Read Max

Read Max explores the evolving landscape of internet culture, digital media, technological optimism, and fringe politics through analytical commentary on current events, movies, and social trends. It critiques major platforms, examines the impact of technology on society, and delves into speculative futures, offering perspectives on culture and technology's intersection.

Internet Culture Digital Media Trends Technology and Society Pop Culture Commentary Platform Critique Speculative Futures Political Commentary Media Criticism

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

My statement on the situation at Harvard: I simply do not care very much about Harvard

4528 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. The author doesn't care much about Harvard and is uninterested in news or events related to the institution.
  2. The author acknowledges their privilege in being able to live a fulfilling life without the need to think or form opinions about Harvard.
  3. The author is unapologetic about their lack of interest in Harvard or Yale, and emphasizes their focus on other topics.

A housekeeping note about Substack and Nazis

3350 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content Moderation Network Effects Free speech
  1. Controversy around Nazis on Substack led to some writers considering leaving, but network effects and practical reasons keep others on the platform.
  2. Substack's decision not to moderate content like Nazi blogs sparked debates over content guidelines and platform responsibilities.
  3. Subscription newsletters on platforms like Substack offer a sense of independence for writers, but also come with challenges and complexities.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The coming pro-smoking discourse

3011 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Discourse Trends Social media Subcultures Influencers
  1. There's a prediction that a pro-smoking discourse backed by socio-political identities is gaining momentum.
  2. Historically, contrarian arguments in favor of smoking have existed but are now potentially resurfacing in various circles.
  3. The potential pro-smoking coalition includes The Intellectual Dark Web, cool downtown art and scene kids, and 'trad' health and lifestyle influencers.

Notes toward a theory of the millennial ambition psycho

2762 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Candidates Political Ideologies Political Campaigns Political strategy
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy is a millennial political candidate with a unique and somewhat controversial platform.
  2. Millennial ambition psychos are ambitious, high-achieving individuals with polarizing qualities, often found in influential positions.
  3. Not all millennial politicians fit the mold of millennial ambition psychos, with some like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez having different career paths and viewpoints.

The internet is for 12-year-olds

2535 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation YouTube Internet culture Online Platforms
  1. Many content creators online are pressured to create content aimed at 12-year-olds due to the large number in the audience.
  2. Internet platforms lack adult mediation between young viewers and content creators, leading to a focus on adolescent content.
  3. Successful creators may reintroduce wholesome content into the online sphere, standing out in a sea of material targeting younger audiences.

Overthinking Elon Musk

2377 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Social media Tech Ethics Business Strategies Digital Advertising
  1. Elon Musk may be making decisions for Twitter based on private-equity strategies to grow revenue and margins quickly.
  2. Product changes on Twitter, like removing headlines, may be aimed at increasing metrics to attract advertisers rather than harming journalism intentionally.
  3. Many negative changes on Twitter may be due to structural power dynamics and financial pressures rather than Elon Musk's personal ideology.

Why I'm on strike

2150 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Entertainment industry Artificial Intelligence Media industry
  1. The author is on strike from their writing work due to concerns about changing compensation structures and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
  2. The strike aims to protect writers from exploitation by studios and streaming platforms, ensuring fair compensation and job stability.
  3. The Writers Guild of America is specifically addressing the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the writing profession during the negotiations.

What is it with David Brooks and restaurants?

2082 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink
  1. David Brooks often uses restaurants to delve into social and economic divides
  2. Brooks' restaurant theories reveal his unique view on class distinctions in America
  3. Brooks' observations about restaurants can sometimes miss the mark, but offer insights into his perspective on society

The anti-woke hero's journey

2082 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Current Events Media Folklore
  1. Some high-profile individuals like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have transitioned from generic liberalism to becoming prominent anti-woke figures.
  2. Both Ackman and Musk utilize their media presence and attention for their political campaigns, believing it symbolizes genuine power.
  3. Ackman and Musk approach their anti-woke campaigns with a logic similar to their investment strategies, showing a strong attachment to Twitter as a platform for discourse.

Checking in on Twitter

1879 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Social media Tech industry Competitors
  1. The state of Twitter following Elon Musk's acquisition is still uncertain, with questions about website functionality, business sustainability, and user engagement remaining unanswered.
  2. Although Musk announced plans to eliminate the block function on Twitter, it seems like a questionable idea that may not actually materialize.
  3. Changes in Twitter's culture have been observed, with a shift towards tech industry influencers, impacting the dynamics of stories and discussions on the platform.

Is there a 'Godzilla' of 9/11?

1539 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Middle East
  1. The idea of a 'Godzilla' of 9/11 movies is explored through a taxonomy of movie categories
  2. Movies specifically about 9/11 or its aftermath may not necessarily capture the essence of a 'Godzilla' 9/11 movie
  3. Movies about the Global War on Terror may offer better candidates for 'Godzilla' 9/11 movies

Massachusetts Chevy dealership's A.I. chatbot predicts Chiefs to win and also Niners to win

1064 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Chatbot Sports Business Automotive
  1. A Chevy dealership's A.I. chatbot predicted both the Chiefs and Niners to win the Super Bowl.
  2. The chatbot's analysis included inaccuracies like thinking Brock Purdy still plays for Iowa State and Jimmy Garoppolo is still with the Niners.
  3. Despite limitations, Quirk Chevrolet's chatbot predicted the Chiefs to win 31-27 in one conversation.

Is there a 'Godzilla' of 9/11? Part Two

996 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Superheroes Cinema
  1. The categories of '9/11 movies' include literal 9/11 movies, alien invasion movies, superhero movies, and '90s movies that relate to 9/11.
  2. Movies like 'War of the Worlds' and 'Cloverfield' are strong candidates for representing the 9/11 experience through alien invasion stand-ins.
  3. Superhero movies, like those from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have deeply incorporated themes related to 9/11 and its aftermath.

Four unpersuasive arguments against TikTok

973 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Media Analysis Entertainment Books Content creation
  1. There are four unpersuasive arguments for banning TikTok, including concerns about Chinese manipulation, user data security, trade war retaliation, and societal impact not related to China.
  2. MrBeast's transparency with his audience about YouTube business models and growth strategies sets a new standard for authenticity in online content creation.
  3. The future of YouTube and media content creation may shift towards authenticity and relatability, reminiscent of TikTok's success, moving away from the professionalized approach of current YouTube stars like MrBeast.

Anxieties about kids and screen time, train vs. submarine movies, crime-novel recommendations, and other questions

928 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Tech Parenting
  1. The writer discusses concerns about raising kids with technology, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and modeling healthy behaviors.
  2. Submarine movies and train movies are compared, with a humorous take on cinematic transportation in films.
  3. The intersection of AI, writing, and labor is explored, emphasizing the social aspect of writing and the potential impacts of AI on the craft.

What I'm reading about Gaza

905 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Gaza Israel
  1. The post discusses articles and essays about Gaza and Israel
  2. The focus is on providing recommendations for cultural consumption related to the topic
  3. Subscribers get access to exclusive content and merchandise

Why I cover A.I. the way I do, good obscure action movies, and other questions from readers

747 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Movies Web Social media Internet culture
  1. Media coverage decisions are driven by various factors like newsworthiness, commercial concerns, and career advancement.
  2. Authentic relationships between humans and bots in the future are uncertain but can be influenced by societal perceptions and control.
  3. Exploring lesser-known direct-to-video action movies and foreign films can provide new excitement for fans of the genre.

A strange, hilarious cyberpunk docu-fiction masterpiece; a novel about art, finance, and a gnome; and a holiday-music request to Read Max readers

407 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books Movies Music Recommendations Merchandise
  1. The post features a cyberpunk docu-fiction masterpiece and a novel about art, finance, and a gnome.
  2. There is a special holiday music request from a radio host for rare gem holiday songs.
  3. Read Max offers recommendations like good movies and books for subscribers.