The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
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Why I Am A No On A Strategic CryptoCurrency Reserve And You Should Be Too

Points And Figures • 426 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🔮 Crypto Financial Policy Blockchain Market Trends Regulation Investing
  1. Not all ideas are worthwhile, especially when it comes to the government getting involved in cryptocurrencies. This idea might just be popular with some groups, but it ignores the complexities of the crypto world.
  2. Cryptocurrencies are very volatile and their value can change quickly. Relying on them can be risky, as they might not be a stable store of value.
  3. The government shouldn't hold cryptocurrency because it could interfere with market competition. Instead of helping, it might end up benefiting certain established cryptocurrencies and stifling innovation.

A Programmer’s Guide to x86-64 Assembly (Series Overview)

Confessions of a Code Addict • 192 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Debugging Programming Software Systems Assembly
  1. Understanding assembly language is important because it helps you see how high-level code runs at the machine level. This knowledge can make you a better programmer.
  2. The series will cover the basics like bits, memory, and CPU instructions, so even beginners can follow along. You'll build skills to read and write real assembly programs.
  3. Future topics will include practical applications like system calls and writing command-line utilities. You'll learn useful skills for tasks beyond just programming.

It’s a Mixed Credit-Fiat World

Building a New Economics • 196 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💰 Finance Government debt Financial Crises Economic History
  1. Mainstream economics' focus on minimizing government debt while ignoring private debt may not be effective in understanding the full picture of the financial system.
  2. Government debt and deficits can actually play a vital role in creating money and increasing the net financial worth of the private sector.
  3. A government running surpluses while the private sector accumulates debt can lead to economic imbalances and potentially trigger financial crises.

How to fight creative blocks? 🤜🥴

Business & Marketing with Nika • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
💼 Business Content creation Creativity Entrepreneurship Productivity Marketing
  1. Look for inspiration in different places like books, museums, and online resources. These can spark your creativity when you're feeling stuck.
  2. Brainstorming with others can bring new ideas and perspectives, so don't hesitate to ask for help or feedback.
  3. Sometimes, reusing or repackaging old content can be a smart way to overcome creative blocks and still provide value.
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The First Ronin Bounties Start TOMORROW!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 578 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Decentralization Rewards Wallets Gaming Blockchain
  1. Ronin Bounties are launching soon, allowing users to complete quests in their Ronin Wallet for rewards.
  2. The first set of bounties includes Axie-related quests, offering over 4,000 AXS and special Nightmare Axies as prizes.
  3. These quests will be available for a limited time, so eligible users should act quickly to complete them and claim their rewards.

Good code is like a love letter to the next developer who will maintain it.

Elevate • 258 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Collaboration Coding Design Patterns Writing AI
  1. Good code is a form of communication and should be like a love letter to the next developer maintaining it, personal, sincere, and considerate.
  2. Design patterns and principles in code serve as a shared vocabulary for developers to create scalable, maintainable, and efficient solutions.
  3. Writing good code involves adhering to established best practices like consistent formatting, error handling, testing, and empathy towards other developers.

Markets as Error Correction Processes

Knowledge Problem • 196 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Markets Institutions Behavioral Economics Economics
  1. Markets are error correction processes that help us adapt to changing conditions and create value.
  2. Individual adjustments in response to price signals lead to error correction in markets.
  3. Through adaptation, decentralized coordination, knowledge ecosystems, and error correction, markets enable us to achieve more and flourish compared to other social institutional frameworks.

7 Actionable Tips to Become Great at Software Engineering

Brain Bytes • 238 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Soft skills Software Engineering Technologies Continuous Learning
  1. Set a horizon goal to guide your learning and career decisions; it could be mastering a specific area, building a professional network, or creating something new.
  2. Stay updated with new technologies and coding methodologies to remain relevant in the tech industry; consider leveraging tools like AI to enhance your work.
  3. Reflect on your career as if looking back 100 years from now to focus on meaningful, long-lasting contributions; prioritize mastering programming basics, continuous learning, soft skills, and understanding software development methodologies.

A Pain in the Plate Maps

Briefly Bio • 198 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Research Methodology Biotechnology Data science Software Development
  1. Creating 96-well plate maps is important for organizing samples and tracking metadata during scientific experiments. This helps scientists during pipetting and later data analysis.
  2. Current methods for making plate maps, like using spreadsheets, can be clunky and error-prone as they often require managing multiple tables that are not linked.
  3. A new visual plate mapper allows for easy creation and editing of plate maps. It synchronizes the visual layout with a data table, making it simpler to manage and analyze experiment data.

Paypal's 'Going Sharp' Stategy To Find Product Market Fit | VC Distributions Sink To 14-Year Low | VC Remote Jobs ....

Venture Curator • 179 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investments Remote Jobs Product-Market Fit Startups
  1. PayPal's 'Going Sharp' strategy focused on specific customer segments and key features for successful growth.
  2. Venture Capital distributions hit a 14-year low, affecting LP reinvestment willingness.
  3. Valuation caps varied based on round size in 2023 post-money SAFEs for US companies, highlighting caution against blind use of multiple caps.

Under the microscope: Planet Joker (Saturn)

Rings of Saturn • 43 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Gaming Reverse Engineering Emulation Cheats
  1. Planet Joker is a Japan-only, somewhat clunky Sega Saturn shooter that can be made easier using built-in cheat inputs for unlimited health and stage/weapon selection.
  2. Unlimited health is enabled from the mode select by holding Z+Left and pressing Start, and a debug mission select (letting you choose StageNO, time/score/boss modes and tweak ShootKind/ShootLebel) appears by holding Z+Up+A at the machine select.
  3. The cheats were found by memory inspection; specific addresses and functions control input checks, health resetting, game mode, and mech unlocking (e.g., held-button at 0602b4b8, health flag at 0602b318, game mode at 0602ce60, and an Action Replay code 1602b354 0003 to add the extra mech).

On Insurance

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
💰 Finance Behavioral Economics Insurance Risk management Economic Policy
  1. Moral hazard happens when people take more risks because they have insurance, like thinking they can be careless if they have fire insurance. This means insurance can't cover every behavior to keep premiums fair.
  2. A better way to provide insurance is to focus on events that you can't control, like natural disasters, rather than paying out for specific losses. This keeps people motivated to protect their property since their actions impact their safety.
  3. Government assistance can be more effective if it's tied to things outside a person's control, like race or family status, rather than just income. This way, people are still encouraged to work hard because their benefits don’t change based on their work efforts.

PC game discovery in China: how does it work?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Influencer Marketing Gaming Social media Market Trends Game Development
  1. In China, PC games are discovered through popular themes and genres like prison break planning and Wuxia-style RPGs.
  2. Key Chinese services for game discovery include platforms like Bilibili and Douyin, similar to YouTube and TikTok.
  3. Game developers can boost player engagement by giving away in-game cosmetics through personalized codes.

Starting a trade war as the global reserve currency

Deep Pulusani - Risk • 333 implied HN points • 16 Apr 25
💰 Finance Trade Economics Currency Investment Globalization
  1. Having a reserve currency gives a country special advantages, like easier borrowing and more power in international trade. This can make things cheaper for its citizens and boost their purchasing power.
  2. However, relying too much on being the reserve currency can hurt domestic industries, leading to job losses and higher inequality. This often pushes the country to adopt protectionist policies to revive local production.
  3. Countries that want to move away from the reserve currency face risks like financial instability. It's hard to balance the benefits of being a reserve nation while fixing domestic economic problems.

Introducing LizardOS: The Ultimate Software Solution for Crypto Security

DeFi Education • 759 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🔮 Crypto Security Privacy Blockchain Digital Assets Software
  1. LizardOS is a new software designed for crypto security that focuses on privacy and ease of access. You can buy it with Bitcoin and you don't need to give any shipping details.
  2. The software guarantees a genuine version with tamper-free installation, backed by a digital signature from the creators. This ensures that you get the real deal.
  3. Currently, LizardOS only works with specific Lenovo laptops and is not compatible with Macs. If you want to use it, you need to buy the right hardware separately.

Finding the CAP theorem of agents

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Programming Software AI Distributed Systems
  1. The CAP theorem shows that in any distributed system, you can only achieve two out of three things: consistency, availability, or partition tolerance. This means when things go wrong, you have to choose which one you're willing to sacrifice.
  2. In AI programming, there's a similar tension between using complex AI models and the need for reliable, deterministic code. Balancing these two aspects is a challenge, much like the early challenges with web applications.
  3. As technology evolves, the understanding and frameworks around these issues may improve. Just like how programmers now design around the CAP theorem, we might see better solutions and choices for AI challenges in the future.

Building LLM-powered Apps: What You Need to Know

Gradient Flow • 519 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Models AI Machine Learning Data science Applications
  1. Developers can now create AI-powered applications without deep machine learning knowledge, opening up opportunities for rapid experimentation and innovation.
  2. Building custom large language models (LLMs) is becoming more accessible through startups offering resources for model fine-tuning or training from scratch.
  3. Integration of custom LLMs with third-party services, utilizing knowledge bases, and serving models efficiently are key areas of focus for developers in the AI application space.

[2025–2026] Week 9: Warren Buffett: Partnership Years

Behavioral Value Investor • 44 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
💰 Finance Valuation Stock Market Portfolio Management Risk management Investing
  1. Warren Buffett focused on three investment types during his partnership days, reflecting his diverse strategy. Each investment type had unique traits and risks, which influenced his approach.
  2. Buffett's strategy evolved from his early days to later years, showcasing adaptability in his methods and insights gained over time. He learned to balance risk and opportunity while managing his portfolio.
  3. The seminar encourages participants to engage with each other, highlighting the importance of community learning and sharing different perspectives on investing.

Crypto is chain-letter technology

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency Economic Theory Finance Blockchain Investment
  1. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be compared to chain letters, where early participants may make money while later ones might lose everything. It only works as long as new buyers keep joining in.
  2. The American dollar, being a fiat currency, also operates like a chain letter. It's based on trust and belief rather than a physical backing, and its value can decline over time.
  3. Some people view Bitcoin as a safe way to protect against inflation, but switching from the US dollar to Bitcoin may not solve the fundamental issues with trust and value in these systems.

Causal realism, or should you eat your pet?

The Lifeboat • 206 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Reality Truth Existence Causation
  1. Causal realism suggests that what is real isn't just about facts but about how ideas and beliefs can have real impacts. This means both true and false information can shape our actions and the world around us.
  2. Drawing lines between what's real and not, or true and false, has become tricky in today's vast, information-rich world. It's important to recognize these lines can shift based on personal beliefs and cultural contexts.
  3. We need to be cautious about simplistically labeling things as real or fake. Both can influence people's thoughts and behaviors, so acknowledging the complexity of information is crucial for understanding our reality.

Bitcoin ETF trades top $4.6 billion in ‘Ground-Breaking’ day; It was a tough year for almost every bank not named JPMorgan; 2024 prediction: Shopify acquires Stripe;

Fintech Wrap Up • 216 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💰 Finance Technology Banks Cryptocurrency Reports Predictions
  1. Bitcoin ETF trades exceeded $4.6 billion, a substantial milestone.
  2. Most banks faced a tough year except JPMorgan, thriving in profits.
  3. Prediction for 2024 suggests Shopify may acquire Stripe for strategic growth.

Unraveling SIEM Correlation Techniques

Detection at Scale • 119 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Monitoring Correlation Alerts Cybersecurity Security
  1. Correlation rules in SIEM define relationships between malicious behaviors and entities, helping in effective security monitoring and alert generation.
  2. Correlations can be simple, focusing on one technique like Brute Force, or complex, combining multiple techniques and tactics across various log sources for higher-fidelity alerts.
  3. Understanding the layers of SIEM correlation, from basic rule creation to more advanced chaining of techniques, is essential for effective cybersecurity defense.

YouTube's last white whale

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Publishing Marketing Content creation Advertising Media
  1. YouTube is growing stronger as more creators make high-quality scripted shows, competing with Hollywood. This shift shows that digital platforms can produce professional-level content and attract large audiences.
  2. Moving companies are now partnering with influencers to promote their services, which is a clever way to save money for both sides. It highlights the power of social media in marketing, even for unexpected industries.
  3. Local news organizations are debating whether to keep paywalls. One paper is trying to be open about its finances, showing that transparency might help them connect better with their audience.

What Happened to You?

Remarkable People • 4 HN points • 11 Sep 24
💼 Business Innovation Social Impact Economics Wealth Inequality Entrepreneurship
  1. Innovation was originally about making the world better, not just making money. It’s important to create things that have a positive impact on people's lives.
  2. The focus has shifted from creating meaningful products to purely making profits. This change can lead to losing the original vision behind a project or business.
  3. Entrepreneurs today should aim for a balance between doing well financially and doing good for society. There are examples like Salesforce that show you can be successful while also helping others.

Grounding your story

Sunday Letters • 219 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Design Engineering Communication Career Personal Development
  1. Engineers can have many interests and skills, not just coding, which makes them versatile. It's okay to be like a 'paladin' who does many things well, even if it takes longer to master everything.
  2. Balancing different skills means you might not be the best in just one area, but you can excel in roles that need different perspectives, which is valuable.
  3. It's important to clearly define how you see yourself and communicate that to others. Having a simple and grounded story helps people understand your unique blend of skills.

Space applications for large terrestrial markets - how I think about space investing

Intersections (by Filip) • 199 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💼 Business Investing Market Analysis Startups Public Markets Revenue Generation
  1. Developing a strategy for investing in space focused on applications for large terrestrial markets can lead to stable and profitable enterprises with demanded products.
  2. The common upstream/downstream framework for space operations and investing might not be the most advantageous, instead consider where the customers and assets are located.
  3. When investing in space companies, consider the importance of having a diversified base of credible customers to ensure long-term stability and meaningful returns.

Be the Star! Get a Special Shoutout as Reward for Sharing Kristina God’s Newsletter

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 379 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Content creation Digital marketing Online Writing Social media Community Building
  1. Sharing a newsletter can help build a community and increase engagement. Engaging with readers makes them feel appreciated and involved.
  2. Newsletters should provide clear value to subscribers by fulfilling their needs or interests. This can include answering questions or offering insights.
  3. There are incentives for referring new subscribers, like shoutouts on social media. These rewards encourage people to help grow the newsletter.

Historically, 4NF explanations are needlessly confusing

Minimal Modeling • 608 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Information Systems Database Design Data Structures Software Development
  1. Fourth Normal Form (4NF) is mainly about creating simple two-column tables to link related data, like teachers and their skills. This straightforward design is often overlooked in favor of complex definitions.
  2. Many explanations of 4NF start with confusing three-column tables and then break them down into simpler forms. This approach makes it harder for learners to grasp the concept quickly and effectively.
  3. The term 'multivalued dependency' can be simplified to just mean a list of unique IDs. You don’t really need to focus on this term to design good database tables; it's more of a historical detail.

How much I've made with Modeling Mindsets

Mindful Modeler • 379 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
💼 Business Financial Stability Book Publishing Passive Income Writing Entrepreneurship
  1. The author shared the earnings from their book 'Modeling Mindsets,' revealing they earned $14,155 in total.
  2. The book received positive feedback with 73 reviews, 40 on Amazon and 33 on Leanpub.
  3. Despite not getting rich, the author found financial stability through writing and digital assets, hinting at the potential for future income from the book.

How to drive me crazy 🤯

Venture Prose • 379 implied HN points • 28 May 23
💼 Business Failure Progress Mindset Entrepreneurship Leadership
  1. Ownership is key: Acknowledge mistakes, apologize, reflect, and avoid blaming others. It's important to take full responsibility.
  2. Increase awareness: Connect and interact with others, understand their needs, and reflect on yourself. Being self-aware is crucial for healthy relationships.
  3. Embrace progress over success: Failure is part of the journey, and the ability to grow and evolve is vital. Avoid getting stuck in a fixed mindset and strive for continuous improvement.

Proofreading an entire book with GPT-4 for $6.88

Mindful Modeler • 479 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Workflow Costs Tools Automation
  1. Proofreading an entire book with GPT-4 can help automate tasks like improving grammar, language, and cutting clutter in a draft.
  2. Using prompts to guide LLMs like GPT-4 is important for specific and successful outcomes in automated editing.
  3. The economic benefit of using GPT-4 for proofreading can be significant compared to hiring a professional proofreader, offering a balance between capabilities and cost.

TBM 322: Work Shape Mix

The Beautiful Mess • 647 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategic Planning Project management Organizational Behavior Team Dynamics Product Development
  1. Companies often deal with three types of work: large projects, independent product work, and new zero-to-one efforts. Each type requires different management and has its own risks.
  2. As a company grows, it shifts from doing new projects to having more complex ones. It’s important to balance these types of work to avoid chaos and inefficiency.
  3. Recognizing when to formalize new processes is crucial. Waiting too long could lead to bigger problems, so it’s key to find a balance between addressing issues and letting some friction stay.

Extending the demos: Frame Gride (Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Video Games Reverse Engineering Game preservation Emulation
  1. Demo discs can hide extra or disabled game content that becomes playable when a few bytes are changed.
  2. Frame Gride's Pilot Style and Test Operation demos contain extra stages and different visuals, including an Opera House stage that never reached the final release. The demos also limit mech styles and color choices compared to the final game.
  3. Small patches that set stage availability flags and menu limits can unlock those stages and options, showing how reverse-engineering demo discs can recover prototype content and invite further exploration.

How AI Helps Me Combat Confirmation Bias (And Research Faster)

Behavioral Value Investor • 66 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
💰 Finance Investing Risk management Behavioral Finance AI Tools Research
  1. AI can help generate lots of investment ideas quickly, but it's up to you to use your judgment to pick the good ones. This saves time and allows deeper research on the promising candidates.
  2. By using AI to analyze companies and industries, you can spot trends and risks faster. This makes your initial research more efficient, letting you focus on the most worthwhile opportunities.
  3. AI also helps you think critically by providing a 'Devil’s Advocate' perspective. This way, you can challenge your own beliefs and reduce biases before making investment decisions.