The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
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Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots 19 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. Catastrophic forgetting happens when language models forget things they learned before as they learn new information. It's like a student who forgets old lessons when they study new subjects.
  2. Language models can change their performance over time, sometimes getting worse instead of better. This means they can produce different answers for the same question at different times.
  3. Continuous training can make models forget important knowledge, especially in understanding complex topics. Researchers suggest that special training techniques might help reduce this forgetting.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 259 implied HN points 13 Oct 21
  1. The electronic health record system had several security vulnerabilities like default passwords, IDOR, HQL Injection, and path traversal.
  2. The system's security issues were a cause for disappointment as it seemed lack of responsible security assessment teams had overlooked these basic vulnerabilities.
  3. There were common security oversights like unauthenticated API endpoints, SQL injection vulnerabilities, path traversal vulnerabilities, and use of default passwords.
LLMs for Engineers 39 implied HN points 31 Oct 23
  1. TogetherAI was found to perform the best overall in terms of cost, speed, and accuracy, closely followed by MosaicML.
  2. It's important to understand your specific needs when choosing an API, like cost and speed requirements, to find the best fit.
  3. Experimenting with system prompts can lead to major improvements in performance, so don't hesitate to try different settings!
Behavioral Value Investor 156 implied HN points 10 Mar 24
  1. The market does not care about titles, appearances, or labels - what matters are the quality of your decisions over time.
  2. It doesn't matter which school you went to, what clothes you wear, or if you have a fancy office - the effort you put into research and your convictions is key.
  3. The market doesn't care what others think about you, so it's important to focus on your own investment process and not be swayed by external opinions.
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Jon’s Newsletter 119 implied HN points 19 Nov 22
  1. Cathie Wood believes innovation in technology will drastically grow in the future. She thinks areas like AI and blockchain will reshape industries and bring big profits.
  2. Despite recent losses in her main fund, she sees this as a chance for investment. Wood is still confident in the companies she backs, claiming their potential for growth remains strong.
  3. Wood warns about the risk of economic downturn if current policies remain unchanged. She advocates for companies to invest in their growth during these challenging times.
Leading Developers 70 implied HN points 26 Nov 24
  1. There are two main styles of engineering management: Safe and All-In. Safe managers stick to the rules and like a structured work environment while All-In managers push for change and challenge the status quo.
  2. All-In managers are seen as demanding and sometimes annoying by others, as they constantly seek improvement and advocate for their team's needs. They care deeply about their team's success and fight for resources.
  3. The big clash happens because Safe managers prefer a calm, methodical way of working, while All-In managers bring energy and chaos. Both styles can struggle to cooperate effectively.
VuTrinh. 39 implied HN points 31 Oct 23
  1. Data engineers are becoming more important in the tech world as they handle vast amounts of data. Their role is focused on building systems that allow for efficient data handling and analysis.
  2. Levels of abstraction in data engineering can be confusing, leading to challenges in understanding systems. It’s important to find a balance between using abstractions and being able to see the underlying processes.
  3. Good data modeling practices can help organizations make better use of their time-series data. Understanding how to structure data effectively is key to unlocking its value.
The Joyous Struggle 59 implied HN points 13 Dec 22
  1. Debates can sometimes escalate into tribal showdowns rather than genuine dialectical processes aimed at uncovering truth.
  2. The current state of discourse is challenged by polarisation, short attention spans, and social media, making traditional debates seem inadequate.
  3. An Antidebate approach blends elements of good debating with dialogical principles, encouraging a reimagining of the purpose of discourse towards generative, collective sense-making.
Concepts of Finance 🧠 59 implied HN points 25 Jul 23
  1. Equity crowdfunding lets everyday people invest in startups by buying shares. This means you can own a small part of a new company, hoping it grows in value over time.
  2. Investors can make money through equity ownership, dividends, or selling their shares later if the company does well. However, there's always a risk of losing your investment since many startups fail.
  3. Before investing, it's important to research the company and its team, as well as understand the risks involved. Doing your homework can help you find promising investments.
Not Boring by Packy McCormick 168 implied HN points 30 Jan 24
  1. Farcaster is a blockchain network creating small interactive apps called Frames that can revolutionize social networking.
  2. Farcaster's Frames exemplify the concept of small applications growing protocols, encouraging experimentation and innovation.
  3. Blockchain networks like Farcaster win by offering decentralization, composability, and permissionlessness, enabling new functionalities and experiences for users and developers.
Day One 119 implied HN points 16 Jul 22
  1. Newspapers have a long history dating back to Venice in 1599, with printed newspapers circulating by 1609, mostly censored by governments.
  2. The Internet and social media have revolutionized publishing, making it easier for anyone to become a publisher and share diverse knowledge globally.
  3. Quality over quantity is essential in newsletters, focusing on valuable content and curating information from various sources.
Wisdom over Waves 39 implied HN points 31 Oct 23
  1. Technology trends may focus on the latest and greatest, but essential concepts are sometimes overlooked in the marketing hype.
  2. Years of experience can bring insight into the importance of foundational practices like writing test cases and implementing CI/CD.
  3. Wisdom in software engineering lasts longer than fleeting technology trends and can withstand ecosystem changes.
Respectful Leadership 54 implied HN points 25 Jan 25
  1. Smaller meetings are better than larger ones because they keep people engaged. In big meetings, many attendees often feel bored or have nothing to contribute.
  2. You should only invite the people who are essential for the meeting. This helps everyone stay focused and avoid distractions from their actual work.
  3. Frequent large meetings can waste a lot of time. It's more effective to communicate via email or messages for announcements instead of gathering everyone together unnecessarily.
Day One 519 implied HN points 23 Apr 20
  1. Being ethical in business can be seen as a form of long-term greed because it leads to trust and fair deals over time.
  2. Prioritizing good morals and honesty in dealings may seem naive in the short term, but it builds a reputation for fairness in the long run.
  3. Having a positive attitude can often trump skill in attracting opportunities and success, so building a brand with the future consequences in mind is crucial.
Japan Economy Watch 199 implied HN points 12 Feb 22
  1. A weak yen has atrophied Japan's economic muscles as it relies on it like a crutch, impacting household income and overall economic growth negatively.
  2. Japan's export-driven growth fueled by a weak yen contrasts with Korea's growth driven by innovative products and efficiency improvements, leading to a significant difference in economic performance.
  3. The weak yen raises import prices and benefits big companies over consumers, showing how it indirectly transfers income and highlights the impact on inflation and household spending.
Covidian Æsthetics 22 implied HN points 19 Jul 25
  1. Interacting with LLMs can feel like a rich experience, similar to using psychedelics. It's about how the user engages with it, and what they bring affects the interaction.
  2. The experience with LLMs is not just about the technology but also about the user's state of mind. If users are not mentally prepared, they might struggle or feel overwhelmed.
  3. Engaging with LLMs changes the roles of users and AI. It's a collaborative experience where both influence each other, creating a unique dialogue that evolves with each interaction.
Conspirador Norteño 60 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. There are fake Facebook accounts that pretend to be Los Angeles Dodgers employees. They use AI-generated faces and photos of real people.
  2. These fake accounts haven't posted much content and mostly just have profile pictures. Many of them are friends with each other online.
  3. The purpose of these accounts is unclear, but they often check into random locations, which may not mean anything. It's a strange situation.
QUALITY BOSS 39 implied HN points 30 Oct 23
  1. Great quality engineers need a quality mindset. This means they care about making sure the product is useful and works well for customers, not just ticking off boxes.
  2. Some key traits of top QEs are curiosity, adaptability, and persistence. These qualities help them understand the product better and keep pushing until they get to the bottom of any issues.
  3. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are also important. This ensures they can share findings clearly and work well with other teams to improve the product.
Kvetch 69 implied HN points 01 Dec 24
  1. The authors argue that progress comes from a strong vision for the future and the drive to achieve it. They believe that breakthroughs in science and technology can only happen if people unite behind bold ideas.
  2. They emphasize that greatness is often the result of singular efforts and conflicts rather than widespread consensus. Historical achievements like the moon landing were fueled by the passionate resolve of a few individuals.
  3. The text warns against complacency and believing that stagnation is inevitable. It encourages readers to challenge this notion and aim for transformative change instead.
The Hagakure 61 implied HN points 28 Dec 24
  1. The author recently took a new job as a startup CTO and is sharing his real experiences in this role. It's a change from coaching others to being hands-on again.
  2. He wants to provide honest insights about the challenges he faces instead of polished advice. It's about showing the true ups and downs of the job.
  3. The author invites readers to join him on this journey and share what they want to learn about being in a leadership position. It's a way to connect and engage with everyone interested.
Boundless by Paul Millerd 223 implied HN points 16 Sep 23
  1. When navigating the creator world, don't blindly follow what others are doing - find your own unique approach.
  2. Be cautious of being influenced by trends or strong opinions, and instead focus on what truly aligns with your goals and capabilities.
  3. Success as a creator isn't about copying what works for others, but about staying true to your interests, finding your unique path, and not giving up.
Vittles 154 implied HN points 04 Mar 24
  1. Many food delivery workers are facing challenges such as falling pay, long hours, and lack of information on decision-making processes.
  2. Delivery workers' vulnerability is exacerbated by migration policies, including the threat of deportation and exploitation of undocumented workers.
  3. The success of strike actions by delivery riders against major platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo highlights the impact that collective action can have in addressing labor issues in the gig economy.
TheSequence 294 implied HN points 26 Apr 23
  1. Semantic Kernel enables developers to create AI applications using large language models without writing complex code or training custom models.
  2. Memory systems and data connectors play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and efficiency in LLM-based applications.
  3. Hybrid programming with natural language and traditional programming languages can automate tasks like creating educational content and contract Q&A, leading to faster, error-free results.
Conspirador Norteño 24 implied HN points 04 Jul 25
  1. Many Facebook ads for musical instruments are actually scams. They look real, but they link to fake websites.
  2. These fake sites offer huge discounts and use names that sound familiar, but they just steal images and listings from real retailers.
  3. Some of the Facebook pages running these ads change their names often, and they use AI-generated faces that look weird if you pay attention.
Weekend Developer 39 implied HN points 29 Oct 23
  1. Research job opportunities in your local area and analyze what skills are in demand.
  2. Focus on learning the key 20% of skills that cover 80% of job requirements to be more efficient.
  3. Engage in networking, exercise soft skills, and seek real-world experience through internships and projects to enhance employability.
Equal Ventures 19 implied HN points 20 Feb 24
  1. Equal Ventures raised $175 million to Bridge the Digital Divide - $100m for Equal Ventures Fund 2 and $75m for the Opportunity Fund to invest in analog markets like climate, insurance, retail, and supply chain.
  2. The firm aims to support founders in non-traditional technology markets and believes the time is right for innovation in these industries.
  3. Equal Ventures focuses on providing hands-on support, independent conviction, and a 'prepared mind' to startups, aiming for strong founder relationships and long-term success.
do clouds feel vertigo? 19 implied HN points 20 Feb 24
  1. Breaking out of our usual habits can lead to surprising discoveries. When we pay attention, we might find new paths and experiences waiting for us.
  2. Curiosity can help us push past our fears. Feeling anxious about the unknown is normal, but choosing to explore can open up new opportunities.
  3. Innovation often starts from simply noticing something different. With courage and a willingness to step off the beaten path, we can reshape our understanding and create new adventures.
Tech Talks Weekly 19 implied HN points 14 Mar 24
  1. Tech Talks Weekly shares recent tech talks from major conferences like Devoxx and NDC. It's a great way to keep updated on the latest in tech.
  2. There's a special edition featuring over 550 talks from Kubernetes conferences. This provides a huge resource for anyone interested in cloud technology.
  3. The newsletter encourages sharing with friends and colleagues to build a community. Spreading the word helps more people connect with the tech talk content.
The Founder Memo 19 implied HN points 14 Mar 24
  1. When an employee leaves with unvested stock, the company usually needs to buy it back within a short time, like 90 days. If they don't, that stock could stay with the former employee forever.
  2. There are two main ways companies can handle unvested shares: by repurchasing them or by automatic forfeiture. It's really important to know which method your company uses.
  3. After firing someone, companies should quickly check their stock agreements to see what to do about unvested shares. Handling it properly can prevent bigger problems later.
Curious futures (KGhosh) 4 implied HN points 14 Dec 25
  1. AI is automating mundane work and reshaping jobs, but overreliance can erode core skills, personal agency, and real human connection.
  2. Geopolitical and security risks are rising as technology spreads — drones, attacks on infrastructure, and national preparedness programs show new vulnerabilities and tensions.
  3. Rapid biotech and tech advances (from universal organs to thought-prediction and nature-inspired solutions) bring big promise but also ethical and practical risks, so new innovations should be adopted cautiously.
Alex's Personal Blog 65 implied HN points 19 Dec 24
  1. Nuclear power is gaining traction as tech companies look to use it for sustainability and energy needs. This shift could help power data centers efficiently.
  2. Despite general market optimism, there are challenges and doubts about current investment strategies. Investors need to think critically about their options in a changing economy.
  3. The EU is facing criticism regarding its AI regulations, which might push tech development outside the region. This could lead to a lack of innovation and growth in Europe.
Subsack 4 implied HN points 18 Dec 25
  1. AI and its infrastructure are the central investment theme, with big-model companies, chips, and a huge jump in storage demand (RAM and disk) driving a tech supercycle.
  2. Government action and geopolitics are reshaping markets, as strategic funding, regulation, and supply‑chain moves boost defence, rare earths, nuclear, and give crypto/stablecoins clearer legitimacy.
  3. Portfolios are being rebalanced for 2026: new themes like storage, drones, LNG, robotics and space are being added while travel, luxury, gambling and clean energy are being trimmed; pharma, crypto and precious metals stay as key hedges.
VuTrinh. 19 implied HN points 20 Feb 24
  1. Meta is heavily invested in Python, and they're working on improvements to enhance its performance and usability.
  2. Uber has developed a powerful database called Docstore that can handle over 40 million reads per second, demonstrating their capability in data management.
  3. Data, while useful, doesn't capture the complete reality, and it's important to recognize its limitations in understanding complex scenarios.
Diane Francis 339 implied HN points 24 Jun 21
  1. The Kargu-2 drone from Turkey is a major development in military technology, as it can operate without human control. This marks a new era in warfare, where machines can make lethal decisions on their own.
  2. These drones have already been used successfully in conflicts, significantly changing the dynamics of warfare. Countries are now interested in acquiring these drones, especially those challenged by bigger militaries.
  3. Experts warn that these autonomous weapons could lead to dangerous situations, where they might target specific groups based on various traits. There's growing concern about the need for global regulations to prevent their misuse.