The hottest Communications Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Surprisingly Long Life of the Vacuum Tube

Construction Physics • 27350 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. Vacuum tubes were the foundational electronic devices before transistors, used to control electron flow for amplification and switching. They powered radios, TVs, telephone systems, and early computers and enabled things like displays, X-rays, and microwave sources.
  2. The vacuum tube was not a single gadget but a whole family of related devices — gas-discharge tubes, triodes, tetrodes, CRTs, magnetrons, klystrons, and more. Each type evolved on its own path and found different practical uses.
  3. Semiconductors replaced tubes in most everyday electronics, but many tube technologies remain essential for high-power, high-frequency, or specialized scientific work. Examples include magnetrons in microwaves, klystrons and gyrotrons in accelerators and fusion experiments, and vacuum X-ray tubes in imaging.

The World At Large Has Eyes

David Friedman’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 20 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. Electronic communications are often not truly private because copies persist and can be accessed or disclosed beyond the intended recipients.
  2. The risk of disclosure makes people—especially company employees—guarded in written correspondence, which can discourage frank warnings or candid discussion about legal or safety issues.
  3. Modern networks amplify harm: a single unpopular comment can be forwarded widely and trigger mass reputational damage or large crowds, far beyond what older technologies produced.

Institutional blind spots, 5 fascinating studies fresh of the press, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1065 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Communications
  1. Trust in government and institutions is fragile, and doing things the old way isn't enough. Institutions often miss what they don't know, so listening to people on the ground is essential.
  2. Good policy can fail if planners don't anticipate on-the-ground confusion — nothing changes if nothing changes. The corn masa flour folate fortification shows how well-intended rules can go sideways without prior listening and clear communication.
  3. Tracking new science and providing practical resources helps trusted messengers respond better. Recent studies (like therapies for damaged neurons and vaccines) and downloadable guides for clinicians and educators show the value of pairing evidence with usable tools.

"May I Meet You?" Is Not a Bad Pickup Line

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1325 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Communications
  1. Your appearance matters, but it's not as important as you might think. Just being well-groomed can make a big difference.
  2. People often focus too much on finding the perfect pickup line. The truth is, it’s the connection that really matters.
  3. Being genuine and confident will attract more interest than any clever line you could come up with. Just be yourself!

The signal and the noise

Comment is Freed • 94 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
📰 News Communications
  1. You can’t fix unclear strategy or a bad product just by improving communications; if leaders aren’t clear about what they want, better messaging won’t change outcomes.
  2. The media environment has fragmented so much that traditional channels no longer reliably deliver attention or credit for policies, and voters often don’t notice or associate actions with the government.
  3. Politicians need to rethink how they reach people instead of simply adding a few social posts to old tactics — new formats and strategies are required to cut through short attention spans and platform limits.
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Left in the dark

Comment is Freed • 99 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Communications
  1. Modern battlefield operations depend heavily on continuous connectivity—commanders use live feeds, target data, and smartphones to coordinate artillery, drones, and unit movements, so losing that connection can be catastrophic.
  2. Russia recently lost access to thousands of unauthorized Starlink terminals and suffered deliberate degradation of Telegram, disrupting troop communications and slowing information flow; those disruptions have already hindered Russian operations and opened opportunities for a Ukrainian counter-offensive.
  3. This episode is a real-world test of how a military adapts when cut off from internet-based systems, and it exposes weaknesses in Russia’s reliance on improvised, unofficial connectivity solutions.

How to write (winning) award submissions

Mehdeeka • 3 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
💼 Business Communications
  1. Give judges clear context and answer the question directly, assuming they don’t know your company or industry.
  2. Prove your claims with concrete evidence—use numbers, ROI, and customer quotes so impact is verifiable.
  3. Be concise and prepared: follow the entry criteria, keep past submissions, involve customers early, and only add attachments that truly add value.

Near-Field Technology - An Emerging RF Discipline

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. Near-field technology focuses on short-range wireless communication, which is useful for applications like NFC and RFID. This tech works well because lower frequencies can pass through obstacles and provide reliable connections.
  2. The near-field zone, where signals are stronger and behave differently than in far-field, is often overlooked. Understanding this area can improve antenna design and application.
  3. There is a growing demand for near-field applications in everyday uses like contactless payments and real-time location tracking. This presents new opportunities for innovation and development in the tech industry.

Friday Thread: What Are You Struggling With That No One Else Sees?

Culture Study • 1526 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Communications
  1. People often struggle with issues that they feel others can't see or understand. It's important to talk about these hidden struggles.
  2. Sharing personal challenges can create a supportive environment where others feel they aren’t alone. It’s a reminder that everyone has their own battles.
  3. Finding a community to discuss these feelings can bring comfort and connection. Opening up about what's tough can help lighten the load.

Twitter Files Extra: How the Files Could Help Incoming Investigators

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5607 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communications
  1. The documents from Twitter provide insight into how the government interacted with the platform. This includes details about the FBI's communications and its role in moderating content.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about government censorship and how agencies like the DOJ and CDC influenced Twitter's policies. Understanding this could help navigate future investigations.
  3. Numerous government agencies were involved in shaping Twitter's content moderation efforts. Investigators could find useful leads in the Twitter Files to explore these relationships further.

The 5 levels of communicating impact as an engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1285 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Communications
  1. When communicating your work as an engineer, it's important to go beyond just saying what you did. Focus on showing the impact and results of your actions.
  2. Use clear and specific numbers to explain how your work improved outcomes. This helps leadership understand the significance of your contributions.
  3. The best way to showcase your impact is to tie it to business goals and finances. If you can show how your work saves money or increases revenue, it makes your achievements even more valuable.

In PR or Marketing? Join me this week in SF

Startup Strategies • 128 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
💼 Business Communications
  1. There's a panel at the PR Summit in San Francisco on December 3–4 focused on capital, communications, and AI.
  2. You can get a free ticket using the promo code VKG9HE.
  3. Founders, investors, communications leaders, and PR professionals will attend to discuss the future of influence, making it a useful networking and learning opportunity.

The Verizon outage

My Home Office Hacks • 7 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. Phone outages still matter for business, but simple backups like voice assistants or a VoIP number can keep you working through long disruptions.
  2. Using a portable slant board or foot rest under your desk helps you sit up straighter, looks better on video calls, and supports lower‑body and lower‑back health.
  3. A short motivational reminder, such as reflecting on MLK’s “I have a dream,” can give your Monday a positive, focused tone for the week.

PROCOMM PLUS for Windows

Computer Ads from the Past • 1024 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. PROCOMM PLUS was a popular dial-up communications and terminal emulation software in the pre-World Wide Web era.
  2. Datastorm Technologies, Inc founded by Bruce Barkelew and Thomas Smith created PROCOMM PLUS.
  3. PROCOMM PLUS was known for its ease of use, compatibility with older systems, and reliable features according to reviews.

Spotlight: Harriet Brettle – Head of Market Analysis and Business Intelligence at ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications

Space Ambition • 239 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. You can switch careers to the space industry, even if your background is in finance or another field. It’s important to follow your passion and explore new opportunities.
  2. Joining space-related communities can help you build connections and gain valuable experience. Volunteering and participating in events are great ways to get started.
  3. Sustainability is key in the space industry, and it's vital to consider the environmental impact of space activities. Every industry needs to be more responsible and think about the future.

✅ The great social media migration

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 2 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. Many users are frustrated with X due to misinformation and toxic conversations, pushing them to consider other platforms. It's a tough decision since X has been important for news and networking.
  2. Some companies and professionals are staying quiet on X, making it hard to leave a platform that has been so integral to their work and connections.
  3. There's a growing interest in new platforms like Threads, which are trying to offer more decentralized and user-controlled social media experiences.

Jobs and Opps at KMTV, FullFact, The Post, GamesRadar, and Many, Many More 🌦️

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💼 Business Communications
  1. There are various job opportunities in journalism available, ranging from editorial assistants to staff writers to senior editors.
  2. Organizations like Journo Resources provide support and resources for those from marginalized backgrounds interested in journalism.
  3. It's essential to check different platforms for job listings, as there are many opportunities available across various sectors within journalism.

Everything You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Communications
  1. H5N1 bird flu is mutating quickly, which is concerning for public health. It's important to stay informed about its developments.
  2. The U.S. administration is not communicating openly about health updates, which could leave people in the dark during a health crisis.
  3. Historically, some diseases that started off appearing mild later became serious. We should be cautious and prepared for any changes in the bird flu situation.

✅ Five trends shaping the future of the corporate communications function

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
💼 Business Communications
  1. Organizations need to manage the overload of information so they can provide real value to their audience. It's important to focus on what really matters and make content that stands out.
  2. AI is changing how communications work, so leaders should learn about it and train their teams. Embracing AI can help improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  3. The workforce is shifting, and companies must adapt to these changes. This means rethinking hiring practices and engaging a diverse range of talents to meet future needs.

Check in

Disaffected Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🎙 Podcasts Communications
  1. The account on Twitter has been banned again without clear reasons, highlighting frustrations with the platform's rules.
  2. The host expresses a desire to grow the show and speaks openly about societal issues while also needing financial support.
  3. The host is seeking support from readers to become paid subscribers on Substack to help sustain the work they are doing.

Jobs and Opps at The Telegraph, FT Weekend Magazine, Space.com, The Wire, and Many, Many More 🛰️

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
💼 Business Communications
  1. Journalism industry facing significant redundancies affecting journalists across different outlets.
  2. Journo Resources offering support through workshops, free memberships, and specialized resources for journalists affected by redundancy.
  3. Various job opportunities in journalism available, including roles at The Telegraph, FT Weekend Magazine, Space.com, The Wire, and more.

Oxford Nanopore Firesides

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
💼 Business Communications
  1. The company's CFO led public conversations about technology and customer topics, speaking in a role I'd expect from a CEO.
  2. He came across as capable and handled the discussions well, even though some viewpoints may differ.
  3. More detailed notes and content are behind a paywall, but links to the fireside chats are provided for further listening.

Jobs and Opps at ITV, Journo Resources, Marie Claire UK, MyLondon, and Many, Many More 🐈‍⬛

Journo Resources - The Opportunities • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
💼 Business Communications
  1. Jobs and opportunities in journalism are available at various companies like ITV, Marie Claire UK, and MyLondon.
  2. Trusting your past self's decisions can lead to unexpected but rewarding experiences.
  3. Events and workshops offer valuable insights, such as breaking into higher-paying branded content work.

Deep dive: Claude's product marketing

Mehdeeka • 6 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
💼 Business Communications
  1. Claude's product marketing focuses heavily on their website with clear product information, but it sometimes misses a cohesive brand message. It’s important to showcase both product features and your brand personality in marketing materials.
  2. Social media strategies aren't well defined for Claude. Each platform should cater to a distinct audience, but currently, their content overlaps too much, which can confuse potential customers.
  3. Keeping core marketing materials updated with rapid product changes is tricky. It's crucial to have consistent messaging across all channels, especially when introducing new features or rebranding efforts.

How I got a USD 100/hour offer at 21[Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 99 implied HN points • 03 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. Getting a high-paying job offer involves building credibility in your field and mastering a craft.
  2. Networking through shared hobbies and interests can help create deeper, more meaningful connections.
  3. To make the most of your network, focus on being good at what you do, cultivating strong communication skills, and staying open to hidden opportunities.

✅ Monday briefing: Greenwashing, LinkedIn boom, Twitter affiliation tag, podcasting matures, pitching is a bitch, management function, comms tech trends, AI tool research, wellbeing in PR, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
💼 Business Communications
  1. Greenwashing is a big issue, where companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly. The UK will be checking how accurate these green claims really are.
  2. LinkedIn is becoming more popular as Twitter loses users. More people are engaging on LinkedIn, especially for job-related networking.
  3. The world of podcasting is stabilizing, with fewer new shows being launched. However, existing podcasts are still producing a lot of new episodes.

The Top Ten Books on British Politics

Comment is Freed • 82 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communications
  1. The list provides a variety of book recommendations on British politics, including biographies, histories, and memoirs.
  2. The books cover a wide range of topics from British political figures to the impact of policies on the welfare state.
  3. The post also highlights the importance of personal reflections and honesty in political diaries and memoirs to gain insights into politicians and civil servants.

☑️ Monday briefing: The role of professional communicators during the period of National Mourning

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communications
  1. During National Mourning, news cycles will focus on the event, making it hard to pitch other stories. People should be mindful of how their topics fit into the current news agenda.
  2. On social media, businesses should be sensitive and avoid using the situation for marketing. It’s important to monitor conversations and be respectful during this time.
  3. All types of media communication should reflect the significance of National Mourning, using appropriate symbols like black borders. Advertising may continue, but brands should think carefully about their messaging.

The Ill-Defined Space Spacecraft Market and Service Analysis, Pt. 1: 2024

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. The spacecraft market is heavily influenced by companies like Starlink, which dominates satellite deployments for internet services. This means many other operators struggle to stand out in the commercial market.
  2. In 2024, over half of the satellites deployed were aimed at providing commercial services. This shows a strong business interest in using satellites for various purposes.
  3. There are still many opportunities for growth in satellite services beyond just communications and optical sensors. New technologies and ideas can create more options in the market.

✅ Monday briefing: From Ukraine with love, comms response to Ukraine, support independent media, Russian sanctions, job support, climate misinformation, ECM survey, and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Communications
  1. Support for Ukraine is important, especially from the global PR community, as they defend their democracy against invasion.
  2. There are efforts to counter misinformation, with resources to help people identify propaganda and support independent media for true information.
  3. Businesses and organizations are taking action during the crisis by providing aid and adjusting their policies to be more inclusive.

Your Monday briefing: #1

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 29 Jun 20
💼 Business Communications
  1. The news industry is facing big changes, and understanding its future is challenging. Reports like the Reuters Institute Digital News Report highlight this complexity.
  2. Brands are shifting their focus and priorities, especially in response to current social issues and the COVID-19 crisis. Trust is becoming more important than ever.
  3. Professional messaging has surged during the lockdown, increasing by 120%. This shows how important communication has become in connecting people.

✅ Monday briefing #10: Rogue reviews, pimping on Pinterest, focus group tool, AI hype, planning what’s next, hiring collective, election manipulation, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 07 Sep 20
💼 Business Communications
  1. Amazon is investigating suspicious reviews after finding that many top contributors may have been manipulating feedback. This shows how fake reviews can impact how we trust products online.
  2. A new tool called Brandwatch Social Panel is changing how companies conduct research by focusing on public conversations instead of traditional focus groups. It might help businesses understand customer opinions better.
  3. Research shows emotional tweets get more reach because people share what makes them feel. This explains why wild or emotional posts spread fast on social media.

✅ Monday briefing: fake press release, new CIPR President, resting WaddsCon, GDPR consultation, influencer marketing code, behavioural science toolkit, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
💼 Business Communications
  1. A fake press release claimed that Walmart would accept cryptocurrency, causing a temporary boost in their stock price. This shows the importance of checking news sources before spreading information.
  2. Steven Shepperson-Smith has been named the new President of the CIPR for 2023. He has a lot of experience in corporate communications and has been involved with CIPR for many years.
  3. The UK government is consulting on changes to GDPR rules to simplify data sharing. This could help small businesses with compliance and make it easier to manage data.

Attention Ecology

Soaring Twenties • 2 HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Communications
  1. In the past, people had to carefully choose and condense information before sharing it, but with modern technology, we share vast amounts instantly without prior filtration.
  2. Today, we are bombarded with excessive information and have become indiscriminate in our sharing and consumption, prioritizing novelty over importance.
  3. Our current habits of constant information consumption resemble addiction, leading to information overload and a need to reevaluate our relationship with information for meaningful use.

The High Potential of Satellites

Splitting Infinity • 0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Communications
  1. The value of industry in orbit will be enormous, with falling launch prices enabling new possibilities for Earth in areas such as communications and ecosystem management.
  2. Satellites can revolutionize communications by providing fast, ubiquitous space internet and increasing the speed and accessibility of various applications like stock exchanges and online gaming.
  3. Satellites have great potential for enhancing security through the use of cryptography, as they offer secure platforms for encryption methods like quantum cryptography and relativistic cryptography.