The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
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Unlocking Agricultural Potential: The Impact of Satellite Data in Modern Farming

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability Space Tech Data science
  1. Satellite data can greatly help farmers by improving crop yields and monitoring crop health. This information allows for better planning and decision-making in farming.
  2. Using space data can lead to more sustainable farming practices. Farmers can track things like carbon storage and soil health, which helps protect the environment.
  3. The use of satellite imagery is still new in agriculture, but it has a lot of potential. However, challenges such as regional differences and competition from traditional farming methods can slow its adoption.

The desktop and its disappearance

Kosmik’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computers Cloud Web Software
  1. The development of the desktop metaphor started with making computers more approachable and user-friendly.
  2. Over time, the desktop evolved to include features like Mission Control to help users manage an increasing number of apps and files.
  3. Advancements in web technologies have led to a shift towards cloud-based desktop environments like Kosmik 2.0, offering users a more flexible and productive digital habitat.

Microservices vs. Monolithic Approaches in Data

The Orchestra Data Leadership Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Tools Cloud Infrastructure Microservices Data architecture
  1. The choice between microservices and monolithic architectures in data impacts the tools and solutions you choose.
  2. Microservices allow for distributed infrastructure, specialization, and easier scaling in data architecture.
  3. Assumptions about high interoperability, governance, and acceptable data egress and storage costs are key considerations when opting for a microservices approach.

IPOs are underpriced

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investments Economics Corporate Finance Market Trends
  1. IPOs, or initial public offerings, often sell for less than their true value. This means companies miss out on money they could have earned.
  2. There are better ways to sell shares, like auctions, that could help get a fairer price. Selling all shares at once is not ideal.
  3. Releasing shares gradually could lead to better pricing and less underpricing. This way, companies wouldn’t leave money on the table when they go public.

10 simple internal tools any EM can build in under 2 hours

Leading Developers • 65 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Project management Software Development Automation Game Development
  1. Engineering managers can build simple internal tools in just a couple of hours. This helps solve problems for their teams and boosts productivity.
  2. There are various tool ideas like a demo-data preparator or a kudos board that can enhance team engagement and streamline processes.
  3. Using platforms like Base44 or Cursor can make developing these tools easier and more efficient, even for non-technical managers.
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Agentic Commerce is Coming: How AI Will Reshape Online Retail

Tanay’s Newsletter • 113 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior Market Trends AI Technology Ecommerce
  1. Agentic commerce involves AI agents doing the work for you in shopping. This means AI will help find, compare, and buy products without much human input.
  2. AI tools like ChatGPT are already playing a role in how people discover products. As these tools improve, they will change the whole shopping experience.
  3. Many companies are creating new technologies and platforms to support agentic commerce. There's a big opportunity for innovation in areas like product data, payments, and customer services.

FlowMind Is An Automatic Workflow Generator

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Automation AI Programming Data science Workflow
  1. FlowMind is a new tool that helps create automatic workflows using advanced AI. It takes user requests and generates code to complete tasks quickly.
  2. The system uses APIs to gather information and provides real-time feedback, allowing users to adjust the workflows as needed. This makes the process more interactive.
  3. FlowMind aims to improve the reliability of AI by reducing errors and making sure there is no direct connection to sensitive data. It focuses on keeping user data safe while handling requests.

Money Market Update

Concoda • 308 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💰 Finance Federal Reserve Market Analysis Economic Indicators
  1. The money market faced a tough quarter-end, but there were no serious problems reported. Most banks didn't heavily rely on the Fed's emergency funding options this time.
  2. A new measure called reserve demand elasticity (RDE) suggests that the banks currently have enough reserves. This means the Fed can keep interest rates stable for now.
  3. Funding pressures are growing, but they haven't reached a critical point. This signals that while banks feel some strain, they are managing for the time being.

Code Reviews, Not Code Approvals

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Code Review Project management Remote work Agile Methodology
  1. Asynchronous communication is key for remote work, allowing people to respond when they can without blocking others. This way, everyone can keep working on their own tasks without unnecessary interruptions.
  2. Traditional code reviews often act more like approvals, which can slow down progress and cause delays. It's better to think of them as a way to give feedback after code is deployed, not as a gatekeeping step.
  3. By changing code reviews to be more like reviews after deployment, teams can keep moving forward. This helps avoid bottlenecks and allows for quicker corrections and improvements in code.

Why Claude Can't Run Your Business (Yet)

Teaching computers how to talk • 99 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Human-computer interaction Automation Computer Science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence
  1. Claude, the AI, was tested to see if it could manage a vending machine successfully. It had to figure out pricing and deal with customer feedback.
  2. The experiment showed that Claude struggled with basic business decisions, like buying items it couldn't sell for a profit. It also made strange comments that confused the human employees.
  3. Overall, the project highlighted how current AI technology, like Claude, isn't ready to run a business effectively yet, mainly because it can't learn from its mistakes.

First ask what it means

David Friedman’s Substack • 269 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Political Philosophy Epistemology
  1. It's important to first understand what statements about climate change really mean before accepting them as true. Definitions of extreme weather can vary, so the impact of climate change may not be as straightforward as it seems.
  2. When people say healthcare is a human right, it raises questions about what that actually means and whether healthcare workers could be forced to provide care. The term needs clarification to avoid misunderstandings about what rights entail.
  3. Terms like 'living wage' can be vague and subjective. People often think of it as a wage that allows for a comfortable life, but what that looks like varies widely between individuals.

False Dichotomies and Overemphasizing Open Source Security

Resilient Cyber • 239 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Development Software Open Source Security
  1. There's a lot of focus on securing open source software, but it's important not to ignore the risks in proprietary software too. Both types of software can have serious security issues.
  2. Most code in applications is actually custom code, not open source, which means organizations should pay more attention to their own code for vulnerabilities. Just scanning for problems in open source might not solve the main issues.
  3. Finding a balance between securing open source and proprietary software is key. We need to focus on the right vulnerabilities and not overload developers with unnecessary work.

The Space Industry today: beyond headlines

Space Ambition • 539 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Innovation Investments Regulations Startups
  1. There are more than 1,700 private companies working on innovative solutions in the space industry today. This means a lot is happening beyond just the big names like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
  2. Sending things to space has become much cheaper, thanks to reusable rockets and new technology. This makes it easier for smaller companies to launch their satellites and projects.
  3. New technology like 3D printing and robotics is helping reduce costs and improve how space missions are done. Plus, supportive government laws are encouraging even more startups to join the space race.

Clues Say Generative AI’s Future Will Be Revealed in 2024

The Algorithmic Bridge • 700 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AGI Open Source AI Generative AI
  1. 2024 is a significant year for generative AI with a focus on revelations rather than just growth.
  2. There is uncertainty on whether GPT-4 is the best we can achieve with current technology or if there is room for improvement.
  3. Mark Zuckerberg's Meta is making a strong push towards AGI, setting up a high-stakes scenario for AI development in 2024.

Net Positive?

Technically Optimistic • 39 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Regulatory Oversight Data security
  1. Net neutrality ensures equal access to internet services without discrimination or throttling by ISPs.
  2. Government oversight aims to hold providers accountable for service quality, security, and consumer data protection.
  3. Allowing ISPs to control access and pricing without regulation could widen the privilege gap and hinder access to essential services.

The next big thing in 2025 will be...

next big thing • 243 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Software Data Consumer Tech
  1. In 2025, we will see the rise of AI agents that can help automate tasks more efficiently and handle complex activities, making our lives easier.
  2. There will be a big shift in technology with AI becoming more integrated into our daily routines, making things like healthcare and language translation more personalized and seamless.
  3. Consumer healthcare will improve a lot as people gain more control over their health data, leading to a better experience and more trust in healthcare systems.

Weekly Update - DeFi and Layer 1 & Layer 2 News (Week 3, 11/01/2024 - 17/01/2024)

Crypto.com Research • 98 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi Blockchain Gaming Layer 2 Layer 1
  1. Circle, the USDC issuer, has filed for an IPO in the US, aiming to become a publicly traded company.
  2. Polygon launched a new testnet and zkEVM enters the next stage of development, enhancing developer resources.
  3. Cosmos Hub is considering a proposal to reduce ATOM's inflation rate to 0%, if approved by the network.

Don’t Agree to Terms

Technically Optimistic • 79 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Privacy
  1. Be cautious when agreeing to app terms and conditions to protect your privacy
  2. Reading privacy policies can reveal concerning data collection practices
  3. Emphasize data minimization to reduce privacy and security risks, advocating for user choice and transparency in data collection

I was selected for a $100,000 O'Shaughnessy Ventures Fellowship to empower used bookstores with AI.

Castles in the Sky • 102 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Technology Entrepreneurship Culture Innovation Education
  1. A person received a $100,000 fellowship to create a tool for used bookstores using AI. This tool aims to help identify and preserve old and rare books.
  2. The project is inspired by a need to protect literary history and make it easier for bookstores to archive valuable books. The goal is to create a big database with details about every book.
  3. The project will also focus on building a community of people who care about preserving books, along with sharing related content through a blog and videos.

From Zero to More Than 300 Paid Subscribers and Other Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Substack

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 339 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
💼 Business Subscription services Marketing Entrepreneurship Revenue Models Content creation
  1. You can turn 5-10% of your free readers into paying subscribers. This means that if you have a loyal audience, many might support you financially.
  2. Substack is a user-friendly platform for starting a newsletter and building a community. It's designed to help creators easily make money from their writing.
  3. Substack is growing because it offers useful features like chat and private publishing. These tools help writers connect better with their audience.

#28: Sovereignty in the Age of LLMs

Loeber on Substack • 81 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Ethics Policy Software
  1. LLMs are quickly becoming a big part of many people's lives. From students to professionals, people are using them for advice, work, and decision-making.
  2. The increasing use of LLMs raises concerns about centralization. If only a few companies control these models, it could limit diverse viewpoints and influence public opinion.
  3. For a country to remain sovereign, it may need to develop its own LLM to ensure that its information and culture aren't dictated by external providers.

RDEL #25: How can engineering managers improve the OKR and goal setting process?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 99 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Communication Strategy Data Management Teamwork
  1. Improving the OKR process can enhance team development by focusing on effective goal setting methods.
  2. Investing in data quality and transparency and promoting communication can address challenges in working with others and ensuring alignment on goals.
  3. Striving for consistency, promoting learning communities, and guiding teams in OKR implementation can lead to successful adoption and use of OKRs across the organization.

How to make PLG + SLG work in the AI era

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
💼 Business Pricing Sales Product SaaS Revenue
  1. PLG and SLG are not separate — design your product and contract journey so customers can flow between self-serve and sales-led experiences without friction.
  2. Prioritize flexibility in packaging and pricing, using committed-spend or credit models so customers can scale up and you avoid constant re-contracting.
  3. Align systems and finance: unify billing, CPQ, and reporting and treat professional services as an on-demand, billable product so expansion stays measurable and low-friction.

Bluesky as the Ship of Theseus

The Future, Now and Then • 291 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Digital Culture Platform Development Online Communities User Experience Social media
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as an alternative to Twitter, attracting users unhappy with changes in X under Elon Musk. It's becoming a new hub for online conversations.
  2. The platform aims for a more user-friendly experience by limiting algorithms and promoting straightforward feeds. This makes it feel like the early days of Twitter.
  3. Bluesky focuses on community and real interactions, reducing toxic behavior from users aiming for outrage. This change may result in lower engagement metrics, but leads to a better overall environment.

Three Niche Philosophical Objections To Christianity

Bentham's Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Theism Creation Immortality
  1. Studying philosophy reveals arguments both for and against theism, particularly in relation to Christianity and the trinity.
  2. Considerations of immortality and the afterlife present interesting puzzles for theism, but they are not decisive arguments against it.
  3. The timing of creation and existence challenges can be addressed by considering concepts such as preexistence or skipping through time.

The Game-Changing Clause Every Entrepreneur Should Add to Their Convertible Notes

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 23
💼 Business Investment Entrepreneurship Legal Startups Financing
  1. Convertible notes with caps can have hidden risks for entrepreneurs, especially when the conversion price exceeds the cap.
  2. Adding a specific clause to convertible notes can protect entrepreneurs from potential unfavorable outcomes when converting to equity.
  3. Including a clause stating a non-participating liquidation preference in a convertible note can level the playing field and provide essential protection for entrepreneurs.

TBM 328: Beyond Firmographic-Based ICPs

The Beautiful Mess • 264 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Product Management Marketing Operations Customer success Startup
  1. Traditional ways of identifying ideal customers, like just looking at company size or industry, aren't enough anymore. It's important to understand the specific needs and behaviors of different companies.
  2. When starting a new job, it's crucial to listen and learn from others instead of jumping to conclusions. Take your time to understand what actually matters for the product and the customers.
  3. Different organizations have unique ways of working, and it's vital to grasp those differences. Observing and talking to customers helps create better products that cater to their specific challenges and goals.

Quick Survey on RISC-V Development

Fprox’s Substack • 83 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Development Hardware Software Programming Engineering
  1. The author is curious about how people develop using RISC-V tools and hardware. They want to see what tools are commonly used.
  2. The author shares their experience using specific tools like clang and GCC for RISC-V development. They find both useful for different tasks.
  3. A survey is included for readers to share their own RISC-V development tools and experiences. The author encourages sharing the survey with others.

Data Update 4 for 2023: Country Risk - Measures and Implications

Musings on Markets • 379 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
💰 Finance Investment Analysis Market Trends Economic Indicators Risk Assessment
  1. Country risk affects investments everywhere, not just in emerging markets. Every country has its own level of risk, which is important for investors to understand.
  2. Investors need to look beyond just company performance and consider how a country's situation influences their investments. Government actions and country stability matter a lot.
  3. Assessing country risk involves looking at different factors like political stability and economic conditions. Measures like sovereign ratings and CDS spreads help evaluate this risk.

AI must be more than a checkbox

The AI Frontier • 39 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🕹 Technology Sales Product Development AI Startups Market Trends
  1. AI should be seen as more than just a box to tick off. Companies need to genuinely understand how AI can help them, rather than just wanting to say they have an AI strategy.
  2. Startups often waste time on leads that aren’t serious. They need to be smart about who they spend time with to avoid low-quality customers and wasted effort.
  3. When companies buy AI products without knowing the benefits, it can lead to regret and wasted money. It's important for both buyers and sellers to clearly understand the value AI brings.

The Non-Identity Problem Cannot be Solved by Definition

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Solutions Ethics
  1. The non-identity problem arises from the ethical dilemma of how our choices impact the well-being of future individuals, including which specific individuals will exist to experience that impact.
  2. Philosophers have proposed alternative definitions of harm to tackle the non-identity problem, such as defining harm as making someone badly off or experiencing negative prudential value.
  3. A suggested strategy to address the non-identity problem involves rejecting harm-based solutions that lead to anti-natalism, emphasizing the importance of considering broader implications in philosophical deliberations.

TBM 272: The Biggest Opportunity (Part 2)

The Beautiful Mess • 661 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Workplace dynamics Productivity Company Culture Career development Management
  1. Skilled pragmatists in companies can represent a major opportunity for improvement. They are reliable and capable but may not go above and beyond due to skepticism about the value of extra effort.
  2. When trying to improve behaviors in a team, it is crucial to be specific about the desired actions and outcomes. Vague terms like 'drive' or 'passion' can lead to misunderstandings.
  3. Listening to individuals in different categories can provide valuable insights for understanding motivations and barriers to certain behaviors in a team. Embracing diversity in perspectives is key to achieving more together.

How to Earn Higher Interest Than Banks with Fantom DeFi - Hint Banks Are Zeros.

DeFi Education • 1019 implied HN points • 12 Jan 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Investing Yield Farming Stablecoins
  1. Using Fantom DeFi, you can earn higher interest on your savings compared to traditional banks. Depositing stablecoins, like USDC, can give you returns up to 13% a year.
  2. Fantom’s blockchain allows for very low transaction fees and fast transactions, making it user-friendly. It's compatible with popular wallets like Metamask and platforms like Curve and Yearn.
  3. While the yield farming options are good now, they may not last forever. The DeFi space is competitive, and it’s beneficial to start early to make the most of these high yields.

Global Space and Technology Convention 2024: Highlights by Space Ambition

Space Ambition • 59 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Space Tech Conventions Investments Data
  1. The Global Space and Technology Convention is a big event in Asia for space tech, attracting over 1,000 people. It offers great networking opportunities for those interested in the space industry.
  2. There were interesting discussions about how space data is being used in finance and how money pressure can hurt sustainability in startups. It's important to balance profit and environmental concerns.
  3. Panels discussed innovation in space exploration, covering topics like robotics and energy needs in space. It's exciting to think about future missions and technologies that can help us explore beyond Earth.

Dark Patterns: using human psychology to manipulate users

UX Psychology • 198 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🕹 Technology UX Design Psychology Manipulation User Experience
  1. Dark patterns in UX are manipulative design tactics used to influence user behavior for the benefit of the company, often at the expense of the user's experience and trust.
  2. Dark patterns have different categories like asymmetrical, covert, restrictive, and deceptive, which aim to coerce and deceive users into unintended decisions.
  3. To combat dark patterns, designers should prioritize user transparency, education, testing with real users, and compliance with ethical design guidelines and regulations.