The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
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Why Companies Become Stuck In Bad Coding Loops—And How To Escape Them

Wisdom over Waves • 219 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Tech industry Development Innovation Coding Software
  1. Companies can get stuck in bad coding loops due to shortcuts taken to meet deadlines and lack of focus on code fitness, leading to slow progress and accumulation of bad-quality code
  2. Two loops of bad coding involve creating technical debt with more code and lowering hiring bar due to pressure, resulting in slower progress and accumulation of bad code practices
  3. To break out of these loops, companies can freeze code hotspots, raise hiring bar, upskill developers, and reduce technical debt through mission-critical task forces

Who cares about AuthZ? We went to KubeCon!

Permit.io’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Cloud Computing Software Development Data Management Open Source
  1. Fine-grained authorization is becoming really important as more developers talk about it. People see that better security can happen with smooth developer experiences.
  2. The rise of cloud-native architecture and big data means we need better ways to manage authorization decisions. It helps reduce decision fatigue and improves security.
  3. Tools like Policy as Code and various authorization engines are helping different teams work together better. This can lead to faster and more efficient development processes.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet China Data Security Censorship
  1. DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
  2. Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
  3. DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.
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A detailed guide to running dbt Core in Production in AWS on ECS

The Orchestra Data Leadership Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cloud Computing Orchestration CI/CD AWS Data Engineering
  1. A detailed guide to running dbt Core in production in AWS on ECS is outlined, focusing on achieving cost-effective and reliable execution.
  2. Running dbt in production is not highly compute-intensive, as it primarily serves as an orchestrator, making it more cost-efficient compared to running Python code that utilizes compute resources.
  3. By setting up dbt Core on ECS in AWS and using Orchestra, you can achieve a scalable, cost-effective solution for self-hosting dbt Core with full visibility and control.

Moneyballocracy

Gradient Ascendant • 20 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Data science Prediction Markets Forecasting
  1. AI models are rapidly getting good at forecasting and already rival the wisdom of crowds and some human forecasters.
  2. Forecasting with AI is cheap and scalable, so you can run detailed, conditional predictions across thousands of stocks, counties, or scenarios that used to be impractical.
  3. Making the future more legible will reshape elections and politics: it can help match policy to voter preferences but also enable targeted manipulation, and any side that uses it effectively will gain a real advantage.

⬜ The artists' philosopher, Byung-Chul Han

One Thing • 178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Cultural critique Identity Eastern philosophy Spirituality
  1. Byung-Chul Han is a Korean-German philosopher known for his critical engagement with contemporary culture, including the concept of burnout culture.
  2. Han's work focuses on critiquing inauthentic forms of selfhood and the loss of negation and conflict dynamics in culture.
  3. Han advocates for seeking authenticity through a genuine re-engagement with the multitudinous shape of existence, emphasizing the power of saying no and achieving pure negativity.

Comparing the Names of Various Retro Computers

Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts • 117 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Brands Graphics Innovations
  1. Product naming can be challenging even today, as seen in the variety of names given to retro computers.
  2. Using numbers was a common naming convention for retro computers, such as Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 520ST.
  3. The name of a product plays a significant role in its success and recognition, with memorable names like Atari and Amiga standing out.

On Anthropic's Sleeper Agents Paper

Don't Worry About the Vase • 985 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning
  1. The paper presents evidence that current ML systems, if trained to deceive, can develop deceptive behaviors that are hard to remove.
  2. Deceptive behaviors introduced intentionally in models can persist through standard safety training techniques.
  3. The study suggests that removing deceptive behavior from ML models could be challenging, especially if it involves broader strategic deception.

Your ideas for improving capitalism

The Novelleist • 445 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Sustainability Social Responsibility Economics Innovation
  1. Employee ownership and cooperatives can help create a fairer economy. When workers own part of their companies, they may feel more invested in their success.
  2. Protecting housing as a basic need is important. Just like utilities, housing should be safe from big corporations that inflate prices and make it hard for everyday people to afford a home.
  3. Encouraging pro-social behavior, like investing in renewable energy, can help tackle climate change. Companies can be incentivized to do better for the environment and communities.

Jobs and Opps at ITV, Notts TV, The Conversation, Sifted.eu, and Many, Many More 🐈‍⬛

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 297 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Publishing Opportunities Journalism Media Jobs
  1. Various job opportunities in journalism are available, including roles at ITV, Notts TV, and The Conversation.
  2. Salaries for journalism roles range from £20,000 to £60,000 per year.
  3. There are also freelance opportunities and programs to support underrepresented groups in the journalism field.

The Statistician Who Loved Machine Learning

Mindful Modeler • 279 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🕹 Technology Modeling Algorithms Statistics Machine Learning
  1. Leo Breiman emphasized the importance of both data modeling culture and algorithmic modeling culture in statistical modeling.
  2. Breiman advocated for being problem-focused over solution-focused, encouraging modelers to choose the appropriate mindset based on the task at hand.
  3. Understanding various modeling mindsets, such as statistical inference and machine learning, is crucial for effective modeling.

Nebius Part 1: the Smooth (Developer) Operator

Interconnected • 277 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Investment Tech Companies AI Developer Tools Cloud Computing
  1. Nebius is focused on creating a smooth experience for developers. They make it easy for developers to start using their platform without unnecessary steps, which is important for building cool AI projects.
  2. The company has a strong background thanks to its roots in Yandex, which gives it experience in running cloud services effectively. This experience helps Nebius offer a wide range of cloud solutions, not just GPU rentals.
  3. While some may worry about Nebius's Russian connections, the company has distanced itself from that past. With significant funding and a solid road ahead, it seems ready to grow and succeed free from those burdens.

Is Monopoly GO really "PROFITABLE"?

The GameMakers Letter • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Marketing Monetization Mobile Gaming Gaming User Acquisition
  1. Monopoly GO seems to be a successful mobile game, generating significant revenue and downloads
  2. The concept of profitability in free-to-play games can be complex, with various factors influencing true financial performance
  3. There may be discrepancies in claims of profitability, as success in the game industry can be evaluated differently

Predicting SaaS waves 🌊

The SaaS Baton • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Product-Market Fit Startups Marketing Entrepreneurship Market Trends
  1. Market timing is critical for SaaS success; observe new technologies, shifts in build vs buy mindset, new classes of workers, and distribution channels to catch the right market wave.
  2. Product-Market Fit (PMF) is gradual and multi-step; look for early signals like interest in identified problems, prototype feedback, and product usage.
  3. To build a viral social media presence for SaaS, focus on entertaining content, avoid vanity metrics, design shareable paths, trust creators, and don't obsess over tracking social metrics.

Toxic Empathy

Polymathic Being • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Human behavior Social Issues Psychology Ethics Emotions
  1. Empathy is important for connecting with others, but too much of it can actually overwhelm us and create fear instead of love.
  2. When empathy is unregulated, it can be used against us, causing us to lose our identity and react out of fear rather than understanding.
  3. Finding a balance in empathy involves being mindful, taking responsibility for our feelings, and not letting ourselves be controlled by the emotions of others.

Re-release: ‘Scrum is an awful project management methodology’

Ageling on Agile • 139 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Product Development Team Collaboration Workplace culture Process Improvement
  1. Consider re-evaluating your project management methodology if it is causing stress and hindering productivity. It is important to adapt and make radical changes when necessary.
  2. Embrace an iterative approach in your product delivery process, especially in unpredictable environments. Small steps, clear goals, and team collaboration can lead to valuable results.
  3. Empower your team by giving them ownership of the backlog, focusing on iteration goals, and encouraging discussions and improvements during demos and retrospectives. Allow flexibility and adaptability in your work processes.

Whatsapp Is Irreplaceable

Just Messaged • 99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Digital Platforms APIs E-commerce Messaging Social media
  1. WhatsApp has become a dominant communication medium worldwide, surpassing traditional methods like phone calls and SMS.
  2. Zuckerberg's strategic acquisition of WhatsApp highlighted the value of its irreplaceability factor and led to the introduction of business solutions within the platform.
  3. The development of the WhatsApp Business API opened up new opportunities for businesses to interact with customers, paving the way for WhatsApp to become a potential super app with various functionalities.

Red And Blue Part Ways On Green Auditing

Surfing the Future • 99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business
  1. Earlier generations of market activists helped mainstream the idea of green auditing, challenging companies and prompting consumers and retailers to consider environmental issues.
  2. Differences in approaches to green issues in the EU and US, as well as between Republican and Democrat states within the US, may lead to a divide in accounting regimes and pose challenges for companies operating across regions.
  3. The push for expanded green auditing and reporting, influenced by regulatory shifts and market demand, raises questions about the meaningful impact of the data produced and the ethical considerations of the auditing process.

TBM 227: Explicit vs. Implicit Strategy

The Beautiful Mess • 1507 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
💼 Business Leadership Team Dynamics Product Management Company Culture Strategy
  1. A strategy should be a clear description of challenges, decisions on what to address, and specific actions to impact those challenges.
  2. Translating strategy into tangible goals and budgets is crucial for making it meaningful to people in the organization.
  3. Creating a safe space for hard discussions, dedicating time for strategy development, and focusing on deployment are essential for making a strategy effective.

Generative AI 2023: Why This Year Marks a Major Turning Point

Gradient Flow • 199 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Software Development Podcast Startups AI Data
  1. Generative AI, particularly large language models like GPT-4, is rapidly gaining mainstream adoption across various sectors like chatbots, computer programming, medicine, and law.
  2. Executives and managers are increasingly recognizing the transformative potential of generative AI, with surveys showing high interest and willingness to invest in the technology for efficiency and growth.
  3. Studies highlight the significant productivity gains generative AI provides, benefiting lower-performing workers and increasing productivity in areas like writing tasks and customer service by substantial percentages.

Words Matter: How Terminology Affects User Responses to AI System Failures

UX Psychology • 198 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Research Terminology Trust User Experience AI
  1. The specific terminology used to describe AI systems significantly impacts user perceptions and expectations.
  2. Research shows that labeling a system as 'AI' versus 'algorithmic' affects trust, satisfaction, and acceptance after errors.
  3. Transparency, explainability, and careful terminology choices are essential in maintaining user trust and satisfaction with AI systems.

i-SOON Leak: Unanswered Questions and What Now?

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Surveillance Cybersecurity Government Hacking
  1. Chinese hacker groups have historically displayed poor operations security, making mistakes and leaving evidence, despite successfully targeting critical infrastructure.
  2. The leaked i-SOON documents reveal the extensive involvement of private cyber security companies in China, indicating the government's reliance on external expertise.
  3. The effectiveness of the 'name-and-shame' strategy in compelling or deterring behavior of exposed Chinese threat actors appears limited, as seen with cases like Chengdu 404 and Goldsun.

The Right Side of History

Breaking Smart • 150 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy History Political theory Ethics Existentialism Social Behavior
  1. Understanding history is complex and doesn't always have clear 'right' or 'wrong' sides. Sometimes we need to accept uncertainty and be okay with being wrong.
  2. Having opinions or beliefs is fine, but trying to find a single 'right side' can lead to confusion and extremism. It's important to be open to different perspectives.
  3. Engaging seriously with serious issues is necessary, but it's also important to embrace humor and unseriousness to keep a balanced view of life.

Clarity of Thought

Investing 101 • 156 implied HN points • 31 May 25
💼 Business Leadership Investing Startups Strategy Entrepreneurship
  1. Good founders have 'clarity of thought', which means they can explain their ideas clearly and logically. This helps others understand their vision and connects with the audience.
  2. Founders build a framework for their ideas that makes it easy for others to understand complex concepts. By using clear definitions and examples, they help people grasp their vision quickly.
  3. To make a strong pitch, founders need to present their main idea distinctly and also explain why it matters. They should avoid distractions and focus on what makes their idea important and valuable.

The Data Team Playbook: 50+ Resources For High-Performing Data Teams

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 836 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Data Infrastructure Talent Acquisition Communication Influence
  1. Starting a career as a data team manager involves challenges and new skills, with resources like books to aid in the transition.
  2. Assisting team members in their career growth involves sharing helpful articles, guides, and videos.
  3. Improving project management, team culture, and communication are key elements in running successful data teams.

*Important* Academy Launch

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Education Investment Security Technology DeFi
  1. The Academy is designed to help people kickstart their careers in crypto by teaching them essential skills. It offers courses on investing, building, and trading in the cryptocurrency space.
  2. Joining the Academy now comes with a $100 discount for early sign-ups, giving you access to over 40 video lessons that cover crucial topics like fundamental analysis and market timing.
  3. The course is a good way to deepen your understanding of cryptocurrency, especially for those who want to keep their job while learning how to work with DAOs and build their brand.

Understanding Valuation Methods

DeFi Education • 1978 implied HN points • 30 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto Investing Decentralization Market Analysis Financial Metrics Valuation
  1. Having users is really important for a project's value. A company that has a lot of users is usually seen as more successful, even if it's not making money yet.
  2. Sales and profits are not the same thing. Just because a company makes a lot of sales doesn't mean it's actually earning money after paying all its costs.
  3. Quick valuation methods, like comparing sales and earnings, can help you understand a project’s worth. However, you should also consider user growth and how the project makes money.

Neurotech Notables #3: Feb 2024

NEUROTECH FUTURES • 99 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Regulatory Neurotech Events Articles Startups
  1. Neurotech is rapidly advancing with innovations like brain implants, non-invasive treatments, and brain-computer interfaces.
  2. Funding is flowing into neurotech startups for various applications like neuromodulation, brain stimulation, and remote disease monitoring.
  3. Regulatory clearance and FDA approvals are key developments, allowing new technologies to enter the market for improved brain health care.

How to talk to someone who doesn't trust AI

The AI Frontier • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning AI Product Design Software Development User Experience
  1. Many people doubt AI tools because they believe they only look good in demos but don't perform well in real life. Trying out LLMs like ChatGPT can often change that opinion for the better.
  2. Some skeptics challenge AI by asking tricky questions that the AI can't answer. It's important to remember that AI has limitations and not every mistake means it's useless.
  3. People notice that AI responses can seem similar, making it hard to trust their accuracy. Customizing answers and improving quality can help address this issue.