Ask HN: How to convince my parents to buy me a good chair?

You can make a deal with someone to barter services. You can work to earn money and buy one on your own. You can contact chair manufacturers and request one to demo and review on your blog. You can go dumpster diving. You can find businesses going out of business and selling their office furniture.

I don't think you're doing yourself a favor by asking for how to be convincing, the problem you need to solve isn't being convincing, it's how to acquire the chair.

If you're still not convinced, here are some ways to get your parents: Have them sit in the chair for dinner and see if they find it as uncomfortable. Do a high quality presentation of pros/cons to you having a new chair, don't be silly make it serious. Look for a financial barter. Yard work. Chores above and beyond normal, etc.

Step 2. Perform <some activity> in return for cash.

Step 3. Purchase chair of dreams.

At any rate, your parents aren't the answer.

I know this will probably enrage some ergonomics hacker, but I actually prefer wood chairs with straight backs over anything fancy (I sit up straight even in nice chairs, so there doesn't seem to be too much benefit...). You could get one at goodwill (or similar) or a restaurant supply store for a few bucks.

Don't sit on the ground or the couch for long periods, though. You could damage your spine. Some people like standing desks too, have you given that a try? Maybe it would work long enough to earn the money for your chair.