OpenLinq is essentially a Lobsters/HN-style link aggregator with three constraints:
1. Invite-only — you need a referral from an existing member (or claim a founding spot while we're in early access) 2. No AI-generated content — community norm enforced by flagging, auto-hidden at 5 flags 3. No algorithmic feed manipulation — sort by score or new, that's it
Stack: Next.js App Router, Neon Postgres, Prisma, Vercel, AWS SES for transactional email.
Features: reputation system (upvotes earn rep, rep unlocks more invite codes), topic groups, weekly digest email, bookmarking, comments, invite-by-email from settings, dynamic OG cards when you share articles, and a referral chain so you always know who invited whom.
Currently opening the first 100 founding spots without needing a referral code — just go to openlinq.xyz and claim one. After that, invite-only.
Would love feedback on: Is the invite-only mechanic annoying or does it feel worth it? What content policies would you want to see enforced?