow of foot traffic. On this day a rotating sprinkler was intermittently splashing the sidewalk causing a bottle neck on the sidewalk. To this day I have no idea why, but I stepped off the sidewalk. I saw the problem, the students had non-verbally adopted the etiquette of allowing 5-10 students walking in one direction to pass the sprinkler then stop, and allow an equal number of students to pass from the opposite direction. By this time I could tell I went from the observer to the observed, it felt like hundreds of students had their eyes on me wondering, "who is this maverick? What is this sidewalk etiquette anarchist up to?"

In the moment I fell to action. I walked up to the sprinkler from behind and moved it so it no longer splashed the sidewalks. Immediately, I received a standing ovation - granted the students who applauded me were already standing, but I could tell if they were sitting they would have stood up before making noise with their hands.

[stevekemp]

I live in Edinburgh, where public transport consists of a wonderful bus service (and an upcoming tram line which has been a complete fiasco from start to finish).

Catching buses I've frequently noticed that other bus-drivers would hop on and off the bus, traveling for free, presumably on the way to stops to change drivers etc.

I figured if I dressed up as a bus-driver, in their simple uniform, I could hop-on and off buses for free. I didn't intend to defraud the company, but was curious to know if it was possible.

Short version: Free bus travel for a couple of days, providing I wore the maroon blazer, smart trousers, and carried a bag.

[Mz]

I am on an Android and cannot copy and paste the link, so I haven't read it. FYI: I once used the term "social engineering" on hn to mean effectively arranging things socially. Uh, it bombed. I don't think the world is going to redefine it any time soon. It basically means "con artistry" at the moment, which is not what I do.

I had an amicable divorce, without lawyers. Not paying lawyers meant there was more pie to go around and helped both parties behave generously. I also have a compromised immune system. Staying healthy and off medication has a strong component of managing social stuff. For example, I generally do not shake hands. So finding ways to get people to accept my choices is a big part of staying well.

[olh]

Friend bought a bike. Store didn't deliver it even after a month (5 days delivery planned). Emailed the CEO of the store (one of the world's biggest) and made it his personal problem (social media fear). CEO made a thousand miles delivery in the same day.

[rattray]

I have to say, I don't love that level of dishonesty. Last time I couldn't afford a conference I wanted to attend, I emailed the organizers and asked if they needed any volunteers. I got all the benefits Jerry did, from business connections to the VIP-only after party. Of course, it probably helps that I'm still a college student.

[31reasons → rattray]

well social engineering is by definition "dishonest". You are trying to find loopholes in the system to have your way. There are people who would not do such thing at any cost and there are people who would do it as long as it doesn't harm anyone. Entrepreneurs who belong to the later category can create more opportunities for themselves. It also shows how badly you want something. May be thats why Y Combinator also asks similar question in their application I believe. I am curious to find out what all those answers were.

[rattray → 31reasons]

Social engineering != dishonesty, in my opinion. Loopholes can be found and exploited in perfectly honest ways.

[rdouble → rattray]

Most accounts of social engineering I've read are just someone lying about who they are to get in somewhere, or get someone's password. Are there interesting examples of social engineering that don't involve this?

[31reasons → rdouble]

These are few mild versions of social engineering:

1. Giving a compliment or a gift to someone can bring you favors.

2. Wearing clothes such that it would imply (false) higher social status.

3. Exhibiting confidence to make people think you are smart.

[iaw]

In college I was offered minimal financial aid even though my situation, when viewed from a rational lens, warranted it. After having every effort blocked by lower level staff in the office I wrote a snail mail letter to the president of the university, I was very polite, didn't ask for anything, but expressed my displeasure at the situation in a rational fashion. I received a response from his office asking permission to forward the letter to the head of financial aid...

That letter saved me >$75K :D

Edit : Come to think of it, most of my wins haven't been social engineering as much as persistence.