Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Sounds like perverse incentives[1] in general.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perverse_incentive



> In Hanoi, under French colonial rule, a program paying people a bounty for each rat tail handed in was intended to exterminate rats. Instead, it led to the farming of rats.

LOL. Thank you.


http://e360.yale.edu/features/perverse_co2_payments_send_flo...

A modern incarnation: High incentives for the destruction of a harmful chemical stimulates it's production.


France is hardly the only colonizer to experience the problems of perverse incentives: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobra_effect




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: