The hottest Digital economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Origins S12 Epic Era is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 322 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Blockchain Virtual reality Digital economy Esports
  1. The Origins S12 Epic Era has started, where players can compete for a prize pool of 24,000 AXS. It's an exciting time to be part of the game.
  2. Collectible Axie holders can earn special rewards by finishing the Epic Era at a high rank. If they hold their collectible Axie for the entire time, they'll receive bonus chests.
  3. There's a new Axie check-in feature that helps players earn points for neat items like Runes and Crafting Materials. Collectible Axies give way more points, making them super useful!

Google Is Now the East India Company of the Internet

The Honest Broker • 38864 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Big Tech Digital economy Corporate ethics Monopoly power
  1. Google has become a powerful force in the digital world, much like the East India Company was for trade in the past. It controls key connections or 'links' that affect how users and businesses interact online.
  2. Just like the East India Company faced backlash for its ruthless business practices, Google is also experiencing growing resentment from users and governments who feel exploited and manipulated.
  3. The story of the East India Company's rise and fall serves as a warning for Google. Unchecked greed and ambition can lead to eventual downfall, and history shows that those who gain too much power often attract a pushback.

Have you published your 100 pieces of content?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Content creation Advertising Local news Digital economy
  1. Making 100 pieces of content is important for creators. Each piece helps them improve and grow their skills.
  2. Local news can succeed with unique content that people are willing to pay for. New models, like those used by Mill Media, are proving this strategy works.
  3. YouTube's rise in TV viewership is changing advertising dynamics. It's becoming a more attractive platform for brands, leading to more revenue for creators.

The Secret Behind Nubank and Mercado Libre’s Rise to Market Dominance

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 539 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Fintech E-commerce Emerging Markets Digital economy Innovation
  1. Nubank and Mercado Libre are successful because they used technological leapfrogging. This means they skipped older technology and went straight to using modern solutions, like mobile banking and digital payments.
  2. They took advantage of large numbers of people who had never used banking services before. By being mobile-friendly, they turned non-users into active customers quickly.
  3. Having low switching costs made it easy for users to adopt these new technologies. Since there were not many old systems to replace, people could easily try out and stick with these services.

We need to do something about AI now

Philosophy bear • 486 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Digital economy Data Privacy Machine Learning
  1. AI is rapidly advancing and could soon take over many jobs, which might lead to massive unemployment. We need to pay attention and prepare for these changes.
  2. There's a real fear that AI could create a huge gap between a rich elite and the rest of society. We shouldn't just accept this as a given; instead, we should work towards solutions.
  3. To protect our rights and livelihoods, we need to build movements that unite people concerned about AI's impact on jobs and society. It's important to act before it’s too late.
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Techno-Feudalist Time Theft

The Carousel • 89 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Rights Digital economy Product Design
  1. Many tech products force us to do extra work, making us feel like we're troubleshooting issues that should be the company's responsibility. This is done to cut costs for the companies and shift the burden onto consumers.
  2. Digital products can end up costing more and being more complicated than simpler, traditional options. For example, digital car keys can be expensive to replace and often need frequent reprogramming.
  3. The design of modern tech is often intentional to make us do more work for them, not less. Instead of providing convenience, tech can sometimes complicate our lives and steal our time.

Introducing the Axie Adoption Centre!

The Lunacian • 828 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Blockchain Digital economy
  1. The Axie Adoption Center is a new, easy way for new players to join Axie Infinity. They can get started by connecting a wallet, receiving axies, and completing missions to earn rewards.
  2. Players can refer friends to the Adoption Center and earn rewards like AXS for helping others get started. It's a great way to share the game and get something in return.
  3. There are cool contests and a raffle at the Adoption Center where players can win prizes. By completing missions or referring friends, they can earn tickets for a chance to win big.

The Best of 2024: 10 Articles That Shaped Our Thinking About the Future of Work

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 244 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💼 Business Workplace Technology AI Future of work Digital economy
  1. The traditional CV might become outdated as AI changes how candidates are matched with jobs. Instead, more creative and personalized profiles may take their place.
  2. Imagine a future where jobs aren't the focus anymore. Instead, people might find new ways to create value and purpose without the traditional job structure.
  3. AI will allow people to build their own digital workforce. This could change productivity and how we think about work by using AI to assist in tasks.

Axie Classic Competitive S6 is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 598 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Blockchain Online Communities Digital economy
  1. Axie Classic Competitive Season 6 is happening for four weeks, with lots of AXS rewards to earn for guilds and players. This is the last chance for guilds to get Placement Points before the next Guild War.
  2. New features like Axie Delegation and Level 2 Card Effects are now part of the game. Players can delegate their Axies or test 33 new card effects in the Cursed Coliseum.
  3. The Guild Point system has been updated to reduce player burnout. Now, only the highest points per player count, and a new guild chat feature allows for better communication among members.

Ragnarok Landverse is Coming to Ronin!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Industry Digital economy Virtual Worlds Blockchain
  1. Ragnarok Landverse is a new MMORPG coming to Ronin around Q1 2025. It's based on the classic Ragnarok Online and will offer players a fresh gaming experience.
  2. Players can pre-register for the game using their Ronin Wallet. This registration can lead to receiving rewards for participating in the launch.
  3. There is a partnership between Zentry, Maxion, and Gravity that will help build the Landverse ecosystem. This partnership will support a new gaming environment on Ronin.

American Sovereignty is Back

From the New World • 70 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulatory Policy Free speech International relations Digital economy
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is planning to work with Trump to resist European laws that he feels limit American tech companies. This shows a shift in power dynamics between the US and Europe regarding tech regulations.
  2. American tech companies have relied heavily on European markets but are pushing back against strict regulations like the GDPR and Digital Markets Act. They believe it's time for the US to take back control over its tech landscape.
  3. The competition in technology, particularly around AI, is now seen as a matter of national security. American companies want to innovate freely without foreign interference, which aligns with the values of freedom of speech and democracy.

Axie Adventure is LIVE in Homeland!

The Lunacian • 322 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Blockchain NFTs Digital economy Game Mechanics
  1. Axie Adventure is a new feature that lets players use their NFT Axies to fight in battles, putting more strategy into the game. Players can earn rewards by climbing the leaderboard.
  2. There are new mechanics like Adventure Fatigue and Combat Levels that affect how often Axies can be used in battles and how strong they can be, adding depth to player decisions.
  3. Players can earn AXP in battles and participate in special events for bonuses. Plus, there's a weekly leaderboard to reward the best players with items and upgrades.

We Already Solved Subscription Fatigue

Default Wisdom • 159 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Subscriptions Algorithms Content creation Digital economy
  1. Subscription models on social media can actually improve the user experience. They may create a better environment by encouraging more intentional use rather than endless scrolling.
  2. The problem isn’t subscriptions themselves, but the overwhelming number of individual subscriptions to small creators. Bundled options could make things simpler for users.
  3. Many people feel overwhelmed by how much they pay for subscriptions online. By making users think harder about what they subscribe to, it might lead to more careful choices.

AI, or, Shifty Epistemics and Shaky Ontologies

Deep Fix • 491 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Epistemology Ontology Digital economy Artificial General Intelligence
  1. AI technology can lead to a breakdown in how we know and understand information, potentially causing chaos and confusion.
  2. The use of AI in an era of eroding trust and extreme ideologies may worsen division and extremism in society.
  3. Concerns exist about the worldviews and intentions of individuals, especially men, behind AI technology, with fears of their impact on society and humanity.

The Meteoric Rise of Jar, Indian Fintech's Golden Child

Tigerfeathers! • 31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Fintech Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Market Trends Digital economy
  1. Jar is an Indian fintech that's growing rapidly by making digital gold available in very small amounts. This makes it easier for people to save and invest without needing a lot of money up front.
  2. The founders of Jar focus heavily on understanding their customers by listening to them directly, which helps them create products that meet real needs.
  3. India's love for gold is strong, and Jar taps into this by offering a familiar and trusted way for people to save and invest.

From Click to Boom: The Political Economy of E-Commerce in China (book excerpt)

Pekingnology • 26 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
💼 Business E-commerce Digital economy Political Economy
  1. China's e-commerce market grew rapidly even without strong laws and regulations in place. This shows that sometimes markets can develop in unexpected ways, relying on private platforms to fill the gap left by the government.
  2. The rise of online shopping has changed many aspects of life in China. It has led to a cashless society where even beggars use QR codes to receive donations, showing how deeply e-commerce has integrated into everyday life.
  3. China's unique approach of allowing e-commerce to flourish has led to innovative technologies like mobile payments and AI-driven logistics. This shows that government regulations can sometimes help or hurt the growth of industries.

Vertical Integration of Platforms and Product Prominence in Online Hotel Booking

Platform Papers • 79 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
💼 Business Platforms Recommendations Digital economy Regulations
  1. Digital platforms can influence consumer choices by steering them towards certain products and suppliers. This can raise concerns about biased recommendations and the impact on consumer interests.
  2. Regulations like the European Digital Markets Act aim to restrict the power of large online platforms, particularly concerning practices like self-preferencing.
  3. Studies suggest that vertically integrated meta-search platforms may prioritize affiliated sales channels, potentially affecting search quality and competition. Empirical analyses highlight the need for better data to understand these dynamics.

The Evolution of The Subscription Business Model

Ben’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
💼 Business Subscription Model Pricing Strategies Payment Systems Digital economy SaaS
  1. Subscriptions are becoming very common, with people using them for content, services, and even physical products. Companies now have to adapt their billing systems to cater to these modern pricing models.
  2. Mobile apps are a key part of daily life, and their reliance is increasing. Developers are using specialized tools to manage in-app purchases and subscriptions to streamline their processes.
  3. Decentralized finance (DeFi) is changing how subscriptions work by allowing real-time payments and creating new opportunities for businesses to manage cash flow effectively.

Jak Ritger: Digital Economy Models

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Digital economy Information Systems Social media Media Critique
  1. Digital producers are undervalued by platforms, so they must seek support outside the platform to sustain their work.
  2. Attention bubbles in viral stories offer opportunities for new narratives and community building at different stages of the story's cycle.
  3. Producers can create interdependent ecosystems by bridging silos, allowing for broader audience access and collaboration in the digital space.

ChatGPT’s Dark Mystery Revealed

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Digital economy Gadgets
  1. ChatGPT Pro costs $42 a month, which seems odd as it's an even number. Most prices are set to make them look more appealing, usually odd numbers.
  2. The reason for the price of $42 is linked to a science fiction book called 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
  3. In the book, 42 is humorously presented as the answer to the ultimate question of life, making the price choice fun and memorable.

In Defense of Obnoxious Influencers

Jon’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 May 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Youth Trends Digital economy Cultural criticism
  1. Many young people today aspire to be influencers, which may seem trivial compared to traditional careers, but it's a sign of changing times. They are learning to monetize their interests and create their own opportunities.
  2. Influencers can be seen as part of a new wave of digital entrepreneurship, allowing anyone to turn a hobby into a business with less barriers than before. This reflects a shift towards more freedom in how people choose to earn a living.
  3. Having more niches and diverse paths for success in society can lead to a more vibrant and stable community. Embracing this change could help empower more individuals to follow their passions and create value.

The Techno-Optimist Manifesto

Marc Andreessen Substack • 9 HN points • 16 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Innovation Digital economy Artificial Intelligence Energy
  1. Technology has been and continues to be a crucial driver of progress and advancement in human civilization.
  2. Techno-Optimists believe in the power of free markets and the importance of technological innovation in driving economic growth.
  3. Techno-Optimists embrace ambition, intelligence, and the pursuit of abundance through technology, rejecting stagnation and advocating for a future of adventure and exploration.

Big Data and the Entertainment Industry

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 04 Sep 16
💼 Business Entertainment Data Analytics Digital economy Book review Empirical Studies
  1. The book 'Streaming Sharing Stealing' by Mike Smith and Rahul Telang offers valuable lessons in the digital economy, particularly in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding and utilizing data properly.
  2. Entertainment executives often made critical errors due to not trusting data analytics for decision-making, relying instead on outdated assumptions and untested suppositions.
  3. Studies, like Sandra Barbosu's research, show that big data can provide valuable insights to industries like movie studios, helping them predict box office success and avoid producing movies that underperform.

Sec-UN Releases "Greater Bay Area Financial Security Journal”Volume 1

CyberSecurityMew • 0 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Fintech Digital economy Financial Institutions
  1. The Greater Bay Area in China's Pearl River Delta is a key hub for financial innovation and digital economic growth.
  2. Financial institutions are facing increasing cybersecurity challenges due to the growth of financial technology, requiring a focus on security during digital transformation.
  3. The 'Greater Bay Area Financial Security Journal' offers insights from cybersecurity practitioners to enhance protection and drive sustainable financial innovation in the industry.

Big tech Flocks to India's Thriving Digital Landscape

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Digital economy AI Development Tech regulation Global Markets Industry Trends
  1. Big tech companies are actively engaging with the Indian government to navigate regulations. They want to build a positive relationship while facing challenges.
  2. Leaders from companies like Google and Microsoft are impressed by India's focus on digital growth. They see great potential for economic development through technology.
  3. The Indian government's 'Digital India' vision is attracting global tech leaders, indicating a bright future for the country's digital landscape.

Historage Tech completed a tens of millions Series A round

CyberSecurityMew • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Data security Funding AI Data Governance Digital economy
  1. Historage Tech completed a Series A funding round worth tens of millions of RMB. This is their second round of funding this year after the April investment from Hefei Gaotou.
  2. Historage Tech innovatively combines data governance with data security through their Seastone Data Platform. They offer AI-driven data classification and categorization for enhanced security.
  3. The funding from Qi-An-Chuanfa Fund will help Historage Tech accelerate market expansion and continue developing their data platform, aligning with the future digital economy's focus on business-driven data governance.

AI for All: Why Governments Need to Build Their Own AI Models

Crypto Good • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Public Policy Social Impact Digital economy
  1. Governments should create their own AI models to better serve their people. This way, the AI can understand local cultures and languages.
  2. Having AI accessible to everyone can help people with practical advice, like farmers getting help with crops or families learning about healthcare.
  3. AI can transform knowledge into real opportunities for everyone, especially those who have been left out of the digital economy.

The Parasite Economy: An Upside for Creators

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💼 Business Digital economy Content creation Media industry Entrepreneurship Marketing Strategies
  1. The Parasite Economy consists of big companies that profit from the creativity of others without contributing anything themselves. This includes platforms like Google and TikTok that make money off content created by users.
  2. Even though many creators feel taken advantage of, they can still succeed by focusing on building an audience instead of relying on direct income from their work. Giving away valuable content helps in gaining visibility.
  3. Creators can find diverse revenue streams outside traditional methods, like speaking engagements and coaching, allowing them to thrive in the digital landscape.