Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future

Dana Blankenhorn's Substack focuses on the intersection of technology and investments, with a keen eye on how emerging technologies like AI impact democracy, the economy, and societal structures. It contemplates the future of urban living, energy, education, and the internet, alongside the challenges of transitioning to renewable resources and the evolving landscape of democracy and authoritarianism. The newsletter also discusses the implications of technological advancements on industries, particularly through the lens of software development, corporate governance, and environmental sustainability.

Technology and AI Investments and the Economy Democracy and Authoritarianism Environmental Sustainability Urban and Energy Development Education and Workforce Changes Corporate Governance and Ethics Internet and Digital Culture

The hottest Substack posts of Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future

And their main takeaways

The EV Revolution is Upon Us

59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Innovation Market Trends Infrastructure Sustainability
  1. The Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution will lead to significant changes in the world, impacting car repair shops, gas stations, electricity demand, and the road network.
  2. Mass market EV adoption is currently happening in China, with affordable EVs becoming increasingly available from various car manufacturers worldwide.
  3. By 2030, most cars will be EVs, with technology advancements leading to cheaper and more competitive electric vehicles with longer ranges.

Easy Money

39 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Wealth Tech industry Politics Entrepreneurship Financial Markets
  1. The easy money era since 2008 has allowed individuals to rapidly amass wealth through financial maneuvering.
  2. Billionaires have a responsibility to the system that enabled their wealth, and disrespecting that system is unacceptable.
  3. Democracy is under threat due to the attitude of newly wealthy individuals who view themselves as superior beings.

A Retailing Ghost Story

59 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
💼 Business
  1. Buying a mattress may not be as simple as you think.
  2. Make sure the service you expect is actually what you'll get.
  3. Consider the importance of customer service in every aspect of your business.
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The Era of the Cloud Czars

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cloud Computing Tech Companies Artificial Intelligence Hardware Software
  1. The era of the Cloud Czars is defined by five key companies: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta.
  2. Building clouds and investing in the Cloud game was a key risk that many companies failed to take on, leading to their decline.
  3. In the tech industry, failure to take risks can be fatal, as highlighted by the success of the Cloud Czars who embraced the challenge.

Reconsidering OpenAI

59 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software
  1. OpenAI faced issues due to the contradiction of being a non-profit owning a for-profit entity.
  2. Microsoft's investment in OpenAI through Azure services raised questions about the true value and motives of the partnership.
  3. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is not true Artificial General Intelligence, but a tool with limitations.

The Business Press Bias

39 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💼 Business Media Ethics Capitalism Corruption Regulation
  1. Capitalism vs. Socialism is a false choice that needs to be reconsidered.
  2. The business press should stop covering up unethical practices and hold businesses accountable.
  3. The threat to capitalism is not taxes or regulation, but ignorance promoted by a biased business press.

OpenAI: Coup and Countercoup

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Government Democracy
  1. The events at OpenAI highlight power struggles and the importance of government oversight in the tech industry.
  2. Democracy and free markets should prevail over powerful individuals in the tech industry.
  3. Both government regulation and individual accountability are crucial for ensuring a fair and safe technological future.

Big AI, Little AI

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Automation Data Management
  1. Both Big AI and Little AI can be intimidating, with potential privacy concerns.
  2. Autonomous agents in AI are enhancing customer service by solving problems efficiently.
  3. As AI continues to evolve, teaching critical thinking skills will be crucial for individuals to govern AI effectively.

Shift to the Client

59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Computing AI Cloud Smartphones
  1. The shift in technology market from servers to clients is impacting PC sales and new machine development.
  2. AI advancements are driving the change in the market towards client-focused devices.
  3. Expect new types of high-end and consumer-focused PC devices, with enhanced interfaces and connectivity, to become prevalent in the near future.

Threads and Open Source

99 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Open Source
  1. Corporate open source promises can be unreliable.
  2. Understanding open source licenses is crucial for software development.
  3. Companies' support for open source can vary based on business needs.

What No One Wants to Hear

79 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Commentary Opinion
  1. The economy in America is doing well with low unemployment, stock market growth, and rising wages.
  2. America is succeeding in the world with advancements against autocracy, talent recognition, and political change.
  3. Young voters are leaning Democratic, leading to political shifts and a growing fear of Republican fascism.

AI in the Machine Internet

39 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Software System Data Analysis
  1. AI can make systems more efficient and effective.
  2. Orchestration layer software can anticipate needs and manage resources better than humans.
  3. Adding AI to everyday systems can increase productivity without necessarily taking away human jobs.

The AI Evolution In 2024

39 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. Generative AI is an evolution from database computing, not a revolution.
  2. The GIGO rule applies to AI - Garbage In, Garbage Out.
  3. No one has created Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) yet; AI is not human.

Why Do I Hate Medill so Much?

39 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Media Education
  1. Journalism and public relations have conflicting goals.
  2. Journalism industry didn't adapt to the internet and faced consequences.
  3. Institutions need to prioritize serving either readers or sources.

Hidden Productivity

39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Productivity Automation
  1. Technology advancements from over a decade ago are still driving significant productivity gains today
  2. Automation in healthcare has revolutionized access to medical care, making it more convenient and affordable
  3. Data-driven automation in healthcare has empowered non-doctor medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients efficiently

Sell Nvidia, Buy Amazon

39 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Technology
  1. Nvidia is crucial for AI with its GPUs and software stack.
  2. Amazon stands to gain from AI in various areas like supply chain and media.
  3. Amazon offers a diverse toolset in AI and may outperform Nvidia in the future.

The Coming Disney Breakup

39 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Entertainment Streaming Mergers & Acquisitions Media industry
  1. Disney is speculated to undergo a breakup with various divisions being sold or spun out.
  2. The traditional entertainment and streaming business model of Disney is facing challenges and changes due to factors like climate change, labor issues, and evolving consumer behaviors.
  3. The impact of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences is forcing businesses like Disney to adapt, evolve, and find new business models to remain relevant.

Mostly Lawless Soccer

19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
  1. Major League Soccer (MLS) is criticized for prioritizing profits for team owners over fans and teams.
  2. MLS operates with strict financial controls, no promotion or relegation, and equal revenue sharing, raising concerns about destroying the essence of soccer.
  3. Calls are made for reforms in MLS to preserve the integrity of the sport by reintroducing promotion and relegation and resisting the 'socialism for oligarchs' business model.

Atlanta’s Urban Evolution

19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. Atlanta has undergone urban evolution with changing neighborhoods and amenities
  2. Advocates are promoting a '15-minute city' concept with walking and biking access
  3. Building denser suburban clusters could lead to greater density and urban transformation

Meet the New Slum

19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. 21st century cities require density and mixed uses
  2. Old street plans need to be replaced for better city planning
  3. DeKalb County's current development plan may lead to future problems

40 Years an Internet Client: A History

19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
  1. The evolution of Internet connectivity, from slow 300 baud modems to fast fiber optics, has greatly improved over the past 40 years.
  2. Broadband access, initially a luxury, has become essential for everyday tasks like streaming, working, and entertainment.
  3. Modern reliance on wireless broadband for various services like news, music streaming, and even exercise equipment highlights the integral role of Internet connectivity in daily life.

Andy Jassy Blues

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
  1. Amazon may need a new leader at the top
  2. Jassy's background in cloud may not suit running Amazon's store
  3. Amazon could benefit from new leadership and a more public-facing approach

Positives of a Tech Recession

39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
  1. Tech recession can clear out excess and bring new opportunities for big ideas.
  2. Cloud infrastructure is undervalued now and owning data centers can be a valuable asset.
  3. Advancements in technology, like cheaper chips and open source software, offer new possibilities in industries like education and health.

The Trouble with E-Bikes

19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. E-Bikes can cause safety issues on shared pathways due to their speed compared to pedestrian traffic
  2. Strict speed limits and enforcement are necessary to prevent accidents involving E-Bikes
  3. There is a potential risk of accidents and casualties on pathways like the Beltline if safety measures are not implemented

The Coming Streaming Shakeout

19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
  1. In the world of streaming, big companies will dominate while smaller ones struggle
  2. Time is the limiting factor for audience consumption in a world of abundant content
  3. Relying on ads to compensate for competition is increasingly ineffective due to oversaturation

This AI Boom Will Bust

3 HN points • 14 Jun 23
  1. The AI investment boom is predicted to end as history shows booms have seeds of their own destruction.
  2. The technology advancements in AI will bring positive changes over time, similar to past tech evolutions.
  3. AI progress will continue past the boom and panic, leading to a brighter future driven by technology.

The Inflation of Huang’s Law

0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Computing Cloud Hardware Software
  1. Moore's Law makes technology cheaper and faster, but Huang's Law shows that AI hardware costs and requires more energy, making things more expensive overall.
  2. Current AI models, like Large Language Models (LLMs), can't truly think; they just pull information from existing data without understanding it.
  3. As the demand and costs for using AI grow, smaller LLMs that can actually help people may become more valuable and useful.