The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
Category
The Lunduke Journal of Technology 6893 implied HN points 26 Apr 23
  1. Big tech companies are promoting the idea of using less capable computers and remote desktop-ing into central servers.
  2. Microsoft is pushing Windows 365 Frontline where users connect to a remote Windows 11 desktop provided by Microsoft.
  3. Google is providing low-power Chromebooks to employees and encouraging the use of Google Cloudtop for desktop software, eliminating the need for powerful computers.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 163 implied HN points 13 Nov 25
  1. Short sellers like Michael Burry often see problems in the market before others do, but current market conditions are making it hard for them to profit.
  2. The market has become distorted due to excessive liquidity, which is making poor companies appear successful and keeping bad investments afloat.
  3. Burry's decision to step back from managing his fund signals awareness of these distortions, as he believes that the fundamentals will eventually matter again when the market returns to reality.
Faster, Please! 639 implied HN points 18 Jun 25
  1. The use of AI is growing quickly in big companies like Amazon, which may lead to fewer jobs in some areas but could create new opportunities in others as tasks change.
  2. Top tech companies like Meta and OpenAI are competing fiercely for AI talent, offering huge salaries to attract skilled workers, showing how valuable this expertise is.
  3. Overall, AI is changing how work gets done, leading to job losses in repetitive tasks but also creating new roles and increasing productivity for skilled workers.
Phoenix Substack 56 implied HN points 09 Jan 26
  1. Make DNS resolvers ephemeral so attackers have at most a short window to exploit them; rotating instances every ~15 minutes evicts compromises before they can be weaponized.
  2. Leverage PowerDNS’s modular stack—dnsdist as a stable front, database-backed authoritative servers, and shared-memory for recursive state—to rotate backend workers quickly without cache cold-starts.
  3. At scale this model adds minimal overhead (under 2% CPU) and changes security from reactive patching to proactive eviction, greatly raising the cost and shortening the lifespan of zero-day attacks.
Rings of Saturn 43 implied HN points 19 Jan 26
  1. Both Saturn Lode Runner games hide easy-to-use name-entry cheats: entering SPECIAL! (or SPECIAL?) and holding L at start opens a bonus stage, and entering a name as " PATRA" then pausing and inputting Up, Up, Down, Down, Right, Left, Right, Left, Y, X, Y, X jumps you to the ending and staff roll.
  2. Lode Runner Extra has extra unique codes too — entering SATURNSUPER then holding R at start loads a different bonus level (the Saturn Super demo disc stage) — and a GODAI@TECHARTS string is present in the code but only partially implemented in The Legend Returns.
  3. The cheats are implemented as ASCII name checks, which made them straightforward to find by reverse engineering, and the NTSC-U PlayStation release includes the SPECIAL! code but not the same credits-skip button sequence.
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Sustainability by numbers 658 implied HN points 11 Jun 25
  1. Building an audience takes time, and almost no one starts with one. Consistently publishing interesting content helps attract more readers over time.
  2. You can potentially make money on platforms like Substack, but it often depends on how engaged your audience is. Even a small, dedicated group can lead to a good income.
  3. Long-form writing is valuable because it allows for deeper exploration of topics. There's always room for new voices, and sharing your insights helps improve public discussions.
Points And Figures 612 implied HN points 24 Jun 25
  1. Transportation innovations drive economic growth. When new methods of moving people and goods are created, like trains and planes, they change how society operates.
  2. Driverless vehicles are becoming popular and safer. They've already shown better accident rates compared to traditional cars, which could lead to lower insurance costs.
  3. The future of transportation is influenced by energy needs for new technologies. As we innovate, we'll require more energy sources, highlighting the potential role of nuclear power as we move forward.
The Beautiful Mess 608 implied HN points 27 Jun 25
  1. Different teams have unique vibes that you can sense just by asking about their work. For example, some teams feel focused and motivated, while others may seem confused or disorganized.
  2. Team dynamics can cycle through different modes, like being highly effective or feeling lost. It's important to recognize where your team stands to improve productivity.
  3. Company culture influences how teams operate. If teams focus too much on individual projects, it can lead to burnout and lack of coordination, while a healthy culture encourages teamwork.
Generating Conversation 93 implied HN points 18 Dec 25
  1. Models stopped being the main story; improvements felt incremental. Success now depends on real applications and which products companies can own.
  2. Big companies are paying close attention and spending aggressively on AI, including large acquisitions. That accelerates enterprise adoption and creates big opportunities for startups.
  3. The field is still changing very fast, so specific predictions often miss the mark. The durable trend is base models becoming more of a commodity while value concentrates at the application and deployment layer.
ChinAI Newsletter 589 implied HN points 15 Jan 24
  1. One of the biggest storylines in 2023 was the grim employment outlook for China’s 11.5 million college graduates.
  2. There was interesting variation between Chinese and international large language models when summing up China’s 2023.
  3. Different large language models had varied perspectives on the hot internet events of 2023 in China.
Ralph Ammer 569 implied HN points 20 Jan 24
  1. Beauty leads us to truth and goodness according to Immanuel Kant.
  2. Our perceptions are structured by concepts inside our mind, creating our understanding of the world.
  3. Beauty is a relief from rational thinking, allowing us to enjoy the playful dance of our mind with the world.
Substack 1523 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.
chamathreads 1022 implied HN points 12 May 23
  1. The article discusses various topics like fertility rates, drug prices, and the presidential diet.
  2. There's a mention of Microsoft betting on fusion power, Andreessen Horowitz and the changing tech landscape, and the financial status of tech workers.
  3. Updates on AI predicting pancreatic cancer, America's high drug prices, corporate acquisitions of primary care practices, and more.
Liberty’s Highlights 1022 implied HN points 27 Apr 23
  1. Newsletter and podcast by the author will continue but may have a more variable publishing schedule
  2. Author joined OSV due to alignment with values and desire to have greater impact with help from others
  3. OSV supports various creative ventures, including media platforms like podcasts, newsletters, and more
Elena's Growth Scoop 1022 implied HN points 12 May 23
  1. Focus on optimizing payback period instead of just reducing CAC to improve ROI.
  2. Consider the profitability and long-term value of different acquisition channels before shutting them down based solely on CAC.
  3. The payback period is a superior metric for acquisition that focuses on reinvesting returns and optimizing various aspects like CAC, conversion rate, ARPU, and conversion time.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 50 implied HN points 15 Jan 26
  1. The world is moving away from the U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasuries as the unquestioned anchor, with countries rebuilding payment systems and settling more trade in local currencies.
  2. China is buying vast amounts of Russian gold — likely far more than official reports show — using bullion as a bridge asset to shrink dollar exposure and guard against sanctions risk.
  3. Meanwhile, U.S. markets are focused on tech and AI-driven valuations that look fragile, even as foreign governments quietly dump Treasuries, a mix that could erode confidence in the dollar and U.S. financial leadership.
Alex's Personal Blog 98 implied HN points 16 Dec 25
  1. Boards will replace CEOs who push to IPO sooner than directors think is wise, because investors want leadership stability through a public debut.
  2. Trade and tech policy are now tangled, with the US pressuring allies over digital rules and taxes, which could stall international cooperation on AI and other tech issues.
  3. Public markets are sorting winners and losers: some hardware startups are failing despite demand, while companies like Waymo and Notion are showing revenue traction that could reset the IPO narrative if they list carefully.
Big Technology 3878 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  1. The Apple Vision Pro headset has impressive technology like mixed reality and a comfortable design, but its high price raises questions on its target audience.
  2. Insiders believe that the Vision Pro may be more suited for developers and enterprise users due to its productivity potential, rather than appealing to the general consumer market.
  3. The Vision Pro's unique design and solitary usage may affect its adoption speed, with opinions split on its potential success in the long term.
Space Ambition 179 implied HN points 24 May 24
  1. Building satellites is getting easier, which is why there are so many more in space now. A lot of companies are able to provide satellite services without even owning a satellite.
  2. Planning is really important when developing a satellite. You need to decide its goals, select the right orbit, and choose if you will build or buy your satellite components.
  3. Testing is a crucial step in satellite assembly. After building, you have to run various tests to make sure everything works properly before sending it to space.
Technology Made Simple 639 implied HN points 01 Jan 24
  1. Graphs are efficient at encoding and representing relationships between entities, making them useful for fraud detection tasks.
  2. Graph Neural Networks excel at fraud detection due to their ability to visualize strong correlations among fraudulent activities that share common properties, adapt to new fraud patterns, and offer transparency in AI systems.
  3. Graph Neural Networks require less labeled data and feature engineering compared to other techniques, have better explainability, and work well with semi-supervised learning, making them a powerful tool for fraud detection.
Venture Curator 219 implied HN points 07 May 24
  1. Investors need a clear understanding of the problem a startup is solving, focusing on why it's worth solving and who faces the problem.
  2. For a successful pitch to investors, startups must present a business model beyond just pricing, detailing revenue streams, competitive advantage, and key economics.
  3. In the world of venture capital, the potential for startups to become billion-dollar companies is crucial for investors, impacting funding decisions and the overall success of the venture.
High Growth Engineer 1434 implied HN points 05 Jan 25
  1. Start a waitlist for your project before building it. This way, you can see if there's interest first and save time in the development process.
  2. When getting feedback, ask people about their experiences instead of yes-or-no questions. This helps you understand their actual problems and find better solutions.
  3. Using AI tools can make building your project more fun and efficient. You can create features quickly and not stress too much about cutting ideas.
Bureau of Adventure 59 implied HN points 27 Jul 24
  1. Niche cruise products, like river and coastal cruising, work well because they focus on smaller, unique destinations. This creates a more personalized experience for travelers, allowing them to explore different places without the crowds of larger ships.
  2. Established cruise lines mostly stick to big ships and mainstream markets because they see smaller niches as a distraction. However, this leaves openings for new companies to succeed in these specialized areas.
  3. The future looks bright for niche cruising, especially with a trend toward sustainability. Smaller ships can become more eco-friendly, which might appeal to communities that want to limit large cruise ships and reduce environmental impacts.
The Dollar Endgame 399 implied HN points 06 Mar 24
  1. Markets are anticipating increased liquidity injections from the Fed, with assets like Gold and Bitcoin hitting all-time highs even before the easing cycle starts.
  2. The surge in Bitcoin's value is attributed to significant inflows from U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a historic rally compared to gold ETFs.
  3. The financial markets are preparing for a potential Fed intervention, likely in response to the rising net liquidity despite the seeming balance sheet reductions.
Life Since the Baby Boom 1844 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. People have always believed that technology will solve human problems, from the telephone to AI. But no matter the advancements, our fundamental human nature remains the same.
  2. Many technologists share a faith in technology similar to religious beliefs, seeing it as a way to achieve progress and even redemption for humanity.
  3. Connecting people through technology, like social media, often leads to conflicts instead of harmony, reminding us that simply being connected doesn't guarantee understanding or peace.
Contemplations on the Tree of Woe 1787 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. The author has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new RPG sourcebook filled with over 1,000 magic items. They believe it's important to launch it now while things are still stable.
  2. They encourage people who love Dungeons & Dragons, or want to share it with family, to support the book. The author thinks it could bring back good, classic gaming values.
  3. There's an upcoming livestream where the author will discuss gaming and pop culture, and interact with viewers. It's an opportunity for fans to ask questions and learn more.
Do Not Research 339 implied HN points 25 Mar 24
  1. Tech millionaires' interest in longevity is tied to libertarianism, radical views on overcoming limits, and control through technology.
  2. There is a connection between religion and the scientific pursuit of longevity, with religious longings affecting secular viewpoints.
  3. The transhumanist movement embraces the unnatural and questions conventional human limitations, leading to an 'uncanny valley' where prolonging life can feel repulsive.
Business & Marketing with Nika 39 implied HN points 11 Aug 24
  1. You can find inspiring ads and creative work at places like Ad Creative Bank or the Ads of the World website. These resources showcase some of the best in advertising.
  2. The Cannes Lions Festival is a big deal for marketers, similar to the Oscars for movies. It's a great place to see top creative work and get inspired.
  3. If you're running online ads, check out the Meta Ads Library or Google's Ads Transparency Center to find creative examples in real-time.
AI Supremacy 491 implied HN points 08 Feb 24
  1. Aleph Alpha is a German AI startup focusing on AI governance, privacy, and ethics aligning with EU standards.
  2. Aleph Alpha's flagship product, Luminous, offers language models in multiple sizes and is known for its ability to explain outputs.
  3. Aleph Alpha's collaborative and 'sovereignty first' approach sets it apart from US AI companies, emphasizing data privacy and transparency.
ChinaTalk 1615 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Deepseek is a rising Chinese AI startup that has surpassed major competitors like OpenAI in some technical benchmarks. They are focused on foundational research and open-sourcing their models.
  2. The company has started a price war in the Chinese AI market by offering their technology at much lower rates than the competition, making AI more accessible.
  3. Deepseek's approach prioritizes innovation over immediate profit, aiming to contribute to the global technological landscape rather than just following existing trends.
Alex's Personal Blog 164 implied HN points 12 Nov 25
  1. Investors are concerned that big tech might be misleading about their earnings due to how they report the costs of their data center investments. If companies extend the lifespan of their equipment, it can make their profits look better in the short term.
  2. A lot of private companies are hitting the $100 million annual recurring revenue mark, which is becoming a common milestone for startups aiming to grow. This level of revenue is a big deal because it's seen as a stepping stone toward going public.
  3. Despite worries about an AI bubble, many companies are growing quickly and generating significant revenue. This rapid growth could help stabilize their market positions, even if some projects fail.
The Asianometry Newsletter 3553 implied HN points 07 Mar 24
  1. The trillion-dollar investment in AI chips does raise skepticism, with questions about its sustainability and impact on the semiconductor industry.
  2. The concept of scaling laws, driving investments, presents interesting parallels to Moore's Law in the semiconductor industry, suggesting potential future impact on AI.
  3. Competition in AI chips, particularly against Nvidia, is heating up as tech giants aim for vertical integration, potentially shifting the landscape of AI chip design and market dynamics.