The hottest Community Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

🎓 On cohort-based sociopolitical systems in East Africa

Obsidian Iceberg • 119 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Traditions Rituals Governance Community
  1. Age-sets are groups formed based on age, which help organize communities in East Africa. This system allows people to learn and gain experiences together as they transition through different life stages.
  2. Age-sets contribute to peace by preventing violent power shifts and promoting cooperation within communities. When people share experiences, they bond, which can help reduce conflict.
  3. In modern times, age-sets still influence leadership and governance in some regions. Leaders are chosen based on wisdom and experience rather than wealth, showing a different approach to community leadership.

That's a wrap!

atomic14 • 692 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Products Innovation Development Community
  1. The speaker has had a busy year filled with exciting projects, including working on small tech boards and experimenting with new materials.
  2. They recently launched the ESP32 Rainbow project, which is fully funded and aimed to be a product soon, with interesting development challenges along the way.
  3. The speaker thanks their supporters, including Patreons, and looks forward to sharing more content and projects in the new year.

Open Thread 365

Astral Codex Ten • 2890 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Community Discussion Social media Events
  1. You can participate in discussions on various topics in the open thread. Feel free to ask questions or share ideas.
  2. There is a remote job opportunity for contractors in AI-related fields with flexible hours. You can earn $100 per hour while helping measure performance between AI and humans.
  3. Additional comments and discussions are available on a range of topics including national IQ, political party systems, and cultural insights. It's a chance to learn from different perspectives.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 9152 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Life events Creativity Family Personal Growth Community
  1. Celebrating small joys can boost happiness, like watching nature unfold around you or enjoying simple meals with family.
  2. Connections with friends and family, whether through conversations or shared activities, are vital for a fulfilling life.
  3. Taking time for self-reflection and personal growth helps you appreciate the present and improves overall well-being.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Dispatch from a Clusterfuck

Situation Normal • 167 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Disaster Communication Community
  1. Social media can create confusion during disasters by spreading misinformation instead of clear communication. It's hard to find the truth when everyone is shouting different stories online.
  2. We have lost some human connection with news in the age of social media. Instead of personal calls, we often just get notifications and likes on platforms, making tough moments feel even more isolating.
  3. While social media has its downsides, there are still valuable resources like Watch Duty that provide real-time, accurate information during emergencies. Supporting such services can help communities stay safe.

A Merry Little Chrismukkah

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Tradition Community Identity Belief
  1. For the first time in many years, Hanukkah and Christmas are overlapping, creating a unique celebration called 'Chrismukkah.' This blending shows a connection between Jewish and Christian communities this year.
  2. People from different backgrounds gathered to share their faith and values, highlighting the importance of family and community. The spirit of togetherness felt stronger during challenging times.
  3. The current environment has changed how many view their identities, especially for those who were once in the majority. There's a new awareness of what it feels like to be part of a minority group.

‘It’s about changing minds. I want to make choosing bhangra ‘normal’ for everyone.’

NN Journal • 139 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Dance Tradition Community Fitness Wellbeing Inclusivity
  1. Bhangra is a fun and energetic dance from Punjab that is great exercise. It has traditional roots but now mixes with popular music and fitness classes.
  2. Everyone is welcome to join Bhangra classes, no matter their background or skill level. The focus is on inclusivity and making dance enjoyable for everyone.
  3. Dancing Bhangra can help improve mental health and build confidence. It's not just about physical activity; it also provides a break from everyday stress.

Solar Panels for Collapse, Are They Worth It? Here's an Honest Answer.

OK Doomer • 114 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Disaster Community Property
  1. Installing solar panels can be a smart move during power outages or natural disasters. They helped one family during a tornado, allowing them to stay in their home instead of facing a difficult situation.
  2. While solar panels can add value to a home and provide energy security, they also come with risks. It's important to consider whether they are truly worth the investment based on individual needs and local conditions.
  3. Finding scalable and adaptable solutions, rather than just relying on expensive setups, is key. Community support and cheaper options may be more beneficial in the long run.

Delivering the Equality Vote

The Status Kuo • 6348 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Equality Activism Election Community Legislation
  1. Supporting the Human Rights Campaign through donations can help fight for equality, specifically for trans youth and their families facing discrimination.
  2. Donating to HRC not only funds critical missions but also mobilizes equality voters in key battleground states for the upcoming presidential election.
  3. Taking concrete steps, like sending donations, can make a significant impact in pushing back against discriminatory policies and empowering marginalized communities.

Open Thread 364

Astral Codex Ten • 2615 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Social media Online Platforms Substack
  1. This is an open thread where you can talk about anything. Feel free to ask questions or share random thoughts.
  2. There are online communities like a subreddit and Discord where you can connect with others. These platforms help create a sense of community.
  3. Most of the content is free, but there's a small portion that requires a subscription. You can choose to support it if you enjoy the content.

I’m building a cooperative media ecosystem

The Novelleist • 2736 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Writing Collaboration Creativity Community
  1. The goal is to create a media platform owned by the writers, not big media companies. This helps ensure that stories and ideas come from creative individuals, fostering a better media environment.
  2. Instead of focusing on problems, the aim is to spark ideas and solutions for a better future together. This will include publishing various themes in print magazines and books, sharing profits fairly.
  3. The plan involves inviting other writers to collaborate on projects, learning from the process, and slowly building a community. It's about teamwork to make meaningful content and potentially inspire change.

Open Thread 357

Astral Codex Ten • 3510 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Community Rituals Discussion Events Social
  1. You can ask any questions and share thoughts in the open thread. It's a space for casual discussions.
  2. There will be meetups around the world for the community, including a big event in New York from December 13-16.
  3. Acknowledgment of a sad news about Nikolas Doucet, which reflects the importance of community support during tough times.

We Are Now 31,000 Strong, Happy Holidays!

The DisInformation Chronicle • 335 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Community Lifestyle Travel
  1. The holiday season in Spain lasts a long time, starting from Christmas Eve and going until January 6. It's a festive time filled with celebrations.
  2. There's a growing community supporting The DisInformation Chronicle, with subscriptions surpassing 31,000. This shows that many people find value in the content.
  3. Taking time to enjoy food, friends, and family during the holidays is important, especially for those who often work hard. It's a reminder to relax and appreciate life.

dating is hard... what are we going to do about it?

bookbear express • 214 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social Issues Lifestyle Dating Community
  1. Dating can be tough for many people, often due to past relationships and unrealistic expectations. It’s normal to feel lost when starting to date again after a long time.
  2. Many individuals find online dating to be overwhelming and sometimes frustrating. Real-life connections often feel more meaningful compared to chatting online.
  3. In-person matchmaking and events offer a refreshing alternative to dating apps. They create opportunities for genuine connections without the pressure of fast-paced digital interactions.

The Black Spatula Project

Am I Stronger Yet? • 564 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Science Research Programming Community
  1. A mistake in a scientific paper about black plastic utensils showed that math errors can change health implications. This finding led to a community initiative to check past papers for errors.
  2. The project aims to use AI to find mistakes in scientific papers, helping researchers ensure their work is accurate. This could lead to better practices in publishing and scientific research.
  3. Many ideas have emerged for improving how we check scientific work, such as creating tools to validate papers and verify information. The community is in the early stages of exploring these possibilities.

The Absurdity of Big Chess

Obvious Bicycle • 460 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Media Entertainment Community Trends
  1. Big Chess, the growing online community around chess, has a lot of content creators and viewers who often rely on computer analysis instead of understanding the game fully. Most casual players can't really grasp the complexity of grandmaster-level chess.
  2. There are huge skill gaps in chess; the difference between a regular player and a grandmaster is immense. Even the top grandmasters have skills that seem almost unreachable for average players.
  3. Despite knowing they don't fully understand what's happening, many people still enjoy watching top-level chess. They might appreciate the excitement, want to see great plays, or are simply drawn to the brilliance of the players.

what I learned this year about love and work

bookbear express • 588 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Personal Growth Relationships Creativity Writing Work-life balance
  1. Writing brings joy and a sense of fulfillment, and it's important to keep exploring what works best for you in this creative space.
  2. Building connections and helping others find love enriches life and can create a strong sense of community.
  3. Navigating conflicts in relationships gets easier with practice, and focusing on reducing tension can lead to more peaceful interactions.

Spend it all every time

Austin Kleon • 7593 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Media Creativity Community
  1. It's important to share all your good ideas right now and not hold back for later. You might find that more inspiration comes your way when you give your best work now.
  2. Writing should be approached with the mindset that each piece is your last chance. Don’t be afraid to put everything you have into it because new ideas will always come.
  3. Everything in life can inspire your work, so be open to stealing ideas from your experiences. This can lead to richer creativity and storytelling.

Collection Offers are LIVE on Ronin Market!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto NFTs Market Blockchain Trading Community
  1. You can now make a single offer for all NFTs in a collection on Ronin Market. This makes buying easier since you won't have to make separate offers for each NFT.
  2. Sellers will see more offers on their NFTs, which means it's easier to sell and get quick cash. It’s a win-win for both buyers and sellers.
  3. There's a special trading contest where using Collection Offers will earn you extra points until March 10th. So it's a great time to try it out and boost your score!

Street Smart

polymathematics • 159 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Community Applications
  1. Communal computing can connect people in a neighborhood by using technology in shared spaces. Imagine an app that helps you explore local history or find nearby restaurants right from your phone.
  2. AI could work for more than just individuals; it can help whole communities. For example, schools could have their own AI tutors to assist students together.
  3. There are cool projects like interactive tiles in neighborhoods that let people share information and connect with each other in real life, making technology feel more personal and community-focused.

Ronin Discord Rewards are Coming!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 49 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Web3 Community Gaming Rewards
  1. Ronin Discord is giving out rewards to the top 50 contributors. These members helped keep the community active and helpful.
  2. If you are one of the winners, make sure to share your Ronin Wallet address in the proper channel to receive your rewards.
  3. Everyone in the community can earn rewards just by participating in Discord. The most active members will receive $RON every month.

VFYW: A Surprising Place For Surfers

The Weekly Dish • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Travel Photography Community Events
  1. Surfers can be found in surprising places that aren't by the ocean. It's a reminder that passions can exist far from their usual locations.
  2. Many contributions from a community can highlight unique perspectives, especially through photography and insights during contests.
  3. Public art can be found in unexpected places, like airports, enhancing the travel experience and connecting communities.

Open Thread 353

Astral Codex Ten • 2821 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Events Social media Learning
  1. People are questioning the optimism around solar power's future, showing that not everyone agrees on its potential. This discussion is happening after a recent conference.
  2. There's a bootcamp for learning about quantitative trading happening soon, but it's not designed to make you rich or improve job prospects in that field. It's more for those who just want to learn out of interest.
  3. The host is planning to limit advertising for events unless they're really important. This is to keep things focused and avoid overwhelming everyone with promotions.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #105

Creative Destruction • 51 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Community Lifestyle Technology Economics
  1. The addiction economy isn't just about things like social media; it's about all the industries that thrive on craving and dependency, which shapes our capitalism.
  2. Experiencing job loss in today's world can make work feel less meaningful, leading to a broken trust between companies and employees. People focus more on just getting paid rather than finding fulfillment.
  3. Life can't be perfectly curated or optimized; real growth comes from the messy, awkward experiences we go through. Accepting this messiness can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling life.