The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
Category

The new AI scaling law shell game

Marcus on AI • 2648 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Computing Data Analysis
  1. Scaling laws in AI aren't as reliable as people once thought. They're more like general ideas that can change, rather than hard rules.
  2. The new approach to scaling, which focuses on how long you train a model, can be costly and doesn't always work better for all problems.
  3. Instead of just trying to make existing models bigger or longer-lasting, the field needs fresh ideas and innovations to improve AI.

The Influence of Bell Labs

Construction Physics • 30691 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Research Innovation Corporations Development Science
  1. Bell Labs was a great mix of academic and industrial research. Scientists could explore their ideas without worrying about making money right away.
  2. Many companies were inspired by Bell Labs to start their own research labs. They saw that basic research could lead to big breakthroughs, like the invention of the transistor.
  3. Over time, the research environment changed, and companies became less willing to fund long-term, unrestricted research like Bell Labs did. Now, research is often more closely tied to immediate business needs.

Origins Season 11 Epic Era is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 138 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Digital Assets Blockchain Collectibles
  1. The Epic Era of Origins Season 11 has started, and players can compete for a share of a 24,000 AXS prize pool. It's a great time to jump in and try to earn some rewards!
  2. Collectible Axie holders can gain extra rewards by finishing the Epic Era at a high rank while holding their collectibles. These rewards come in the form of Collectible Chests filled with tickets that can earn AXS.
  3. The costs to mint Runes and Charms have been lowered, making it cheaper for players to upgrade their Axies. This makes the game more accessible and fun for everyone.

Satya Nadella and the three stages of scientific truth

Marcus on AI • 6877 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Science Computing Philosophy
  1. New ideas in science often face resistance at first. People may ridicule them before they accept the change.
  2. Scaling laws in deep learning may not last forever. This suggests that other methods may be needed to advance technology.
  3. Many tech leaders are now discussing the limits of scaling laws, showing a shift in thinking towards exploring new approaches.

Would Lenin have approved of the IMF?

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 241 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economic Policy Monetary Systems Global Economy Financial Institutions
  1. The IMF has a specific role in ensuring countries maintain fiscal discipline and avoid excessive borrowing. This role is seen as necessary for economic stability, regardless of whether the system is capitalist or socialist.
  2. Critics often misunderstand the IMF's core mission, which is about discipline and accountability in fiscal matters. Austerity measures taken by the IMF are not inherently bad; they are meant to promote responsible economic behavior.
  3. If Lenin were alive today, he might actually support the IMF for its emphasis on fiscal responsibility and international trade management. He believed in the need for structured economic governance, similar to what the IMF provides.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Learning the Language of Life with A.I.

Ground Truths • 4549 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Genetics
  1. AlphaFold2 has greatly advanced science by predicting protein structures. It's one of the most significant achievements in life sciences and has inspired many new AI models.
  2. There's a surge of new AI models focused on life sciences, including predictions of DNA and protein interactions. These advancements are happening quickly and are democratizing scientific research.
  3. The use of AI in biology is just beginning, and it holds exciting potential for future discoveries. It could help us understand complex biological functions better and develop new therapies.

What do you think about consciousness?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9882 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Cognitive Science
  1. There are many theories about consciousness, and everyone has their own views on it. It's a topic that invites everyone to share their thoughts.
  2. The study of consciousness is still in its early stages, so you don't need to be an expert to join the discussion. It's a personal experience that we all understand.
  3. Finding a scientific explanation for consciousness is a hope for many. It suggests that there might be a simple answer out there just waiting to be discovered.

Important information if you used my Bluesky MP follows bot

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Social media Bots
  1. If you used the Bluesky MP follows bot, it's a good idea to change your Bluesky password for safety. There's a small chance harmful code was on the server, but it seems unlikely any personal data was taken.
  2. The issue arose from outdated Wordpress code on a server that was unintentionally exploited, highlighting the importance of keeping software updated. Neglecting updates can lead to security problems.
  3. The creator of the bot took immediate action by shutting it down and ensuring no more data was at risk. He is being transparent about the issue to help others understand the risks and best practices.

High Growth Engineer Update/Break

High Growth Engineer • 279 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Personal Growth Mental health Content creation Community Building
  1. The writer is taking a break for at least four weeks to recharge and think about what they want to focus on moving forward. This time off is important for their mental health.
  2. When they return, there won't be a strict weekly writing schedule. They plan to prioritize quality over quantity and write when they feel inspired.
  3. The writer has ideas for new projects, like building AI tools, writing a book, or starting a community for discussions. They want to use the extra time effectively to provide more value.

Does All Semiconductor Manufacturing Depend on Spruce Pine Quartz?

Construction Physics • 31526 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Materials science Supply Chain
  1. Spruce Pine, North Carolina, provides a lot of the high-purity quartz used in making silicon for semiconductors. This quartz is important because it helps produce the pure silicon necessary for making chips and solar panels.
  2. While Spruce Pine quartz is significant, it isn't the only option available. There are other sources and potential substitutes, but they may not be as good or as cost-effective.
  3. The semiconductor industry is exploring new materials for crucibles and increasing the production of quartz elsewhere, which could reduce reliance on Spruce Pine in the future. This means a supply disruption wouldn't completely stop semiconductor manufacturing.

The Libertarian Coder

Rethinking Software • 99 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Collaboration Work Culture Autonomy
  1. Working independently can be very rewarding, especially in coding. Some people thrive when they have control over their own projects and can focus deeply.
  2. There are different styles of collaboration in coding. Some prefer to share work with many people, while others like to work alone. Both ways can be valid and effective, depending on the person's preference.
  3. When you feel stuck at work, it's often not just your fault. It shows there might not be enough teamwork or communication. Asking lots of questions can help everyone succeed together.

Underrated reasons to be thankful IV

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1031 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Gratitude Well-being Science Human experience Mindfulness
  1. Meditation can help you feel really good, almost like drugs or other intense pleasures, and it’s cool that you can explore new ways to relax without getting addicted.
  2. Your brain can automate tasks as you practice, which makes it easier to do complex things without thinking too hard about every detail.
  3. Even though there are worries about pollution, some studies suggest that common plastics might not harm your health much, which is a relief.

How to build your GTM strategy from scratch

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 291 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Strategy Sales Growth
  1. Building a go-to-market (GTM) strategy involves understanding stages like problem-solution fit, product-market fit, and go-to-market fit. Each stage helps you grow and attract more customers.
  2. Create an Early Customer Profile (ECP) based on real evidence to identify your first customers. This helps you target those who have a strong need for your product and are willing to pay.
  3. Differentiate your product by refining your unique value proposition (UVP) and unique selling proposition (USP). This makes it clear why customers should choose you over the competition.

Spotify’s Plans For AI Generated Music, Podcasts, and Recommendations, According To Its Co-President, CTO, and CPO Gustav Söderström

Big Technology • 5003 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Music Podcasts Digital Media Recommendations
  1. Spotify is embracing AI to enhance creativity in music and podcasts. They see these tools as ways to help artists express themselves better rather than replacing them.
  2. The company is focusing on improving how users find new music and podcasts. They want users to feel like they have control over their recommendations and can provide feedback.
  3. Spotify aims to create a more personal experience by using AI. They envision a platform where users can interact like friends with the app, making the recommendations feel tailored and engaging.

AI #92: Behind the Curve

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2598 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Tech Policy Programming Innovation
  1. AI language models are improving in utility, specifically for tasks like coding, but they still have some limitations such as being slow or clunky.
  2. Public perception of AI-generated poetry shows that people often prefer it over human-created poetry, indicating a shift in how we view creativity and value in writing.
  3. Conferences and role-playing exercises around AI emphasize the complexities and potential outcomes of AI alignment, highlighting that future AI developments bring both hopeful and concerning possibilities.

One Regulator

Points And Figures • 586 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💰 Finance Regulation Innovation Cryptocurrency Market structure Bureaucracy
  1. The financial market regulation in the U.S. is complicated and outdated, with many agencies like the SEC and CFTC often conflicting with each other. This can lead to innovation being stifled.
  2. There are concerns that some regulators, like Gary Gensler, may be overly controlling and negatively impact innovative companies, especially in the emerging cryptocurrency space.
  3. Many believe that simplifying the regulatory structure to have one main regulator could boost competition and innovation, but achieving this change seems very challenging.

Learning in the Forest

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1347 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Learning Engineering Productivity
  1. Learning should come before production. It's important to focus on what team members need to learn, even if it slows down work at first.
  2. Juniors are still learning, so we shouldn't rush them. It's better to allow them to choose tasks that will help them grow, and to support their learning through pairing with seniors.
  3. Investing time in learning pays off. Gaining skills and knowledge today will help create better projects and more capable engineers in the future.

The Big Nonprofits Post

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1254 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Nonprofits Charity Philanthropy Funding AI risks
  1. There are many excellent charities to donate to right now, especially those focused on AI safety and existential risks. It can be hard to find good places to give money, but they are out there.
  2. When deciding where to donate, it's important to trust your own judgment and knowledge about what matters. Choose organizations that align with your values and how you believe change can be made.
  3. Consider giving unconditional support to individuals doing valuable work, as this can help them focus on their projects without the stress of constantly needing to prove their worth for funding.

Notes From The Progress Studies Conference

Astral Codex Ten • 23813 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Energy Innovation AI Regulation Progress
  1. Progress Studies is a new field aimed at understanding and improving human progress. It's seen as important despite some initial pushback, similar to how other social studies emerged.
  2. Solar energy is rapidly improving and could become very cheap, making it a major player in addressing energy needs. Advances in solar and storage technology are seen as key to a more sustainable future.
  3. Regulations are often seen as a barrier to progress in various sectors, from energy to housing. Many attendees at the conference believe smarter regulation could greatly enhance innovation and development.

Report: Virtual & Augmented Reality Test Drive

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Virtual reality Augmented reality Product Reviews Tech Trends User Experience
  1. The Apple VisionPro has some cool uses like immersive video and creating a personal space during flights. However, it's not worth the high price for most people.
  2. Facebook's new AR glasses are just a prototype and not available for sale yet. This means they aren’t really ahead of Apple, which could quickly release a practical product when ready.
  3. Users want more efficient apps and features for AR experiences, especially those that work better than iPad apps. There's potential for amazing virtual experiences, but the technology isn't fully there yet.

On hype, and the unbearable banality of ChatGPT’s poetry

Marcus on AI • 4268 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Poetry Literature Critique Research
  1. A recent study claims that ChatGPT's poetry is similar to Shakespeare's, but it's important to be skeptical of such bold claims. Many experts believe the poetry is just a poor imitation, lacking genuine creativity.
  2. The critique of the AI poetry highlights that it often reads like the work of an unskilled poet who doesn't truly understand the style they're trying to emulate. This raises questions about the quality of AI-generated content.
  3. It's essential to approach AI-generated work with caution and to not get swayed by hype, as popular claims may not always reflect the true abilities of the technology.

Portfolio Review - October 2024

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 339 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Financial Analysis Market Trends Portfolio Management
  1. The portfolio reached a new all-time high in value, showing strong overall performance this month. This indicates good investment decisions in the recent past.
  2. Several key companies, like Visa and Meta, reported better-than-expected earnings, reinforcing their growth potential. These results contributed positively to the portfolio's success.
  3. InPost and Nubank remain as targets for investment, reflecting strategies to capitalize on their future performance. Keeping an eye on their stock movements can lead to profitable opportunities.

The Unmaking of a Modern Economy: Brexit, Austerity, and Britain's Great Retraction

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economic Policy Macroeconomics Global Economy Financial Crisis Growth Strategies
  1. Britain's economy has struggled since 2008, missing out on a lot of potential growth. If things had gone differently, people would be much better off today.
  2. Policies like austerity and Brexit have hurt the economy, but they are not the only reasons for the decline. There have been many mistakes made over the years.
  3. The long-term effects of economic shocks, like the Great Recession, can have lasting impacts on growth. This shows how important it is to be careful with economic policies.

Consciousness as a Gödel sentence in the language of science

The Intrinsic Perspective • 24479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics
  1. Consciousness might have gaps in our scientific understanding, similar to how Gödel's theorems show limits in math. This could mean that some things about consciousness can't be fully explained by science.
  2. Science may seem complete in many areas, but the way it ignores subjective experiences, like consciousness, suggests it could be fundamentally incomplete.
  3. Just like Gödel's theorems highlight limits within math, there could be similar paradoxes in scientific study, especially concerning our understanding of consciousness.

Modellion

davidj.substack • 71 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Data architecture Big Data Data Modeling Database Management Cloud Computing
  1. Medallion architecture is not just about data modeling but represents a high-level structure for organizing data processes. It helps in visualizing data flow in a project.
  2. The architecture has three main layers: Bronze deals with cleaning and preparing data, Silver creates a structured data model, and Gold is about making data easy to access and use.
  3. The terms Bronze, Silver, and Gold may sound appealing to non-technical users but could be more accurately described. Renaming these layers could better reflect their actual roles in data handling.

AI makes scientists more productive and less happy

Philosophy bear • 171 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Productivity Innovation Science
  1. AI helps scientists work faster and discover more new materials, increasing their productivity significantly.
  2. However, many scientists feel less happy because they spend less time on creative idea generation, which they found enjoyable.
  3. The gap between top and bottom performers in science has widened, with skilled researchers benefiting more from AI, leading to concerns about inequality in the field.

TBM 325: Skeptoptimism – Thinking Slow, Acting Fast

The Beautiful Mess • 833 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Planning Execution Leadership Risk management
  1. Thinking slowly helps in planning well and reducing risks. It's not sitting idle; it's about being active and experimenting with ideas.
  2. Being a skeptoptimist means balancing a belief in teams with a realistic view of challenges. It's important to express confidence in the team's ability to succeed while addressing risks.
  3. It's key to involve others in 'slow thinking' to ensure they understand and support the process. Sharing your thoughts can help bridge the gap between deep exploration and action.

Google Search, SearchGPT, and SerpAPI

Encyclopedia Autonomica • 19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Search Engines AI Information Retrieval Web Development Data science
  1. Google Search is becoming less reliable due to junk content and SEO tricks, making it harder to find accurate information.
  2. SearchGPT and similar tools are different from traditional search engines. They retrieve information and summarize it instead of just showing ranked results.
  3. There's a risk that new search tools might not always provide neutral information. It's important to ensure that users can still find quality sources without bias.

Tülu 3: The next era in open post-training

Democratizing Automation • 271 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Open Source Data science Software Development
  1. Tulu 3 introduces an open-source approach to post-training models, allowing anyone to improve large language models like Llama 3.1 and reach performance similar to advanced models like GPT-4.
  2. Recent advances in preference tuning and reinforcement learning help achieve better results with well-structured techniques and new synthetic datasets, making open post-training more effective.
  3. The development of these models is pushing the boundaries of what can be done in language model training, indicating a shift in focus towards more innovative training methods.

HN blogs - 1/11/24

HackerNews blogs newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Data Analysis Cybersecurity Programming
  1. Measuring technical debt is crucial for leaders, especially CTOs. It helps in understanding and managing the challenges in software development.
  2. Freezing CEO salaries during layoffs can create a fairer work environment. It shows accountability and may protect jobs for regular employees.
  3. Life shouldn't solely be based on statistics. Everyone's experiences are unique and can't be fully represented by numbers.

加油比特币 Let's Go Bitcoin

Crypto Trader Digest • 2281 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Finance Economics Investment Market Trends
  1. Governments often inflate property bubbles to maintain public support, as owning property ties people's wealth to the state. If people feel secure about their homes, they're less likely to revolt.
  2. China is facing a property bubble crisis similar to those seen in other countries, and it might inject a lot of money into the economy to recover. This could lead to more yuan being traded for Bitcoin as people seek to protect their wealth.
  3. Even though the current stimulus might seem small, once people realize that money is being pumped into the economy, there could be a rush to buy Bitcoin. Historically, Bitcoin tends to rise sharply when significant money is printed.

CONFIRMED: LLMs have indeed reached a point of diminishing returns

Marcus on AI • 13754 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Trends Machine Learning Data science Generative AI
  1. LLMs, or large language models, are hitting a point where adding more data and computing power isn't leading to better results. This means companies might not see the improvements they hoped for.
  2. The excitement around generative AI may fade as reality sets in, making it hard for companies like OpenAI to justify their high valuations. This could lead to a financial downturn in the AI industry.
  3. There is a need to explore other AI approaches since relying too heavily on LLMs might be a risky gamble. It might be better to rethink strategies to achieve reliable and trustworthy AI.

Why Streaming Subscription Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Honest Broker • 25300 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Entertainment Pricing Strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Streaming subscription prices are increasing because companies are focusing on making more profit from fewer customers. They believe it's better to charge loyal users more instead of trying to attract new ones.
  2. The entertainment industry is cutting back on creating new content, which means we might see fewer movies and shows. This reduction is part of a strategy to maintain profits even as customer numbers decline.
  3. While big companies may struggle, this situation could open doors for indie creators. As larger companies shrink, new opportunities for creativity and innovation might arise for others.

Why We Make the Exeter Hammer

The American Peasant • 2715 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💼 Business Product Development Entrepreneurship Manufacturing Marketing Sales
  1. The Exeter Hammer was developed over three years to create a lightweight, balanced tool ideal for furniture makers. It combines good design and functionality to improve woodworking tasks.
  2. The hammer's design process involved scrapping an earlier project that felt too similar to common hammers on the market. This led to creating a unique hammer that meets specific needs of woodworkers.
  3. The first 400 hammers sold quickly, showing a strong demand and approval from users. This success suggests that thoughtful design can resonate well with the target audience.

Will the China Cycle Come for Airbus and Boeing?

Construction Physics • 33196 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Economics International Trade
  1. China has been trying to develop its own commercial aircraft industry for decades but faces many challenges. From technology theft concerns to complex manufacturing processes, it hasn't succeeded like in other industries.
  2. The C919 jet is China's latest attempt to compete with Boeing and Airbus. While it's secured a good number of orders, issues with performance and certification limits its appeal in the global market.
  3. Airbus has been more successful in China due to establishing local assembly lines. This made them more competitive compared to Boeing, which hesitated to set up operations in China.

Only A Truth-Based Relationship With Reality Can Satisfy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1872 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Truth-seeking Human condition Cognitive Bias Social Critique Mindfulness
  1. People really want a true understanding of reality, even if they don't always realize it. Society pushes false ideas and distractions that keep us from finding real happiness.
  2. Chasing after material things, social status, or knowledge often leads to disappointment because they are based on lies. True satisfaction comes from aligning our beliefs and actions with reality.
  3. To find happiness, we must confront our personal falsehoods and the lies in society. This journey to truth can be tough, but it's necessary for building a better world.

Join me for a conversation with Brett Berson, Partner at First Round Capital

Thinking in Bets • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Decision-making Startups
  1. Learn how a top venture capital firm has changed its investment processes. They focus on being more organized and efficient.
  2. Discover how to make better investment choices using data. A data-driven approach helps in making smarter decisions.
  3. Find out how to improve feedback loops in finance. Creating quicker feedback can help in long-term decision-making.

For Pushing Large Men Off Bridges

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Moral dilemmas Critical Thinking
  1. Utilitarianism suggests that we should act in ways that maximize overall happiness. This means if you can save five people by sacrificing one, it might seem like the right choice to push the one off the bridge.
  2. Some arguments challenge the idea of not pushing someone off the bridge. For example, if pushing them means saving more lives, it may not be wrong to do so.
  3. The concept of 'undoing' actions also plays a role. If you push a person off the bridge but can pull them back before harm is done, it challenges whether that initial push was truly wrong.

Battery production is genuinely difficult

Intercalation Station • 99 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing Sustainability Electric Vehicles Innovation
  1. Making batteries is really hard. Even small mistakes can lead to big problems and waste.
  2. Northvolt faced issues with unrealistic goals and timelines from its management, leading to disorganization and challenges in their production process.
  3. Quality control and procurement problems contributed to the company's struggles, highlighting a need for clear communication and better management practices.

The one framework every engineer should know

High Growth Engineer • 3008 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Software Problem Solving Communication Frameworks
  1. The MECE principle helps you organize your thoughts clearly. It stands for Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive, which means breaking down problems without overlap while covering all possibilities.
  2. Using MECE in interviews shows your problem-solving skills. Instead of jumping straight to the answer, outline different approaches and explain your reasoning to demonstrate structured thinking.
  3. Applying MECE during team communication helps keep everyone on the same page. Whether it's giving updates during an investigation or explaining a process, a clear structure makes it easier for others to understand.