Tell HN: An update from the new Tindie team
Tindie, the beloved marketplace for hardware makers, finally broke its silence after weeks of complete platform outage, introducing its new owners, EETree LLC. However, the apology and explanation have been met with widespread skepticism and distrust from the community, who question the new owners' legitimacy and technical competence. This chaotic transition has prompted many users to seek alternative platforms, highlighting a significant crisis of confidence in a once-thriving niche community.
The Lowdown
Tindie, the well-known online marketplace serving independent hardware creators and makers, recently addressed its community after an extended period of platform downtime and a notable lack of communication. The announcement arrived via an email from Gongyu Su, representing the new ownership, EETree LLC, a company registered in Washington State, aiming to explain the acquisition and apologize for the disruptions.
- The email attributed the prolonged outage during the migration to Tindie's "older technical framework" and its numerous connected services, claiming the transition was "more complex than expected."
- EETree LLC outlined immediate priorities: stabilizing the platform, diligently resolving outstanding payment and order-related issues, and providing support to both sellers and buyers.
- The new owners explicitly stated their long-term commitment to invest in and bolster Tindie, with the goal of preserving its unique spirit as a hub for independent creators, rather than allowing it to decline.
- They concluded by promising to earn back the community's trust through concrete actions and pledged to share more updates and incorporate feedback in the coming weeks and months.
While the new ownership attempts to reassure its user base, the communication suggests a challenging acquisition and transition for a platform critical to a dedicated, niche audience. The immediate future of Tindie hinges on EETree LLC's ability to swiftly execute on its promises and rebuild the significant trust that has been eroded by the recent operational failures.
The Gossip
Opaque Ownership & Origin Outrage
Commenters expressed deep suspicion regarding the identity and motivations of the new owners. Many quickly investigated, pointing out the new entity's connection to EETree Info & Tech Limited in China and the vague 'About Us' pages. Questions arose about whether 'EETree LLC' is merely a shell company and the potential implications for payment processing and data security. The prevailing sentiment was one of profound distrust, questioning why Tindie was acquired by such an obscure and seemingly unprepared entity.
Transitional Tangles & Trust Troubles
The community was aghast at the catastrophic handling of the acquisition, which led to weeks of complete platform dormancy and a complete absence of communication. Many users found this an 'unacceptable' first impression, interpreting it as clear evidence of technical incompetence from the new owners in managing a complex migration. The prolonged downtime was seen as a severe disruption, causing lost revenue for sellers and profoundly eroding both buyer and seller loyalty, making the new owners' stated commitment to the community difficult to believe.
Community's Call for Competitors
Faced with profound uncertainty and a complete loss of trust, many users unequivocally stated their intention to abandon Tindie for alternative platforms. Several comments explicitly championed 'Lectronz' as a ready alternative, while others suggested that the current chaotic situation presented a golden opportunity for new competitors to emerge and cater to the now-disaffected maker community. The consensus was that the previous loyalty had been irreparably broken, signaling a potential exodus.