I frequently fork projects on Github, add features/fix bugs, send a pull request and then delete my fork after my changes have been integrated. I've started to consider keeping my forks around for this reason alone but that strikes me as a waste of Github's disk space...

I keep stale forks around mostly to game the language high-score board: https://github.com/languages/Emacs%20Lisp

Go elisp! You can do it!

> that strikes me as a waste of Github's disk space...

Oh, and forks don't take up much disk space since they share structure with the original repository. If the changes have been merged to the mainline, then the marginal cost of your fork is close to nil; probably just a few rows in the database.

Why not just use JRuby?

I was thinking the exact same thing. My superficial reaction is that they could embed jruby in their java code and use the real active record model. this would let them reuse the validation logic and all that good stuff.

I'm really curious if they explored this possibility, and if so why they rejected it.

I immediately jumped to this conclusion as well. I judge that it may not have occurred to them. If most of their experience was in Java they may not have thought of embedding as a solution.

I think there is more to this story than is being told. They say:

"However, we evolved to need something more than Ruby."

Maybe they don't want to be seen as bashing Ruby and thus inciting a pointless language flamewar, but it would be interesting to know what problem or set of problems became the pebble in their shoe that eventually they couldn't stand it anymore.

'Evolved' kind of implies a smooth and natural progression, whereas swapping languages is often more ... abrupt.

I'm of the opinion that co-founders should split the equity as evenly as possible.

You can obviously build a very successful company outside "The Valley." However, I view being in the entrepreneurial "hot spots" like having multiple founder with a technical background--it just increases your odds of success.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Yunus in Dhaka and touring a village bank back in 2008. His personal office was simple and sparse (and not air conditioned) and he was very kind and down to earth considering his accomplishments. It is sad to think that a (probably) corrupt government could oust him from his own creation where he has done some much for so many.

I have only recently discovered HN, and it has quickly become the most useful site I frequent. Up to now, however, I have not yet commented.