I remember Patrick commenting on this issue a few months back. His comment was insightful and, from what I remember, he concluded that Demand Media was indeed profitable.
His SEO knowledge lends his conclusion credibility.
I used to be on one of the biggest drug dealers on my side of the city and I now make iPhone apps (among other ventures).
I worked my way up to selling about 2 kilos of crack a week, starting from "20-pieces" (little rocks that weight 0.2 grams, sold for $20).
I'm definitely not proud of myself for doing so, but those few years have taught a me a lot about running a business (including money management, cultivating relationships, "hiring" personnel, and the economics of supply and demand) and gave me much of my entrepreneurial spirit.
Seriously? What can this guy possibly share privately that he can't mention publicly? Is he really going to give some special insights that a reader can benefit from to his detriment? Or, does his altruism have some other, hidden agenda?
I, for one, think this guy is a master troll. I can't believe that many HNers are not cynical enough to call him out on his feigned success.
Specifically, Andrew Warner wants to interview him? For what? Why give him a platform if he has no apparent accomplishments worthy of such an audience?
This guy's a joke. His novelty is wearing off fast. His startup advice is stale and it seems like he's tryig too hard to build up his Internet persona.