The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
Category

Monday briefing #8: Agency start-ups, Enero posts growth, PR proof, chart tool, link attribution, AI reader comments, value gap, news habits, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 20
💼 Business Social media Marketing Public Relations Data Analysis Corporate Communication
  1. Innovation in the PR industry is strong, with many new agencies starting up during the pandemic. If you're considering freelancing or starting an agency, there are important tips to think about.
  2. Enero, a marketing services group, posted significant revenue growth recently. This shows that some companies are thriving even in challenging times.
  3. Many consumers now prefer to follow the news on TV rather than social media. This shift indicates changing habits in how people consume news.

How Programming Intelligence Changes the Role of AI

The API Changelog • 3 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Programming AI Data Software
  1. AI systems, especially large language models, are often unpredictable and work like black boxes, which can be a big problem in important fields like medicine or finance.
  2. To make AI more controllable, we can set limits on what it can do and ensure it asks for our approval before taking actions, giving us more confidence in its decisions.
  3. Making AI systems programmable means we understand what they do better, helping us regain control and turn AI into a tool that supports our goals instead of taking charge.

Emu Video Edit , General game-playing AI agent, fully autonomous AI software engineer, DeepSeek-VL, Robotics Foundation Model, and more

AI Brews • 17 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Natural Language Processing Robotics Generative models
  1. DeepSeek-VL is a new vision-language model for real-world applications with competitive performance.
  2. Cognition Labs introduces Devin, the first fully autonomous AI software engineer, capable of learning, building, and deploying apps.
  3. The European Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, which bans certain AI applications including biometric categorization and emotion recognition in specific contexts.

3/31/22 Digest New Format! The Death of Community Group Buying

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
💼 Business E-commerce Competition Tech industry Market Analysis Investment
  1. Community group buying is facing challenges and changes, with notable shifts in established platforms like Meituan, Pinduoduo, and Alibaba.
  2. Rural e-commerce seems more promising than urban e-commerce in the community group buying sector, showcasing higher buying frequencies.
  3. The cold chain issues, lack of profitable unit economics, and the decline in investment indicate the struggles within the community group buying market, with Pinduoduo positioned as a potential winner.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

It’s not about the bike

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
💼 Business Management Process Optimization Relationships Technology
  1. Legal negotiations can serve as a 'significance signifier' of one's commitment in a business relationship.
  2. Before investing in new technologies or innovations, focus on fixing broken processes first to ensure lasting value.
  3. In a crisis, technology should not complicate situations further and should be designed to not interfere with diagnostics and resolution.

10 Ways to Price and Package AI (for any customer)

Good Better Best • 6 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Pricing Consulting Marketing Partnerships SaaS
  1. AI can be effectively priced using different strategies like freemium, free trials, and personal add-ons. These methods encourage users to explore AI features while still aiming for possible upgrades.
  2. Offering tiered pricing or credit models helps companies capture different user needs. This way, customers can choose plans that suit their usage levels and budget.
  3. AI can be positioned as a premium offering within corporate plans. This not only adds value to the product but can also justify higher prices for enterprise clients.

The Hagakure #76: Why Are You Not Hiring Junior Developers?

The Hagakure • 17 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Career development Startups AI Tech industry
  1. Many companies mistakenly prefer seniors when dealing with software development, not realizing that complexity requires learning and teamwork
  2. Technical complexity and lack of disciplined leadership can lead to more focus on maintaining infrastructure, reducing room for junior developers
  3. Fast-paced startup environments often prioritize execution over learning, making it challenging for junior developers to gain experience and be hired

😎 Tech Innovation Beyond LLMs, Recursive & Loopy Zip Files, .NET 9 & More

HackerPulse Dispatch • 8 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming Development Cloud Innovation Software
  1. There are new file types called recursive and loopy zip files that can unzip forever or loop between two files. This changes how we think about file compression.
  2. The new .NET 9 is a powerful tool for developers, making it easier to create fast and secure applications, especially with built-in AI features.
  3. Some exciting software trends focus on local data storage, faster web apps with WebAssembly, and SQLite's revival, all moving away from just relying on big language models.

Learning by the Blade or From the Chalice

peoplefirstengineering • 8 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Communication Ethics Learning Identity Mindset
  1. The blade symbolizes a competitive approach, focusing on being right and confronting others, while the chalice represents a more nurturing mindset, promoting cooperation and openness to new ideas.
  2. When learning or in conversations, using the chalice helps foster better relationships and deeper understanding, encouraging curiosity instead of defensiveness.
  3. It's important to choose the right approach for the situation; sometimes decisiveness is needed (the blade), but other times, open exploration is key (the chalice) for effective teamwork and learning.

How to design effective AI Agents

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Design AI Tools Development Software Automation
  1. AI apps can be categorized into two main types: workflows and agents. Workflows follow strict rules, while agents make their own decisions in changing environments.
  2. Simplicity is key when designing AI agents. It's better to start with simple solutions and add complexity only when necessary.
  3. There are established design patterns and tools to create effective AI agents. Using the right patterns can help make agents more reliable and easier to maintain.

3/16/22 Digest New Format! The Official Word on Common Prosperity

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 29 Mar 22
💼 Business Economics Education Investment Government Technology
  1. China aims for 'Common Prosperity' balancing income levels without sacrificing prosperity.
  2. Key strategies include boosting resources for low-income earners, lowering barriers between regions, and fair tax distributions.
  3. Zhejiang chosen as a pilot zone for its advanced digital economy; China plans to export its 'Common Prosperity' methods worldwide.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 452

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Data science Data Engineering Software Development Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning
  1. The role of data scientist remains popular and well-paid, with growth expected in the field by 2029.
  2. Large language models (LLMs) are rapidly evolving and are becoming integral to various applications in our daily lives.
  3. Many industries are seeing the rise of domain experts who can now create and work with deep learning models without needing advanced degrees.

The Artificiality of Alignment

Reboot • 26 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Governance Market Ethics Research AI
  1. The current trajectory of AI alignment research seems more focused on building profitable products than preventing widespread harm.
  2. The technical approaches to aligning AI systems with human values may prioritize building better products rather than mitigating long-term risks.
  3. Engaging in nuanced discussions about AI and its potential risks requires considering how algorithms could impact decision-making and societal structures.

ChatGPT makes shit up occasionally, and that's perfect.

Perceptions • 35 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Hardware Development Machine Learning Chatbot Generative AI AI
  1. ChatGPT and similar frontends have seen fast adoption recently due to their ability to have conversations and answer questions based on vast amounts of written information on the internet.
  2. Large Language Models, like ChatGPT, represent a departure from traditional technology by providing knowledge based on existing information, rather than following specific instructions.
  3. The rise of heuristically thinking machines, such as ChatGPT, shows a shift towards real AI where technology can think and act like humans.

Creating Your First Change Request with Sort

Database Engineering by Sort • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Databases Workflows Engineering Data Management
  1. Sort helps you manage database changes easily and safely, like how GitHub handles changes. You can propose changes without altering the data right away.
  2. Creating a Change Request is simple. Just suggest what you want to change and set it up for review by others in your organization.
  3. Once a Change Request is approved, it can be applied without hassle. If anything goes wrong during the process, Sort can automatically roll back the changes.

Train your employees

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
💼 Business Human Resources Management Training Employee engagement Performance
  1. Middle managers play a big role in how well training programs work in companies. If they support and encourage training, employees are more likely to participate.
  2. Teams with managers who focus on training tend to perform better and have lower absenteeism, especially during tough times. Good management leads to happier and more engaged employees.
  3. Simply having a training program isn’t enough; it needs strong support from management to make a real difference in employee growth and company performance.

Nasdaq Tape D API, OatFi $24M, Salt Illuminate

The API Changelog • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology APIs Fintech Security Software AI
  1. Postman has introduced a new AI feature called Agent Mode that makes API tasks much faster and easier. This means developers can spend less time on manual work and more time building.
  2. OatFi has raised $24 million to improve B2B payment solutions with their APIs. Their goal is to help businesses manage cash flow effectively through better financing options.
  3. Security updates are becoming a big focus in the API world, with companies like Salt Security launching tools to help organizations protect their APIs quickly. This is important to keep sensitive data safe and comply with regulations.

Top 10 UX Images of 2024

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 7 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology UX Design AI Tools Graphic design Digital Art
  1. Images are becoming more important in UX design now that most people have fast internet. It’s okay to include bigger images to help communicate ideas.
  2. AI can really improve UX design by making processes easier and more efficient. It’s being used to help with everything from diagnosis in healthcare to UI design.
  3. There are too many annoying cookie pop-ups on websites that waste users' time. Instead of punishing sites for minor issues, we should focus on real problems that affect privacy.

The Truth About Content Creators (It's Not What You Think)

The Software Engineering Times • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
💼 Business Monetization Content creation Social media Marketing Entrepreneurship
  1. Most content creators earn very little money, often less than $1,000 a year. They create content out of passion and the desire to help others, not just for financial gain.
  2. There are different types of content creators. Some focus on selling products, while others create for pure enjoyment. The ones who succeed in making good money are very rare.
  3. Creating content is usually a big commitment and often feels like a second job. Many creators start to build their brand or help others, and the money doesn't come until much later, if at all.

Do you really need an audience?

Kenny’s Sub • 2 HN points • 26 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing E-commerce Freelancing Customer Acquisition Entrepreneurship
  1. You don't need a big audience to start selling your services. There are platforms like Upwork and Fiverr where people are already looking for help.
  2. Using existing marketplaces helps you find customers faster and validate your ideas. It's a smart way to know if there's demand for what you want to offer.
  3. Building a following takes time and can be draining. Focus on getting in front of the right people instead of waiting for an audience to form.

The Religion of Science And Its Consequences.

Unfashionable • 22 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Religion Policy Truth Science Ethics
  1. In our era, science is often treated like a religion, with scientists seen as clergy.
  2. The use of the term 'Science' in discussions can imply an ethical obligation and blur the lines between descriptive and normative claims.
  3. Trying to eliminate human judgment in decision-making processes with a focus on 'following the science' can lead to accountability issues and politicization of science.

Monday briefing #6: TikTok drama, LinkedIn earned media, antitrust, deepfake copy, debunking AI, creativity and reputation, a creative challenge, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
🕹 Technology Media Regulation Digital marketing Artificial Intelligence Social media Content creation
  1. Australia is trying to make Google and Facebook pay news companies for using their content. This could change how news is shared online.
  2. LinkedIn is being used for more than just networking; it's now also a place where people can share news and engage with journalists.
  3. Many young people are spending less time on social media and taking steps to protect their privacy online.

Quant Letter: November 2023, Week 4

The Parlour • 21 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
💰 Finance Financial Modeling Portfolio Management Algorithmic Trading Machine Learning Quantitative finance
  1. The paper introduces a methodology using Shapley values to understand the contribution of different factors in portfolio performance.
  2. It presents the versatile SPPC method for evaluating predictor group contributions to portfolio success.
  3. The SPPC method quantifies predictor impacts and offers insights into changing dynamics over time in financial machine learning.

Chegg, ChatGPT, and the changing nature of change

Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech • 8 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Disruption Technology Change Management Economics Market Trends
  1. Chegg's struggle shows how modern businesses face not just ordinary problems but bigger changes that redefine the whole market. They can lose ground quickly when something new, like AI, gives customers a better option.
  2. Companies need to think differently about competition today. It's not just about beating the businesses they know, but also about new solutions that take away their customers.
  3. When change happens quickly, businesses should look for ways to make that change permanent. This means creating new systems or services that keep customers even after the initial change fades.

Unveiling Backdoors, Optimized LLMs, and Spurious Patterns in AI

HackerPulse Dispatch • 8 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Data science Software Development
  1. Backdoors can be secretly added to machine learning models. These backdoors let bad actors change how the model makes decisions without being noticed.
  2. Large Language Models (LLMs) are helpful for tuning model settings to make them work better. They can suggest and adjust configurations based on past performance.
  3. Understanding spurious patterns in data is important. These patterns can confuse models and lead to mistakes, which is crucial for developing responsible AI systems.

Infinite Barnacle

Cybernetic Forests • 19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Digital Art Artificial Intelligence Generative Art Machine Learning
  1. Memories and data are distinct - photographs capture data, while memories hold fragments of experiences.
  2. Technology can transform memories into new data - a machine can create new pictures from a collection of images.
  3. Generative images challenge the concept of memory - creating variations that may not accurately reflect the original experience.

New Week #116

New World Same Humans • 34 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Work Innovation Society Future AI
  1. GPT-4 is a powerful AI tool that can perform various tasks like code writing and image reasoning
  2. The integration of GPT-4 into common software like Office 365 will lead to significant transformations in how knowledge and information are processed
  3. AI advancements challenge the role of human imagination, shifting focus towards creativity and human connection

The Gold Standard Is Back: BRICS To Intro Gold-Backed Reserve Currency

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
💰 Finance Gold Standard Global Trade De-dollarization Reserve Currency Currency
  1. BRICS countries are planning to introduce a gold-backed reserve currency, challenging the US dollar's dominance.
  2. The move could lead to a devaluation of fiat currencies and pose a shock to the global fiat money system.
  3. This announcement is part of a larger plan to de-dollarize and shift away from the US dollar as the world's global reserve currency.

Blockchain: Fad or future?

A Bit Gamey • 27 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Blockchain Cryptocurrencies Applications Security Future
  1. Blockchain is a secure and tamper-proof way of storing information through a distributed database.
  2. Blockchain has diverse uses beyond cryptocurrencies, including financial transactions, supply chain management, healthcare, voting, and intellectual property.
  3. The future of blockchain involves potential applications like smart contracts, decentralized applications, IoT security, and government transparency, indicating it's more than just a passing trend.

Documentation-driven API Design

The API Changelog • 6 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools API design Documentation Software Development
  1. You can create an API by simply writing down what you want it to do, and AI can help turn that into a working API document. It's as easy as writing a description and letting the technology handle the rest.
  2. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, you can get detailed how-to guides for your API based on a simple description, making it easier to understand how to use it.
  3. By generating an OpenAPI document from your description, you can quickly set up a mock API server, allowing you to test and get feedback on your API design in no time.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 451

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Statistics Data science Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Big Data
  1. Many people believe that data scientists today often do tasks very similar to data analysts. They're not just creating charts; there's a concern that their work lacks deeper statistical analysis.
  2. There's a lively debate about what it means to be a data scientist. While some argue the role has become too diluted, others believe that practical application in companies differs from academic definitions.
  3. Data science is evolving, with new techniques and applications emerging, like the importance of understanding datasets and using principles from various fields to improve intelligence in AI.

#41: Surrendering control

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 12 Aug 20
💼 Business Organizational Design Leadership Innovation Work Culture Entrepreneurship
  1. Sharing unfinished ideas can feel uncomfortable, but it helps improve them. Getting feedback from others is a valuable part of developing your thoughts.
  2. Leaders often hesitate to let go of control because of a fear of failure. Recognizing this fear is the first step to allowing innovation to thrive in an organization.
  3. Creating boundaries and instructions can help leaders let their team innovate without interference. Sometimes, all they need to do is step back and trust their team.

Monday briefing #5: A love letter to regional media, paid Twitter, PR foul play, bot catcher, women in PR research, community support, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Digital marketing Community support Social media Media industry
  1. Local media is really important for communities because it tells the stories that matter most. Investigative reporting helps uncover important issues.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter are exploring subscription services to improve the quality of content. Paid services might help manage the issues related to misinformation.
  3. There is a growing focus on research in the PR industry, particularly regarding the experiences of women. This research could help shape a better future for the field.