Kartick’s Blog

Kartick's Blog explores a diverse range of subjects from personal development, technology trends, work culture in startups and corporates, to practical tips on productivity, managing finances, and technical updates. It often emphasizes self-improvement, efficient work practices, and the impact of technology on daily life and future prospects.

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The hottest Substack posts of Kartick’s Blog

And their main takeaways

An Ode to BYD

35 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Design Innovation Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics
  1. BYD cars have a really unique and stylish design. They stand out on the road and feel like they are from the future.
  2. Most car companies play it safe with their designs, which can make many cars look very similar. BYD took a chance and created a standout vehicle that works well.
  3. The shift to electric cars often favors new companies like BYD. Established brands struggle to adapt, which gives BYD a chance to grow and attract drivers looking for innovative options.

How to Coach People Effectively

17 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💼 Business Coaching Leadership Management Career development Communication
  1. Set clear expectations for coaching by charging a fee and giving homework. This helps find serious candidates and saves time.
  2. Listen actively to the person being coached and tailor your advice to their understanding. Use questions that guide them to their own conclusions.
  3. Keep conversations focused on one topic at a time and use visual aids to clarify points. This makes discussions more effective and organized.

Merit First, Diversity Second

35 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Inclusion Meritocracy Bias Workplace culture
  1. Merit should come first when hiring or building teams. If you focus only on diversity without considering skills, you may end up with less qualified candidates.
  2. It's important to recognize and address our own biases. We should judge people based on their abilities rather than their background.
  3. While diversity and inclusion efforts can be positive, they can also go too far and lead to unfair quotas. It's better to promote a merit-based system instead of rigid percentages.

Steve Jobs Has Fallen off My Pedestal

35 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Leadership Ethics Public Perception Influence
  1. Steve Jobs was seen as a hero, but his negative traits, like being manipulative, change that view. It's okay to admire someone's work but not their character.
  2. Elon Musk is also not a role model due to his unethical behavior and overconfidence. People often glorify individuals who don’t truly deserve it.
  3. We can learn useful lessons from anyone, even those with bad character. For example, effective leaders understand and connect with people's emotions.

Dream Exploration: A Train Ride in Sydney

17 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📚 Literature Narrative structure Imagery Personal Reflection Cultural Context
  1. Dreams can reflect real-life events. In this case, the person had interactions before dreaming about going to Sydney.
  2. In the dream, there was a struggle with finding a friend and uncertainty about where to go. This shows how dreams can mix our feelings of confusion and urgency.
  3. The dream ended with a realization of being caught between waking and dreaming. This highlights how sometimes we're aware of dreaming but feel stuck in the experience.
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Ather Rizta Electric Scooter: No Fun

17 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Electric Vehicles Product Reviews Automotive Innovation
  1. The Ather Rizta electric scooter has a low maximum speed of 80kph and slow acceleration, making it less enjoyable to ride compared to the Ather Apex.
  2. While it has some benefits like a smooth suspension and more storage space, it lacks features like a touchscreen and has rear drum brakes.
  3. Ather as a company offers modern features and updates, showing they are more innovative than older brands, but the Rizta model isn't fun enough to buy.

Interesting Themes from Dr. Strangelove

17 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Social Commentary Satire Technology Ethics
  1. Humans can be unpredictable, even in control of dangerous things like nuclear weapons. A perfect system can still fail if the people in charge are erratic.
  2. Blindly following orders in the military can lead to catastrophic mistakes. People often don't question what they're told, which can cause harm.
  3. Technology can't solve all moral problems. Just having advanced systems doesn't mean we can escape the heavy decisions about life and death.

Scalability Applies Beyond Tech

17 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software User Experience Public Services Health Interpersonal Skills
  1. Scalability isn't just for tech; it also applies to user experience. Good UX can cater to different user needs without confusion, like how WhatsApp offers various ways to communicate.
  2. Public services also need to be scalable for everyone, regardless of income. Services should meet diverse needs rather than just providing a one-size-fits-all solution.
  3. Even our personal traits, like politeness, should be scalable. It's important to adjust our behavior based on the situation and context, finding a balance between being too polite and too rude.

Where Anxiety Comes From

17 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety Self-help Personal Development Psychology
  1. Anxiety often stems from past experiences that left a mark on us. For instance, if you were in an accident, you might feel anxious in similar situations.
  2. We tend to feel anxious about things that could happen again in the future. If something bad happened before, knowing it could happen again makes us worried.
  3. Finally, anxiety can come from feeling unprepared to handle those situations if they arise again. When we believe we can't manage a problem, it adds to our anxiety.

Renault Kiger: The Best Car for 15 lakh

0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
  1. The Renault Kiger is considered a great car for the price of around 15 lakh, especially when compared to other options like the Nissan Magnite. It's important to check both cars before making a decision.
  2. Though the Kiger has many good features like ample legroom and a spacious boot, it lacks some advanced safety and tech features that are found in more expensive cars.
  3. For those willing to stretch their budget to 17 lakh, an electric vehicle like the M.G. Windsor could be a better long-term choice due to its modern benefits and eco-friendliness.

Toyota Fortuner: Buy Scorpio N Instead

0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automobiles Reviews Safety
  1. The Toyota Fortuner is a true SUV, but it costs over double the price of the Scorpio N, which offers similar features and capabilities.
  2. Both vehicles have the same seating and safety features, but the Fortuner doesn't provide enough comfort or modern design to justify its higher cost.
  3. Choosing the Scorpio N could save you money, allowing you to afford additional vehicles or upgrades while still getting a capable SUV.

Toyota Hycross / Invicto Review: Buy Carens Instead

0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
  1. The Toyota Hycross and Invicto are decent cars, but there are better options like the Carens if you need a 3-row vehicle. For other choices, consider M.G. Windsor or Tata Curvv EV.
  2. Between the Hycross and Invicto, the Hycross is the better pick as the Invicto lacks some features and has issues that make it less desirable.
  3. Comfort and space are notable issues in both cars, especially in the rear seats, making them less suitable for tall passengers or long trips.

Thar Roxx Review: Only for SUV Usage

0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automobiles Product Reviews Consumer behavior
  1. SUVs like the Thar Roxx are designed for off-road use and towing. If you don't plan to do those things, a crossover might be a better choice.
  2. The Roxx isn't as comfortable or smooth as other cars meant for city driving, like the Creta. It can be noisy and the ride isn't very smooth.
  3. If you're looking for an SUV, make sure it fits your needs. Buying one just for city use is like getting a TV for listening to music; a dedicated speaker will do better.

The M.G.Windsor Obsoletes Fossil Fuel-powered Clunkers

0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Innovation Consumer Technology Reviews
  1. The M.G. Windsor is a new electric vehicle that stands out for its great design and features. It's been said to offer a smoother driving experience than many other cars.
  2. While early technology can be rough and expensive, this car represents a significant improvement in electric vehicle technology, making it much more appealing than older options.
  3. Although the Windsor has limitations, like range and seat comfort, it is seen as a sign of how electric cars will get better and become more common in the future.

Ranking and Rating

0 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Finance Strategy Operations Management
  1. Ranking shows preferences clearly, like choosing cars in order of what you like most. It's straightforward for comparisons.
  2. Ratings provide more detailed info with scores, but they can sometimes lead to confusion or arguments over small differences.
  3. Information can be helpful, but too much can complicate things. Sometimes, a simple ranking is better to avoid overwhelm.

Mahindra 3XO: Cramped and Buggy

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics User Experience Digital features
  1. The Mahindra 3XO feels cramped and uncomfortable for passengers, with low seating and insufficient legroom. Options to adjust the seats don’t solve the problem, making it hard to find a comfortable position.
  2. The car has a lot of digital issues, like problems with Bluetooth and CarPlay that make it unreliable. It also lacks modern features such as USB-C ports in the front, which is disappointing.
  3. Although the car has some safety features and performs well in acceleration, the confusing naming for driving modes and overall buggy experience makes it hard to recommend.

M.G. Hector: A Worse Creta at a Higher Price

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics Digital features User Experience
  1. The M.G. Hector is expensive at 29 lakh but doesn't offer better value than the cheaper Creta and Seltos, which are priced at 26 lakh.
  2. It has some modern features like a 14-inch touchscreen and ventilated seats, but lacks certain practical aspects like good legroom and a USB-C port.
  3. Safety features are present, but the warning systems are confusing and could distract the driver, making it less user-friendly.

The Toyota Hyryder / Grand Vitara is actually a Mediocre Vitara

0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Reviews Digital features Safety User Experience
  1. The Toyota Hyryder and Grand Vitara have poor comfort and driving features compared to competitors like the Creta and Seltos. Many aspects like seat comfort and engine sound were disappointing.
  2. The car has some good features like various cameras and a remote AC start, but it lacks important safety features like side airbags and lane departure warning. This makes it feel incomplete for the price.
  3. Overall, both the Hyryder and Grand Vitara feel similar but offer limited benefits. Buyers may find better options in other cars for the same price.

SaaS costs are out of control

0 implied HN points • 14 May 23
💼 Business
  1. SaaS costs are escalating for both businesses and individuals, often not justified by the value provided.
  2. Pricing for SaaS apps should be fair and directly aligned with the value they offer, avoiding excessive charges.
  3. With increasing attention to SaaS costs, unsustainable pricing models are likely to lead many startups to failure.

How to record good audio

0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Hardware Quality
  1. Good audio quality is important for engaging content.
  2. Consider your physical environment when recording audio.
  3. Choose the right hardware and settings for optimal audio recording.

The Macbook Pro (Mini LED) is an excellent laptop

0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Laptops Performance
  1. The Macbook Pro with Mini LED screen displays HDR videos exceptionally well, with bright highlights and deep blacks, providing a realistic viewing experience.
  2. The 16:10.3 aspect ratio of the screen offers increased height, making the display feel spacious and immersive.
  3. The M1 Macbook Pro demonstrates superior responsiveness compared to Intel computers, opening apps instantly and setting a new standard in speed and performance.

4 Situations in Which to Buy a Mono Speaker

0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Audio Equipment Consumer Electronics Gadgets
  1. A mono speaker can be a good choice for portable Bluetooth speakers, as the stereo effect is often lost in that setup. You don’t need fancy stereo sound when you’re just on the go.
  2. For 360-degree speakers, you won't get a true stereo experience anyway, so using a mono speaker is perfectly fine. These speakers mix sound all around, making mono sound just as effective.
  3. Listening to spoken content, like podcasts, often doesn't require stereo sound. If you find a high-quality mono speaker, it might be better than a mediocre stereo option.

I Wish We Had US-style Minivans in India

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Automotive Lifestyle Travel Consumer Goods Comparison
  1. Indian MPVs are not the same as US minivans; they're just slightly bigger crossovers. US minivans are designed for comfort and space, while Indian options lack that refinement.
  2. US minivans offer lots of legroom and sliding doors for easy access, which makes them comfortable for tall people and easier for the elderly to use. Indian MPVs often don't have that same comfort level.
  3. Minivans in the US have more storage options and can carry large luggage, making them practical for families. Indian versions don’t provide the same versatility.

Maruti Wagon R: The Best Car for 9 Lakh

0 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Electronics Digital features User Experience Product Review
  1. The Maruti Wagon R is a great car for those on a budget of 9 lakhs. It balances space, comfort, and decent features, making it a solid choice.
  2. While the Wagon R has strengths like good visibility and spaciousness, it lacks some advanced features like climate control and has issues with engine noise and performance.
  3. The car offers a unique blend of practicality and affordability, although it may not be ideal for spirited driving. It's well-suited for everyday commuting.

Scorpio N: Only for SUV Usage

0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Gadgets Reviews Innovation Consumer Tech
  1. SUVs are built for specific purposes like going off-road or towing. If you don’t need to do those things, you might want a different type of vehicle.
  2. The Scorpio N has many features, but it can be uncomfortable, especially with poor legroom and noise while driving. It's not the best choice if you want a smooth ride.
  3. When comparing the Scorpio N to the Roxx, the Roxx offers better comfort and less body roll. If you want a better driving experience, the Roxx might be the better option.

How I Set up My Denon Receiver

0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics Configuration Networking
  1. Using a surge protector is important for your Denon receiver. It helps protect against power surges and keeps your setup safe.
  2. Ensure your TV is set to send PCM audio to the receiver for the best sound quality. This is especially important for apps like YouTube that might otherwise not play sound.
  3. To enjoy the best video quality, invest in a high-quality HDMI cable that supports 4K HDR and other features. A good cable can make a big difference in your viewing experience.

The Kia Carens Is the Best 3-row Vehicle

0 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Reviews Consumer Electronics Digital features Safety
  1. The Kia Carens is considered the best 3-row vehicle, especially for those needing extra space.
  2. It offers useful features like ventilated seats and a cooled cup-holder, but has some comfort issues like limited legroom in certain seats.
  3. If you don't require a 3-row vehicle, options like the Creta may provide more comfort and features, making them a better choice.

Competing on Price Vs Benefit

0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Consulting Pricing Product Management Sales
  1. Competing on price means attracting customers by offering the lowest cost. This often leads to a tough business environment where customers constantly look for cheaper options.
  2. Competing on benefit focuses on providing more value or quality to the customer, even if the price is higher. Customers are willing to pay more if they believe they will get better results or experiences.
  3. Most businesses don't only compete on price or benefit; they do both. They try to offer good value while also managing costs to appeal to customers.

Some Notes about Personal Improvement

0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Mental health Self-Improvement Lifestyle changes Wellness strategies
  1. It's okay to focus on one area of improvement at a time, depending on what feels right for you. Sometimes it's best to pause and add new things back gradually when you're ready.
  2. Instead of aiming for a specific result, focus on taking action. Set short deadlines to try new things, and don't worry if the outcome isn't perfect right away.
  3. Take small steps to push your comfort zone a little at a time. Smaller, consistent actions can lead to better results and less stress than trying to make huge leaps all at once.

Nexon EV 45 Review: Don't Buy

0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics Product Reviews Engineering
  1. The Nexon EV 45 has many flaws, making it hard to recommend. It's cramped and lacks good driving features, leading to a lack of confidence while driving.
  2. While the car drives smoothly and has modes for different driving styles, it has serious stability issues at high speeds and pulls to the left, which is dangerous.
  3. The digital features are lacking, with poorly located ports and unreliable tech like voice assistants. Additionally, the stereo and overall comfort can be improved significantly.

Mahindra XUV 700 Review: Cramped and Cheap

0 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Product Reviews Consumer Technology User Experience Digital features
  1. The Mahindra XUV 700 feels cramped and cheap, making it uncomfortable to drive. It's missing many features that are expected in this type of car.
  2. The interior has a lot of plastic and it lacks good quality finishes compared to other cars. It also doesn't offer some convenient features like auto wipers or a 360-degree camera.
  3. For better options, consider the Creta for a 2-row version or the Carens for a 3-row setup. They might be more comfortable and have better features.