The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
Category
Technology Made Simple 119 implied HN points 26 Jul 23
  1. Branchless programming is a technique that minimizes the use of branches in code to avoid performance penalties.
  2. Branchless programming can offer optimization benefits, but its complexity can outweigh the performance gains and make code maintenance challenging.
  3. Simpler code is often better than overly complex code, and branchless programming may not be suitable for most developers despite its potential performance improvements.
Technology Made Simple 119 implied HN points 26 Apr 23
  1. Compile time evaluation can help execute functions at compile time instead of run time, saving memory and CPU time.
  2. Dead code elimination removes unused code, enhancing code readability and reducing executable size.
  3. Strength reduction is a compiler optimization technique that replaces expensive operations with simpler ones, making localized code changes easier.
Rod’s Blog 119 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. Giving your Copilot a personal name can help solicit prompt responses. Azure AI Studio makes this customization easy by adjusting the System Message.
  2. After naming your Copilot and redeploying the new configuration, the Copilot will comply with the name adjustment.
  3. Having fun and sharing your Copilot's given name on platforms like Twitter can add an engaging element to the experience.
Technology Made Simple 119 implied HN points 24 Jun 23
  1. Elon Musk uses strategic maneuvers and public challenges to distract from negative stories and generate attention, showcasing a clever business move.
  2. Public figures like Boris Johnson and SBF have similarly employed quirky behavior and distractions to cover up scandals and manipulate public perception.
  3. Media manipulation through humor and unexpected antics is a growing trend with profound implications, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of where attention is directed.
The New Urban Order 119 implied HN points 12 Jun 23
  1. The housing market is facing challenges with low supply and high demand, keeping housing prices inflated despite high mortgage rates.
  2. Creating a time-sensitive incentive program can push real estate investors to sell to homeowners, potentially boosting housing supply and lowering prices.
  3. Offering a one-year tax amnesty on capital gains taxes for investors who sell to homeowners could help unlock housing stock, shift ownership, and improve market dynamics.
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Rod’s Blog 119 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. Consider giving your Copilot a personality by customizing its name, behavior, and attitude to make it more engaging and fun to interact with.
  2. Utilize Azure AI Studio to personalize your Copilot further by modifying the System Message to add flair and unique characteristics, enhancing the user experience.
  3. Get creative and share your customized Copilot's personality on platforms like Twitter to inspire others and see different approaches to personalization.
Technology Made Simple 119 implied HN points 26 May 23
  1. Banks are for-profit while credit unions are non-profit. Credit union customers have more ownership and transparency in decision-making.
  2. Credit unions usually offer higher interest rates on savings and have lower fees compared to banks.
  3. Credit unions tend to be more flexible in customer service and product offerings, while banks typically have more branches and services.
Cybernetic Forests 119 implied HN points 30 Apr 23
  1. Human perception of images is deeply intertwined with personal experiences and emotions, shaping how images are interpreted and associated with memories.
  2. Creating art involves a fusion of individual lived experiences and learned skills over time, contrasting with the quick generation of images by AI devoid of personal experiences.
  3. AI images are structured based on categories and datasets, emphasizing the need for artists to negotiate these categories and infuse individualized interpretations into the process.
ciamweekly 62 implied HN points 07 Jul 25
  1. AWS IAM Anywhere allows secure access to AWS resources using certificates instead of traditional access keys. This is helpful for organizations that already have a public key infrastructure in place.
  2. Many smaller organizations struggle with managing certificates, leading to outages from expired certificates. This complexity makes it hard for everyone to adopt certificate-based security easily.
  3. The rise of non-human identities shows a shift in how we manage access. AWS IAM Anywhere lets companies use their existing certificate systems to manage both human and automated identities in the cloud.
The Chris Hedges Report 150 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. Everyone has the capacity for both good and evil within them. It's important to recognize this duality in ourselves and others.
  2. In tough times, we often see real kindness and humanity shine through. These moments remind us of the best parts of people.
  3. It's vital to critique power structures rather than fall into hatred for groups or individuals. Focusing on power allows for healthier discussions.
Mehdeeka 3 implied HN points 27 Jan 26
  1. Season 11 of the email series starts next week and will run for 12 weeks before taking another break.
  2. Three resources were shared: a curation of moon-landing-era ads, a Threads trend showing narrative-driven product placement that sparks curiosity, and a new TikTok aimed at junior product marketers.
  3. A two-afternoon online pricing workshop is being offered for $600 AUD (Mehketeers get 10% off with code MEHKETEERFOREVER) for anyone needing to update pricing pages, sales decks, new product pricing, or to learn pricing fundamentals.
Rod’s Blog 59 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  1. Microsoft Sentinel helps in detecting and mitigating inactive account sign-ins by collecting and analyzing sign-in logs from Microsoft Entra ID using the Kusto Query Language.
  2. To mitigate inactive account sign-ins, actions include investigating the source, blocking or disabling the account, resetting credentials, and educating users on security best practices.
  3. Best practices for managing inactive accounts in Microsoft Entra ID include defining a policy for account lifecycle, implementing provisioning and deprovisioning processes, monitoring account activity, and educating users.
Computer Ads from the Past 640 implied HN points 31 Aug 23
  1. Dragon Data Ltd was a Welsh company that released the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64 computers in the early 1980s.
  2. The Dragon 32 was known for using the Motorola MC6809E processor and included an extended version of Microsoft BASIC.
  3. Despite initial success, Dragon Data faced financial challenges, underwent ownership changes, and eventually filed for bankruptcy.
Not Boring by Packy McCormick 216 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. Good ideas aren't hard to find; they just need to be used. Many solid concepts from the past are still waiting to be applied today.
  2. Ideas aren’t getting harder to discover but are harder to implement due to regulations and risk aversion. It's about making those ideas actionable.
  3. To make real progress, we need skilled people who can take old and new ideas and bring them to life, along with policies that lower the cost of innovation.
Wadds Inc. newsletter 59 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  1. Corporate communication now provides a broader view of how the public sees a company, which can challenge management's own perceptions. This helps businesses understand their stakeholders better.
  2. There are mixed opinions about whether companies should publicly take a stand on social issues. Some believe there's a backlash against this expectation in today's environment.
  3. The role of corporate communication is shifting from being seen as just a cost to being recognized as valuable for the organization. Skills in data and insights are becoming more crucial for success.
More Than Moore 210 implied HN points 05 Nov 24
  1. Tenstorrent is focusing on a combination of selling hardware and open-sourcing their software. This allows them to work closely with clients while still attracting broader interest.
  2. The company is training up to 200 Japanese engineers in their technology to help improve local manufacturing capabilities. This will enhance skills in the region and expand the use of their designs.
  3. Tenstorrent is growing its operations in Japan and developing local teams. This signals their commitment to being a key player in the Japanese semiconductor industry.
Startup Real Talk 145 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. It's usually not a good idea to criticize your competitors because it can make you appear weak. However, if you're a small player facing a giant competitor, it can be an exciting story to share.
  2. If you’re similar in size to your competitor, it's best to minimize mentions of them. Acknowledging them can give them more power, so keep your focus on your own strengths.
  3. If you’re the big player in the market, try to shift the conversation to something more positive about your brand. Being the giant can bring challenges, so it's wise to manage the narrative carefully.
the case for brand 💼 72 implied HN points 20 Jun 25
  1. Creating a strong brand involves more than just marketing; it connects to culture and fosters a sense of community within the workplace. It's important to bring personal touch and meaningful connections into business.
  2. A successful team needs good structure but also room for creativity and energy. It's crucial to find a balance between having clear goals and being able to adapt and flow with changes.
  3. Leadership should inspire everyone to take initiative, and it can come from unexpected places. Anyone can be a leader by bringing fresh ideas and energy into their work.
the shimmering void 69 implied HN points 23 Jun 25
  1. Interactions with technology, like AI, can feel like dreaming. You're connecting with something that brings out new ideas and perspectives, but you need to stay aware of the reality around you.
  2. When you ask AI questions, think of it like summoning a spirit. Each inquiry draws different responses, and being clear about what you want is crucial to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
  3. Navigating this digital space requires a balance of trust and caution. It's important to explore new ideas while also being mindful of how they might influence your thoughts and beliefs.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 488 implied HN points 06 Jan 24
  1. Premise Data settled a lawsuit against a whistleblower who exposed the company's covert surveillance.
  2. The lawsuit involved Premise's use of data collectors for military intelligence purposes.
  3. The settlement followed the replacement of Premise's CEO and a series of bizarre events involving the former CEO.
Concepts of Finance 🧠 199 implied HN points 01 Jun 23
  1. Hedge funds are private investment funds managed by professionals who use different strategies to earn high returns for wealthy investors. They're not open to everyone, and there's less regulation.
  2. Hedge funds can use strategies like long and short selling to profit from market changes. Long selling means buying with the hope the price will go up, while short selling means selling borrowed assets to profit if prices drop.
  3. Many people dislike hedge fund managers due to a lack of transparency and the perception that they profit during tough times for others. Plus, it's tough for regular folks to invest in hedge funds as they often have high minimum requirements.
Substack 359 implied HN points 09 May 24
  1. Substack has new community tools that make it easier for publishers to connect with their audience. You can customize chat spaces and filter activity feeds better.
  2. Publishers now have more control over contributors. Contributors can see draft posts but won't access private subscriber info.
  3. The platform has improved search features and now offers full-screen transcripts for audio and video posts, making it easier for subscribers to find and follow content.
Fintech Wrap Up 58 implied HN points 07 Feb 24
  1. Dark software is a new model for SaaS and fintech with a focus on hyper-specialized ICP, full stack product offering, and outsourcing products to minimize costs.
  2. Interest in Payfacs is driven by the need for embedded payments, ease of setting up payment capabilities, risk management, compliance support, and access to reporting tools.
  3. Income statements from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express show patterns of growth in consumer spending, new payment flows, digital innovations, and value-added services.
Dev Interrupted 9 implied HN points 23 Dec 25
  1. MCP agents need strong safeguards: treat actions on a spectrum of reversibility and consequence, and require a human in the loop for irreversible or high‑risk operations.
  2. Engineers are still responsible for delivering proven code, not just generating it — every line of AI‑produced code must be verified and tested before shipping.
  3. Rigid engineering dogmas like mandatory review for every PR and slavish sprint rituals slow teams down. Teams should let senior engineers self‑merge low‑risk changes and audit whether safeguards prevent bugs or just block work.
Banana Peel Pirouette 118 implied HN points 05 Jul 23
  1. Western cultures have a deep-rooted belief in prophecy, with expectations of history culminating in certain ways.
  2. Marx's economic theories remain relevant, but his prophetic visions of global communism are more an issue of faith than science.
  3. The clash between tech utopianism and eco-pessimism highlights how different ideologies shape views of the future, from Singularity to climate crisis.
startupdiaries 118 implied HN points 31 Aug 23
  1. Startup life involves adapting to evolving needs, rather than sticking to initial job descriptions.
  2. Working at hyper-growth startups can be rewarding but also lead to burnout, so it's vital to pace yourself and manage emotions.
  3. Transitioning through the stages of startup growth requires flexibility, being open-minded, and evaluating if the company still aligns with personal values.
The Data Score 118 implied HN points 09 Aug 23
  1. Problems in the fields of finance, business, data, and technology are becoming more interconnected and complex.
  2. There is a need to break down silos and create alignment among stakeholders to make more impactful decisions.
  3. Increasing overlap between business, data, and technology requires expertise from multiple domains to navigate high-risk environments.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter 424 implied HN points 29 Feb 24
  1. Emphasize the local impact: Clearly communicate how local news is shrinking in your area to show readers what they may lose without support.
  2. Specify donation purposes: Avoid vague requests and explain how donations contribute to specific journalism projects or coverage areas.
  3. Implement pledge drives: Utilize public-radio-style pledge drives to create urgency and engage readers, ensuring they are consistently reminded of membership opportunities.
New Things Under the Sun 160 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Prediction technologies help scientists make better guesses about what to explore next, like using AI to identify promising research areas. However, they can also lead people to focus too much on certain topics, missing out on other important areas.
  2. Research tools can change what scientists choose to study. For example, a tool might encourage research on proteins we already know about instead of new, less understood ones, which could slow down innovation.
  3. Different prediction technologies have different effects. Some can help researchers discover more unique solutions, while others may cause everyone to chase the same problems, limiting overall progress.
Secretum Secretorum 808 implied HN points 13 Apr 23
  1. GPT-4 and other large language models reflect human writing but may not capture the essence or intelligence accurately.
  2. Not all writers represent the noblest minds; some may be loudmouths, self-aggrandizers, or attention-seekers.
  3. Human intelligence encompasses more than just abstract thought; AI could represent a less evolutionarily-optimized part of our minds.
The API Changelog 1 implied HN point 23 Feb 26
  1. Companies are merging traditional request-response APIs with real-time event streaming to create a single, observable data fabric. This elevates event streams to first-class API products and enables unified governance for agentic AI.
  2. APIs are being built specifically for autonomous AI agents so they can manage complex tasks like cross-channel advertising and real-time market analysis. Standards and agent-ready interfaces let AI systems interact in natural language and operate autonomously at scale.
  3. APIs are opening new markets and modernizing industries such as finance, loyalty, and travel by standardizing access and enabling embedded, real-time services. This reduces fragmentation and lets businesses offer seamless, personalized experiences.
Ronin’s Newsletter 73 implied HN points 13 Jun 25
  1. The Ragnarok Landverse game made over $20 million by connecting classic gaming with Web3 technology. This shows how old gaming franchises can thrive in new digital spaces.
  2. A successful launch involved a popular land mint that surged in value, indicating strong community interest. This high demand helped the game quickly become one of the top collections.
  3. Collaboration with partners allowed the game to create a smart system for sharing fees with IP holders. This shows that well-planned partnerships can lead to success in Web3 gaming.
Chess Engine Lab 39 implied HN points 26 Mar 24
  1. An engine called Maia focused on predicting human moves accurately instead of just being the strongest in chess, resulting in a more meaningful impact, especially for club-level players.
  2. By individualizing chess engines to predict moves of specific players, accuracy can be increased by 4-5% and players can be identified with 98% accuracy from a pool of 400, based on their game patterns.
  3. Identifying players through their mistakes is a crucial aspect - as mistakes are unique to individual players, understanding and fixing them can greatly aid in chess improvement.