I'd tell, after all HN constitutes a possible audience of buyers.

And he would have just told those potential buyers that he is tired of running his company and desperately wants to get rid of it, thus giving them lots of leverage in negotiations.

Why do you want to sell it is one of the first questions a buyer should ask, or at least find out an answer for.

After all there are lots of reasons to get out: - Patent lawsuit incoming - google/apple just entered the market - Future law change

'My heart's not in it' is a reason to think it is safe to buy.

Of course due diligence for the above is also needed.

Yes, that's correct, his initial wording should have been a bit more diplomatic then.

Even so, if there are multiple potential buyers you will likely fetch market value, if you are actively selling the reason why you sell is not so important as finding a good market to sell it to.

If there is only one buyer then it changes matters considerably.