The hottest Digital Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

The Social Juice • 41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Trends Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.

Weekly Top Picks #91

The Algorithmic Bridge • 116 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Digital Media Data science
  1. Companies are figuring out how to price AI agents as they become more common. This is important because the cost will affect how businesses use AI technology.
  2. ChatGPT will soon allow users to input videos, which will make interactions even richer and more dynamic.
  3. OpenAI is releasing a new model called o1, which is better for math, coding, and science. It's more accurate and can handle different types of questions more efficiently.

Pssst! Medium Will Soon Have 1 Million Paying Members and More Insights You Need to Know

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 819 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing E-commerce Startups Demographics Digital Media
  1. Medium is gaining popularity with over 100 million readers and is about to hit 1 million paying members. This shows it has a strong audience for writers.
  2. The main age group using Medium is 25 to 34 years old, with more male users than female users. Understanding the audience can help writers connect better.
  3. Technology is the most popular topic on Medium, with lots of articles written about it. Writers should consider focusing on trending subjects to engage with readers.

The Enshittification of Everything

Polymathic Being • 104 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Digital Media Content creation Trust Issues
  1. AI is producing a lot of poor-quality content, leading to a decline in trust in places like academia and social media. It shows a need for better content verification.
  2. The current mess in digital spaces, called 'enshittification', has been happening for a long time, not just because of AI. People have been manipulating systems for profit for years.
  3. Despite the problems, AI can help us recognize and clean up the digital space by highlighting bad content. This might lead to a demand for better, more trustworthy human-created content.
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The revolution will be organized by group chat

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Digital Media Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Group chats are powerful tools for change, similar to historical meeting places like coffee houses and salons. They allow people to connect and organize around common interests in real-time.
  2. Group Chat Theory suggests that important movements today will likely be coordinated through digital communication rather than just in-person meetings. This means that social and political changes can happen quicker and on a larger scale.
  3. While group chats can promote positive causes, they're also used for bad purposes. It's important to recognize that the same tools for good can be misused for harmful activities.

Medium's New Earnings Calculation For Writers: Engage More to Earn More!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Online Platforms Content creation Digital Media
  1. Medium has changed how it calculates earnings for writers. Now, writers can earn more by increasing engagement with their readers.
  2. The new update is designed to encourage writers to produce more compelling content and connect better with their audience.
  3. Overall, these changes are beneficial for passionate online writers looking to grow their earnings and readership.

Under the microscope: Hang-On GP

Rings of Saturn • 14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Software Internet Hardware Digital Media
  1. Some hidden cheat codes for the game Hang-On GP have been discovered after almost 30 years. These codes can unlock special bikes and game modes.
  2. Players can now easily unlock all tracks and unlimited time in Time Trial mode with specific button sequences. This makes the game more fun and accessible.
  3. The cheat codes seem to have varied availability online, and some might still be missing from popular gaming sites. Players can share and help complete these lists.

Domain Warping, Inverse Kinematics, and Iterations

Generative Arts Collective • 79 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Coding Generative Art Visual art Digital Media
  1. Learning how to create art from scratch lets you put your unique style into the work. It's about understanding the tools and processes involved in making something new.
  2. Art can express deeper meanings, even if the creator isn't consciously aware of them. It's interesting to think about the reasons behind the choices made in any artistic creation.
  3. Technology keeps evolving, especially in creative fields. New tools and techniques allow artists to explore and produce things that were previously not possible.

Digital poets

Philosophy bear • 71 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature AI Poetry Digital Media
  1. People can't easily tell the difference between AI and human-made art. In fact, they often prefer the AI art, even if it’s not very good.
  2. AI can produce poetry that at least matches the level of a talented amateur. Some AI-generated haikus can even be quite nice.
  3. There's still a question about whether AI can create art that is truly great. It remains unclear how to measure what's undeniably good in art.

Why Longer (Content) Isn’t Always Better

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 739 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Marketing Content creation Communication Entrepreneurship Digital Media
  1. Short content can be more powerful than long content. It grabs attention quickly and gets straight to the point.
  2. Consistency in creating short content can build a strong following. Regular updates keep readers engaged and coming back for more.
  3. Longer content isn't always necessary to convey a message. Sometimes, less is more, and being concise can be more effective.

AI-generated slop is already clogging the arteries of the web

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 823 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Tech Platforms Content creation Digital Media Media industry
  1. Many worry about AI-generated content replicating and stealing audiences, but the impact on publishers is still largely hypothetical.
  2. AI is already degrading the user experience of the web, causing harm and making content resources useless.
  3. Platforms like Amazon, Google News, and ad tech are flooded with AI-generated content, harming users and eroding trust in the information served.

How to Create Your Own Stunning Ebook Effortlessly With Canva

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🪑 Design Graphic design Digital Media eBooks Creativity User Experience
  1. You can easily create an eBook without being a graphic design expert. Canva provides user-friendly tools to help you design stunning eBooks.
  2. There are many resources available that guide you through the eBook creation process. This makes it approachable for anyone, even beginners.
  3. Offering free eBooks can be a great way to share your knowledge and connect with others. It’s a good strategy to engage your audience.

Enough Pentelic marble

Internal exile • 29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Philosophy Digital Media Cultural heritage
  1. The Elgin marbles were taken from Greece and are now in the British Museum, leading to disputes over their rightful ownership. Greece wants them back and is exploring ways to create exact copies using new technology.
  2. 3D scans of the marbles can help make copies that look just like the originals, but these copies would not have the same history or 'aura' as the original pieces, raising questions about what we truly value in art.
  3. Creating replicas could change how we view historical objects, as flawless copies may make us forget the unique stories and imperfections of the originals, which often carry deep significance.

🎁 Special Holiday Surprise 🎁

Generative Arts Collective • 39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Generative Art Creative Coding Visual Arts Digital Media Art Community
  1. There is a special surprise for paid subscribers who support the newsletter. It's a small thank you gift to show appreciation.
  2. Subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives. This allows new readers to explore past content without commitment.
  3. Generative arts and creative coding are the main themes of the newsletter. These topics encourage creativity and innovation in art and technology.

Digital Gardens as a Service

Aliveness Studies • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media Content creation Online Platforms Knowledge Management Intellectual Property
  1. Intellectual labor online is not rewarded well right now. People like Gwern Branwen, who provide deep insights, often struggle to earn a decent income.
  2. Current platforms favor quick, flashy content over thoughtful, long-term ideas. A new platform is needed that supports ongoing intellectual work and gradual idea development.
  3. The ideal solution would be a user-friendly platform that enables writers to create, share, and monetize evolving essays without the hassle of technical challenges. This could help cultivate more in-depth thinkers.

the end of the internet is nigh?

Tiny Empires • 49 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media Community Building Content Strategy User engagement
  1. The internet is getting crowded with spammy content from bots and AI, making real conversations harder to find. It's important to focus on creating genuine and trusted online communities.
  2. Brands need to shift their strategies from chasing algorithms to building direct connections with their audience. This means prioritizing quality content and engaging personally with customers.
  3. Future success lies in balancing technology and human interaction. Startups should aim to create authentic spaces where people can connect, despite the overwhelming digital noise.

On Technological Change: 3 Learnings.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 44 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media AI Innovation Business Models Communication
  1. Technology changes things fast, and businesses need to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. It's important to rethink your business model with each new technology that comes along.
  2. Using technology shouldn't just be about making things faster or cheaper. It can also give you a chance to completely change how you do business and compete with others.
  3. Having talented people is key. Technology alone won't make you stand out; it's the skills and creativity of the people using it that truly make a difference.

A gift guide for your internet friends

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing E-commerce Productivity Digital Media
  1. Consider giving gifts that support big-picture thinkers and business owners. These gifts can offer new perspectives and help them grow.
  2. Look for gifts that inspire creators, such as courses and tools that help them express their ideas and build their projects.
  3. Gift tools that assist planners and dreamers in organizing their thoughts and achieving their goals for the upcoming year.

Top 10 UX Videos of 2024

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 11 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology User Experience AI Tools Video Production Digital Media
  1. In 2024, AI video creation really improved a lot. By the end of the year, the videos looked and sounded much better than the videos made earlier, almost like real productions.
  2. Some popular videos were made with AI tools and others were shot with real people. This mix made for interesting content, showing how both methods can be effective.
  3. Advancements in AI also allowed for podcasts and videos to be translated into multiple languages, making it easier to reach audiences around the world.

What happened in Marketing: Instagram is better, OpenAI slows down and TikTok isn’t backing down

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media E-commerce Digital Media
  1. Meta is reducing ad subscription prices in the EU and using less data to show ads. This shows their effort to address user privacy.
  2. YouTube is launching a new way for creators to earn money with a feature called Jewels. This can help creators make more from their content.
  3. TikTok is expanding its tools for creators with an AI video generator. This will make it easier for users to create engaging videos.

Why It's Smart to Write on Medium in 2023

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 419 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
💼 Business Writing Platforms Freelancing Digital Media Content creation
  1. Writing on Medium can help you get exposure and build an audience, even if the pay isn't great. It's a good place to test your writing and try different topics.
  2. You get paid based on how much time readers spend on your stories, which means engagement is key for earnings. Even if the money is small, you can get paid quickly.
  3. Medium offers you creative freedom and flexibility to write on your own schedule. You can connect with others and even grow your reputation as a writer.

How AI generates images, visually explained 🎨

Year 2049 • 4 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Digital Media Data science
  1. AI creates images using a process called diffusion. This means it starts with random noise and turns it into a clear image step by step.
  2. Understanding how AI generates images helps demystify some of the technology behind AI and art. It's cool to see how computers can make creative expressions!
  3. Learning about AI can open up more conversations about its impact on our everyday lives and the future of creativity. It's important to think about both the benefits and challenges.

Writing With Your Second Brain

Adjacent Possible • 174 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Writing AI Software Tools Research Digital Media
  1. Deep dive conversations about craft in writing and research are now more accessible through platforms like podcasts and YouTube.
  2. Software tools like NotebookLM and techniques shared by authors like Tiago Forte can revolutionize the way we organize research material and notes.
  3. Integration of tools like ReadWise's 'Export to Docs' feature can enhance the ability to work with research material and create a 'second brain' for storing important ideas.

The new anachronism

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI User Experience Applications Digital Media Innovation Future Trends
  1. Technology changes fast, and things we think are normal now might seem really strange to future generations. For example, the idea of using rotary phones or only having a few TV channels is hard for young people to imagine.
  2. Apps and documents may seem outdated soon. In the future, instead of using fixed apps or linear documents, we might have AI that creates personalized experiences and lets us interact in more flexible ways, like having conversations.
  3. As technology evolves, we will have more control over our digital experiences. Just like how TV shifted from networks to streaming, the way we create and share digital content will also change, making it easier and more accessible for everyone.

The Catastrophe of Shiny Objects: Boredom, Attention, and Creativity

Mind Prison • 13 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media Attention Economy AI Impact User Behavior Creativity
  1. Technology keeps us entertained but can limit our creativity. Constant stimulation from devices can make it hard for us to think deeply or come up with new ideas.
  2. Boredom is a key part of our thinking process. It helps our brains reset and can lead us to explore new ideas and solutions if we let it.
  3. Ignoring boredom by filling our time with distractions can hurt our ability to develop skills. If we always seek instant entertainment, we miss chances for growth and creativity.

UX Roundup: Cookie Banners Waste Time | Building AI Infrastructure | Bigger AI Training Clusters | AI Avatar Keynote Summary

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 11 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🕹 Technology User Experience E-commerce Digital Media Data Privacy
  1. Cookie consent banners waste a huge amount of time for users, costing billions in productivity. Most people ignore them or find them useless.
  2. NVIDIA's approach to building AI infrastructure allows for significantly faster performance improvements compared to traditional methods, promising exciting advancements in AI capabilities.
  3. Virtual try-on technology is becoming more accessible, allowing users to see how clothes look on them without needing a photoshoot, which can change the shopping experience.

Vol. 2, Issue 22 - Interview with The Pokémon Tower

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🎭️ Culture Fan culture Digital Media Creative Writing Nostalgia Community
  1. The Pokémon Tower is one of the longest-running fan sites, starting in 1998 and hosting a ton of fan works like stories and art. It's a special place for fans to share their creativity.
  2. The site has a friendly approach to submissions, allowing almost all content as long as it doesn't contain inappropriate material. This openness helped create a big community of contributors.
  3. Even though the site isn't updated anymore, the owner still pays for hosting because he wants to keep the site's history alive for fans. He believes it's important to preserve the creativity that was shared there.

Brands, Ads, and the Persuadable You

From the Desk • 9 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Advertising Branding Marketing Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Not all ads are great, but repetition can make a brand stick in your mind. Some ads just need to inform rather than entertain.
  2. Good brands connect emotionally with their audience. They aim to show that using their products can help you feel like a better version of yourself.
  3. Positioning is key for brands. They need to clearly show who their products are for, helping certain shoppers feel more drawn to them.

The Handmade Internet

The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. • 9 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Internet Digital Media Content creation
  1. People are starting to care more about whether the content they consume online is made by humans or AI. This is similar to how we value handmade crafts for their quality.
  2. As AI tools become more popular, many creatives worry that handmade digital work will fade away. However, some believe there should still be a space for people who create things by hand online.
  3. Finding a balance between using AI tools and keeping the human touch in our digital creations is important. Some things will always feel better when they are made by real people.

Substack Creator Studio FAQ

Substack • 57 implied HN points • 07 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Digital Media Content creation Social media Subscription services
  1. Substack Creator Studio helps video creators build subscription communities. It connects creators directly with their fans and helps them grow their presence.
  2. Selected creators get expert advice, media exposure, and personalized support to ensure their success. It's a great chance for them to showcase their content.
  3. Only U.S.-based creators can apply, and there's an emphasis on engaging with subscribers through the Substack platform. It's important for creators to make Substack their main base for content.

Vol. 1, Issue 37 - Pokémon games as a service is bad news

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Video Games Digital Media Consumer Rights Entertainment
  1. Making Pokémon games available through a service like Nintendo Switch Online can limit players' control over what they can play. If the service ends or costs increase, access to these games could disappear.
  2. Unlike owning a game outright, subscribing to a service means you only have access while paying. This can feel risky when it comes to classic games that many fans have loved for years.
  3. Nintendo has a history of not making games available across its different consoles. Many older Pokémon titles are hard to access now, making it frustrating for fans who want to play their favorites.

Speak No Evil

Kneeling Bus • 244 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Internet AI Digital Media SEO Algorithm
  1. Internet platforms are becoming visually chaotic and cluttered with junk, impacting user experience.
  2. The messy aesthetics of the internet reveal a shift towards desperate monetization strategies.
  3. AI may help clean up the internet's clutter by automating processes and reducing visual chaos.

4 Reasons Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Create A Substack Newsletter

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Writing
  1. Email newsletters can give a great return on investment, making it a smart tool for marketing. For every dollar spent, you can expect to make about $44.
  2. Your email list gets more valuable over time, helping you connect with your audience better. It's a way to build a real relationship, unlike social media interactions.
  3. Having your own newsletter means you own your audience and can reach them anytime, no matter what happens to other platforms like Medium or Twitter.

VenezolanosPodcast.com

Juan David’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History Podcasting Digital Media Storytelling
  1. A new website called VenezolanosPodcast.com helps people find and learn about the history of Venezuela through a popular podcast. It's designed to make accessing episodes easy for everyone.
  2. Understanding history is important because it helps us learn from the past and build a better future for Venezuela. The more we know about where we come from, the better we can shape our tomorrow.
  3. The creator of the site aims to inspire a community to engage with Venezuelan history and support each other in understanding their roots. This passion can drive positive change for the country.