I launched https://neocities.org about three years ago on HN. It's still going strong. I strongly believe the site would not have taken off without going viral on HN. That initial boost put things in the right trajectory for orbit.
(Apart from keeping the free and open html+css web of old alive, I think this part is the most interesting thing about the whole project. A large reason for why I've donated in the past - and I'd be surprised if that doesn't go for some other donors as well).
Seriously, thank you. It was really helpful.