The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
Category

Doomprompting Is the New Doomscrolling.

Working Theorys • 485 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Cognition Communication AI Behavior Productivity
  1. Doomprompting is when we get caught up in endless online prompts and conversations, leading to less deep thinking and creativity. It's like having a machine that constantly suggests ideas but takes away our ability to think for ourselves.
  2. AI tools can help with brainstorming and refining ideas, but they can't replace the core creative thinking that we need to do as humans. Relying too much on AI can weaken our own skills and thought processes.
  3. It's important to seek out tools and partnerships that encourage us to think deeply and struggle with ideas, rather than just making things easy or automatic. Building skills takes time and effort, so we need to balance technology use with personal growth.

AI: Notes From The Dark Side

So Here’s a Thing • 1160 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Prose AI Art TV Creators
  1. Implications of AI for news and our perception of the world include the rise of fake photos and deepfake videos, requiring critical thinking and fact-checking.
  2. AI in art poses challenges in distinguishing real works from fakes and may alter how artists maintain their catalogues to differentiate their genuine creations.
  3. The importance of human intent and meaningfulness in creation, questioning what AI-created content lacks in terms of emotional depth and personal connection.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Weekend Thoughts: Coinbase $COIN

Yet Another Value Blog • 1159 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
💰 Finance Investing Competition Regulation SEC Cryptocurrency
  1. Coinbase is facing serious challenges posed by an SEC suit that could potentially put the company out of business.
  2. The primary defense of Coinbase against the SEC is the hope that Congress will change laws to save them, but this could lead to increased competition and challenges for the company.
  3. Even if Congress were to change laws to make crypto trading legal, it could have negative consequences for Coinbase's business by opening the door to strong competition and impacting its unique revenue streams.

Security Is Not a VPN Problem

Security Is • 59 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Privacy Networking Software Internet Cybersecurity
  1. VPNs used to be essential for online security, especially on public WiFi, but that's changed with HTTPS being widely available. Now, most websites encrypt your connection by default.
  2. While VPNs can protect your IP address and DNS queries, for most everyday users, these aren't major issues anymore. Modern browsers and services help keep our connections safe.
  3. Using a VPN isn't a priority for everyone, and it might not be worth the investment, especially for regular people who just want basic online protection.

The Bitter Pipeline

Abstraction • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Forecasting Data science Modeling Research
  1. Frontier models scale better than human-designed forecasting pipelines, so the structured process that helped smaller models often adds no value with larger models.
  2. Empirical tests show spending compute on polling and ensembling big models improves forecast skill more than token-heavy steps like classification or decomposition, with ensembling giving measurable uplift while the pipeline did not.
  3. The practical move is to simplify: ensemble aggressively, validate empirically, and keep experimenting with ways to elicit latent model knowledge instead of adding complex hand-crafted processes.

Creating Synthetic Training Data

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 59 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Data science Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Artificial Intelligence
  1. Creating synthetic data is hard because it's not just about making more data; it also needs to be diverse and varied. It's tough to make sure there are enough different examples.
  2. Using a seed corpus can limit how varied the synthetic data is. If the starting data isn't diverse, the generated data won't be either.
  3. A new approach called Persona Hub uses a billion different personas to create varied synthetic data. This helps in generating high-quality, interesting content across various situations.

Prediction Markets Are (Obviously) Gambling

Huddle Up • 91 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
💰 Finance Gambling Regulation Fintech Crypto Insider trading Sports Betting
  1. Prediction markets make it easy for people with secret information to trade anonymously, letting insiders profit and making the markets unfair. That destroys trust and turns useful information into a private money-making tool.
  2. They exploit a federal regulatory loophole so gambling-style markets are available nationwide and bypass state rules, and big platforms and brokers are embedding these products everywhere. This spreads access and influence fast while avoiding traditional gambling guardrails.
  3. Always-on prediction markets normalize betting on every news event and can increase addiction, financial harm, and social costs. By rewarding leaks and sensational outcomes, they erode public trust and turn public life into tradable events.

Biotech Startup Stats

Rough Diamonds • 20 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
💼 Business Geography IPO Biotech Startups M&A Funding Analytics
  1. Most biotech startups either fail or lose value after IPO, with only a small share of currently trading firms showing positive long‑term returns; many poorly performing public companies may simply not have failed yet.
  2. Location and company age strongly predict outcomes: firms based in biotech hubs (CA, MA, NY, NJ, PA) do much better, and newer firms are more likely to still be trading due to lifecycle effects.
  3. Scientific focus and pipeline stage matter: biologics (especially antibodies), rare disease and immunology focuses, targets like PD‑1, and IPOing at Phase III are linked to acquisitions or positive returns, while "other" modalities (e.g., formulations, natural products) tend to underperform.

Is this a career?

benn.substack • 1713 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Technology Analytics Data science Careers Expertise
  1. Getting good at something often just takes a little focused effort over time. Many people don't actively try to improve, so they stay at a decent skill level rather than reaching their full potential.
  2. In fields like data analytics, it's essential to specialize to truly excel. Being a generalist might keep you busy, but it can lead to a career without a clear direction or growth.
  3. To stand out and achieve more in their careers, people need to identify a specific area of expertise and commit to it. Relying on being 'good at data' isn't usually enough to make a significant impact.

Who to read to keep up with AI

Meaningness • 698 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Blog AI Future Authors
  1. The post recommends three different authors to read to stay updated on AI: Zvi Mowshowitz, Arvind Narayanan, and Jon Stokes.
  2. Each of these authors brings a unique perspective to the discussion on AI, covering different aspects and opinions on the future of AI.
  3. The authors fall into different quadrants regarding their views on AI's future, touching on varying levels of power, impact, and potential risks in the field.

Don't Give Up

Venture Prose • 459 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Investment Entrepreneurship Marketing Strategy Success
  1. In crowded markets, strive to show unique insight, act fast, and execute well.
  2. If there's a clear leader, consider different strategies - like targeting a different geography or being more capital-efficient.
  3. Entering small or tough market sectors can still work if you start niche, focus on profitability, and learn from previous attempts.

Founder Market Fit : An Unsuccessful Video Game Turned Into a $26 Billion Startup. | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 279 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
💼 Business Startup Success Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Investment decisions
  1. Founders with deep understanding and passion for a market they know well can achieve success like turning an unsuccessful idea into a billion-dollar startup.
  2. Building a product that solves a real problem, utilizing product-led growth, freemium model, strong focus on retention, and creating a unique brand can lead to rapid growth and success.
  3. Investors prioritize market opportunity over market size, seeking startups that challenge conventions, address future needs, and have strategies for customer acquisition and profitability.

How I Used Methodable to Have a Nice Tuesday

Human Programming • 51 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Productivity Tools UX Time management Planning Workflow Software
  1. A small meta-plan in Methodable can un-scatter your attention by giving you one clear instruction at a time so you follow prior intentions and finish high-priority tasks.
  2. Start with a simple seed meta-plan and gradually structure it: collect your to-dos, free-write motivations, then convert those into detailed, executable subprograms.
  3. Designing guided workspaces with time-boxing, embedded editors, and positive self-talk makes it easier to regain focus, stay motivated, and end the day feeling accomplished.

An inflection point for the Creator Economy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 698 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Economy Advertising Media Digital Strategy Content creation
  1. The Creator Economy is changing fast, with ads from creators expected to beat traditional media revenue soon. This means that creator-made content could start to look just like what we're used to from big media companies.
  2. There's a new trend in entertainment called microdramas, which are short, quick stories told in one-minute parts. They seem like silly fun, but they're drawing in big audiences and money.
  3. Publishers need to stop relying so much on Google for traffic because it's steadily decreasing. It's time for them to focus on building loyal audiences instead of chasing search engine rankings.

Deep Learning Weekly: Issue 336

Deep Learning Weekly • 648 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology MLOps Libraries AI Machine Learning Generative AI
  1. This week's deep learning topics include generative AI in enterprises, query pipelines, and closed-loop verifiable code generation.
  2. Updates in MLOps & LLMOps cover CI/CD practices, multi-replica endpoints, and serverless solutions like Pinecone.
  3. Learning insights include generating images from audio, understanding self-attention in LLMs, and fine-tuning models using PyTorch tools.

Let’s Bring Jupyter Notebooks to Substack

The Palindrome • 6 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Developer Tools Productivity Tools Data science
  1. NotebookPress converts Jupyter Notebooks into Substack-ready posts with just a couple of clicks, so you don’t have to manually reformat content for publishing.
  2. It preserves math, code, and outputs by rendering LaTeX and syntax-highlighted code images and embedding figures. Code execution happens in the browser via Pyodide and styling (fonts, themes, colors) is configurable.
  3. The product is in beta with a roadmap toward paid features like built-in LLM editing help and direct publishing automations, and the creator is seeking feedback and bug reports.

Unpacking what it means to be an interim leader.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 766 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💼 Business Career growth Compensation
  1. Interim roles offer flexibility for both employers and employees in fast-changing industries like tech.
  2. Finding an interim role may not be as straightforward as finding a full-time position, but it can be converted from existing opportunities with a specific focus or through a contract-to-hire approach.
  3. Compensation for interim roles should consider benefits, be a mix of cash and equity, and aim to match or exceed full-time market rates for specialized expertise.

Invisible, yet Invaluable: Valuing Intangibles - The Birkenstock IPO

Musings on Markets • 1139 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💼 Business Accountability Finance Investing Valuation Market Trends
  1. Intangible assets, like brand names and management quality, are really important for a company's value but are often overlooked in accounting. Companies today get much of their worth from things you can't physically see.
  2. The way we value companies has changed a lot, especially with tech firms now leading the market. Investors need to think about future potential instead of just past performance, especially for newer companies.
  3. Birkenstock's upcoming IPO highlights how a strong brand and a loyal celebrity customer base can boost a company's value. The success of its stocks may depend not just on numbers but also on how the market feels at the moment.

Origins S14 is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 506 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Cryptocurrency Esports Blockchain
  1. Origins S14 is now live, offering players a chance to win part of an 80K AXS prize pool and an Origins axie.
  2. The leaderboard has changed, now only the top 2,000 players will earn increased AXS rewards, making it more competitive.
  3. Collectible chest rewards have increased from 7,000 AXS to 10,000 AXS, giving players more incentives to participate.

Special Edition 🔥: Analytics As Applied Accounting | Lauren Balik

Data Analysis Journal • 687 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Analytics BI Tools Data Platforms Privacy
  1. Becoming a data analyst or engineer through bootcamps is becoming less prevalent due to economic factors.
  2. Analytics leaders face challenges in setting boundaries and avoiding overlap with finance teams in accounting functions.
  3. Decentralized data team setups are generally more efficient, and the future may see more of this with changes in tax regulations.

In The Thick Of It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Human condition Mindfulness Ethics Metaphysics
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.

BEAST at AWS re:Invent 2023

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 838 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Internet Networking
  1. BEAST was recognized as the world's best web hacking technique of 2011 and led to advancements in internet security.
  2. The creation of BEAST resulted in the phasing out of insecure protocols like SSL 3.0 and the adoption of more secure TLS 1.3.
  3. The work on BEAST by the author and Juliano over a decade ago is still acknowledged at major conferences today, showcasing its lasting impact.

You should be vibecoding for GTM

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 820 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Marketing Innovation Technology Growth Startups
  1. Using AI coding tools can really speed up the process of building marketing tools. Even if you aren't a coder, you can create useful apps in just a couple of hours.
  2. Vibecoding allows you to bypass relying on developers for basic tools, giving you the power to manage your go-to-market strategies independently. This can save both time and money.
  3. You can create engaging and interactive tools, like an ROI calculator, that can enhance your sales efforts and make a better impression on potential clients.

The path to your first advising contract.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 1139 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Advising Career growth
  1. Don't quit your full-time job to start advising, aim to close your first advising contract while still working full-time.
  2. Shift the narrative by creating your first advising opportunity instead of waiting for one to come to you.
  3. Focus on learning and experience in your first advisory contract, not just money. Iterate and analyze patterns to decide your future in advising.

A Framework to Prove Your Market Is 'Big Enough' to VCs! | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 299 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Job Opportunities Market Analysis
  1. VCs often need to see potential for at least one investment to have billions in enterprise value for a good fund return.
  2. Different approaches like top-down market size analysis and bottom-up market demand can help founders prove a market's size to VCs.
  3. Being aligned with broad mega-trends or using analogies can also help convince investors of a market's potential.

Investing 101

Investing 101 • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
💼 Business Strategy Writing Learning Venture Capital Startups Investing Research
  1. Build a compounding engine of reading, research, writing, and investing that converts broad exposure to ideas into concrete actions and bets.
  2. Adopt concrete daily and weekly habits to feed that engine — aim for steady reading across categories, a nightly short story/poem/essay routine, and weekly micro essays to capture emerging ideas.
  3. Make investing an explicit output of the process by widening conversational reach, documenting thinking in an investing journal, and publishing portfolio updates, Requests for Startups, and idea notes to strengthen conviction.

Issue #115

Infra Weekly Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Cloud AI DevOps Infrastructure Security Databases
  1. Agents need durable, versioned, replayable state so their behavior can be debugged, audited, and trusted in production; self-hosted state engines provide strong consistency and memory for that use case.
  2. Data infrastructure, not models, will be the real competitive advantage for agent-driven systems because agents create lots of tiny, ephemeral databases and demand fast, reusable access; winning databases will virtualize many logical tenants on shared infra, separate compute and storage, and shift pricing to usage-based models.
  3. Counting CVEs or relying only on CVSS is a shaky security strategy because both are noisy and lack context; build AppSec around threat modeling and contextual triage, and treat zero-CVE claims with skepticism since upstream timelines and metadata can hide real risk.

Mastering Helm from Scratch: Part 1 – The Purpose of Helm

Curious Devs Corner • 1 HN point • 03 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Kubernetes Systems Software Development Cloud
  1. Helm makes using Kubernetes easier for beginners by simplifying the process of installing and managing applications. It helps users avoid the confusion of typing many commands to deploy different parts of an app.
  2. With Helm, you can package all the parts of your application into one bundle called a 'chart'. This makes it much simpler to distribute and manage apps on Kubernetes, similar to how apps are managed on computers.
  3. Helm focuses on security and customization. It verifies the integrity of packages and allows users to customize charts, making it a flexible tool for deploying applications according to their specific needs.

Time to Build: Marc Andreessen on a World in Transition

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 27 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Startups Artificial Intelligence Education Automation Careers Productivity Infrastructure
  1. AI is a transformative amplifier that turns cheap silicon into powerful thought, democratizes elite one-on-one tutoring, and can boost intelligence beyond human biological limits.
  2. Demographic decline makes AI urgently needed to sustain economies, but institutional inertia, regulation, and risk aversion threaten to slow real-world impact, so human agency and action are essential.
  3. AI breaks down traditional role boundaries, enabling people to combine coding, design, and product or creative skills, which creates opportunities for superpowered individuals and even one-person or tiny-team billion-dollar companies.

The 9-9-6 Trap

Generating Conversation • 163 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💼 Business Productivity Team Dynamics Startups Work Culture Work-life balance
  1. Working long hours like the 9-9-6 schedule doesn't lead to better results. People can only focus well for a few hours each day, and too much work can actually hurt productivity.
  2. Life is more than just work. People need time for family, hobbies, and fun to stay happy and avoid burnout.
  3. Creating a healthy work culture where employees can enjoy life is key for long-term success. It's important to work hard but also take breaks to keep everyone energized.

The TED A.I. Conference

Ground Truths • 4942 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Chip Manufacturing Regulation Future outlook Ethics
  1. TED held its first dedicated A.I. meeting this year, featuring discussions on large language models and controversies surrounding them.
  2. The conference debated between accelerating A.I. development and approaching it with caution for safety concerns.
  3. Experts discussed Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its potential impact on various aspects of human activity.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Dec 1 - Dec 7, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1723 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Web Development Digital Culture Tech news Software Programming
  1. Mozilla has decided to brand itself as a 'Global Crew of Activists' which many people find confusing and unnecessary.
  2. KDE's new approach of nagging users for support seems to be working well, greatly increasing their income.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of codes of conduct in tech communities and how they may need changes or even elimination.