The hottest Hobbies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Pourquoi l'art nul nous gêne ?

L'Atelier Galita • 99 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Hobbies Expression Leisure
  1. People often feel uncomfortable about art that isn't amazing because they worry about what others might think. It's okay to enjoy art just for fun, just like playing sports.
  2. Not all artists want to become professionals. Many create art simply for their own enjoyment and happiness.
  3. The experience of making art, even if it's not technically good, can be one of the best parts of life. Finding something creative you love can really enrich your life.

PCBs, ground planes, and you

lcamtuf’s thing • 7142 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics Circuit Design Hobbies
  1. Copper pours on PCBs help improve signal quality by providing better pathways for electrical currents. They make it easier for circuits to work well at high speeds.
  2. These copper areas also help reduce radio frequency interference to meet certain regulations. This is important for keeping devices running smoothly and within legal limits.
  3. While using copper pours can make PCB design easier, it's essential to be careful. Poorly executed layouts can create problems, especially in high-speed projects.

The Secret to a Hobby-Filled Life

Culture Study • 7579 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Hobbies Leisure Lifestyle Self-care Well-being
  1. Having a hobby is great for your mental health and helps you relax. It lets you take a break from work and feel restored.
  2. Starting a hobby as an adult can be tough and might feel forced at first. It's important to find something that feels natural and enjoyable for you.
  3. People often struggle with how to spend their free time between self-care and family obligations. It's okay to take time for yourself and explore hobbies without pressure.

The VW

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Cars Nostalgia Personal Stories Memories Hobbies
  1. Classic cars, like the VW Beetle, hold a special place in people’s hearts because of their nostalgic memories and unique charm.
  2. Even though buying a classic car might not make financial sense, the desire for one can be very strong, often driven by personal history and fond memories.
  3. Connecting with local car enthusiasts and repair experts can enhance the experience of owning a classic car, making it a fun and engaging hobby.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Summer (un)Schooling

Austin Kleon • 9052 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🚌 Education Unschooling Hobbies Outdoor activities Creative Expression
  1. Summer is a great time for unschooling, which means learning and having fun outside of traditional classrooms. It's a chance to explore and rest at the same time.
  2. Getting outside is important, whether it’s through walking, biking, or gardening. Nature can inspire and refresh you.
  3. Do what makes you happy, whether that's reading for fun, trying new hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s all about enjoying yourself and having a good time.

How to stay sane

Striking 13 • 3693 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Hobbies Stress management Well-being
  1. Having a hobby not related to politics can help you stay sane and prevent burnout by giving you a break from political anger and allowing you to focus on something you enjoy.
  2. Hobbies provide personal permission for relaxation and access to higher realms of pleasure by tricking the brain into feeling achievement and offering a sense of purpose.
  3. Engaging in a hobby allows you to enjoy the process of learning and perfecting skills with no external pressures, leading to a meaningful pursuit of pleasure and maintaining mental well-being.

The World's Most Dangerous Toy Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Toys Hobbies Childhood Nostalgia Play
  1. The Cox E-Z Flyer was a very exciting yet dangerous toy that required two people to operate safely. One person would start the plane while the other controlled it as it flew in circles.
  2. Many kids thought they could perform tricks with the plane, but this often led to crashes instead of successful flights. Ignoring safe practices usually resulted in broken planes and unhappy flyers.
  3. Although it was popular among hobbyists, the Cox E-Z Flyer was not made for kids and ended up causing more trouble than fun. It’s a reminder that some toys can be more dangerous than they seem.

Narrower, Deeper, Older

In My Tribe • 820 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Hobbies Leisure Tradition Generational Change
  1. Hobbies often become more complex and less accessible over time. What used to be easy and fun for beginners now requires a lot of skill and effort to enjoy.
  2. As hobbies evolve, they often attract a smaller, older group of dedicated participants. This means fewer younger people are getting involved and learning the basics.
  3. Many traditional hobbies are losing their casual appeal. Newer generations may find them too complicated and end up choosing different activities instead.

We Contain Multitudes

Seven Senses • 1218 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Hobbies Identity
  1. Pursuing hobbies is important for self-discovery and can reveal hidden talents and interests. It's a way to connect with ourselves beyond our work.
  2. Many of us fear exploring our diverse interests because we're worried about judgment or not fitting into a certain image. But embracing our contradictions can lead to growth and inspiration.
  3. Engaging in creative activities or hobbies can enhance our artistic expression and help us understand the world better, as seen in the lives of famous creators like Nabokov, Murakami, and Dickinson.

Leyla Kazim Is Choosing A Slower Life

Changing The Channel • 538 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Work-life balance Mental health Consumerism Hobbies
  1. Leyla Kazim focuses on living a slower, intentional, and joyful life, advocating for shedding consumerist social conditioning.
  2. There is a pervasive hustle and burnout culture in the UK and US, affecting people's well-being and pushing them into overwork.
  3. The pandemic has led many to re-evaluate their lives, with some realizing the importance of hobbies and the detrimental effects of tying identity solely to work.

What makes a card game great?

Matt’s Five Points • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎭️ Culture Games Hobbies Entertainment Strategy
  1. A great card game needs meaningful strategy. Players should be able to make decisions that can really affect the outcome, making the game more engaging and exciting.
  2. The game should be easy to learn and quick to set up. If new players can't grasp the rules in about ten minutes, they may lose interest before they even get to play.
  3. It’s important for the game to have little to no downtime. Everyone should stay involved and be able to play continuously to keep the fun going.

Lessons from Christmas Puzzles

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Hobbies Relationships Mindfulness Creativity
  1. Starting a new task requires laying a good foundation, like sorting puzzle pieces before building the picture. Once you get into it, things start fitting together more smoothly.
  2. It’s important to pause and appreciate your progress. Sometimes you need someone else to help you see how far you’ve come.
  3. When you're tired, take a break. You can solve problems much quicker when your mind is fresh, rather than pushing through fatigue.

Will we return to craftwork?

The Novelleist • 1183 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Hobbies
  1. Hobbies can turn into full-time jobs with platforms like Etsy making it possible.
  2. The distinction between work and hobby has blurred, with many finding fulfillment in turning craftwork into a source of income.
  3. There is a growing interest in returning to craftwork, blurring the lines between work and pleasure.

Adventures on two wheels

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Leisure Hobbies Health Art
  1. Biking can become an all-consuming passion. Once you start riding, you might just want to do it all the time.
  2. Cycling requires full attention. It's a great way to be in the moment and really connect with your surroundings.
  3. Riding a bike can boost your mood and mental health. If you're feeling down, a bike ride might be just what you need.

Pursuits that can’t scale

Working Theorys • 211 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entrepreneurship Personal Growth Creativity Self-reflection Hobbies
  1. Chasing things that scale may lead to burnout, and pursuing things that can't scale can be therapeutic.
  2. After achieving success in large-scale ventures, many people turn to pursuing activities that have clear limits, like hobbies or local businesses.
  3. Dreams of scaling often give way to the satisfaction of pursuing things at a smaller, more human scale, which can provide a sense of completion and fulfillment.

Vol. 1, Issue 28 - Pokémon Photography: A Game Boy Camera Project

Johto Times • 139 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Photography Video Games Art Hobbies Community
  1. Using a Game Boy Camera can be a fun way to explore photography, especially with themes like Pokémon. It inspires creativity even with its low-quality images.
  2. Adventure and trial-and-error are key to getting better photos with limited equipment. Finding the right lighting and settings can lead to surprising results.
  3. Joining communities like the Game Boy Camera Club helps share tips and get support from others who love this unique photography style.

Vol. 1, Issue 23 - How to spot fake Pokémon games

Johto Times • 139 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Collecting Hobbies Media Online Communities
  1. Know what real Pokémon games look like before you buy. Research and compare labels online to make sure you're getting the real deal.
  2. Pay attention to the quality of the game cartridge. Look for things like crisp print, correct colors, and legitimate logos to spot fakes easily.
  3. Always buy from trusted sellers and feel free to ask them questions. If something seems off or too cheap, it's better to walk away.

Vol. 1, Issue 47 - Interview with The Cave of Dragonflies

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Fan culture Online Communities Creative Writing Nostalgia Hobbies
  1. The Cave of Dragonflies is a long-standing Pokémon fan website created by Dragonfree in 2002. It offers a variety of content, including guides, reviews, and fanfiction, all inspired by her love for Pokémon.
  2. Dragonfree emphasizes the importance of community and personal enjoyment over popularity. She encourages others to create their own websites and pursue their passions, regardless of audience size.
  3. Over the years, Dragonfree has contributed significantly to understanding Pokémon game mechanics and inspired many to start their own fan sites and projects, showcasing the lasting impact of her work.

Vol. 1, Issue 2 - My Pokémon Collection - Part 1

Johto Times • 199 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Collectibles Entertainment Hobbies Nostalgia
  1. The author is excited to share personal items from their Pokémon collection, emphasizing their personal value rather than size.
  2. They have gained 50 subscribers since starting the Johto Times, feeling grateful and motivated by the support.
  3. Upcoming content will include interviews, fan memories, and a deep dive into their journey with the Pokémon franchise.

[EVENT] Receipt Printer meetup TOMORROW!! 🧾

vrk loves paper • 39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets DIY Projects Meetups Hobbies
  1. There is a Receipt Printer Meetup happening tomorrow in Brooklyn, NY, where people can learn about thermal printers. It's a casual event for those curious about printers, whether they know much about them or not.
  2. The meetup will feature a show-and-tell of various receipt printer projects, plus a chance to hang out with others who share this interest. Attendees can also see and try out different printers, including cat printers.
  3. Even though there won’t be snacks or drinks, it’s a fun, relaxed setting where people can connect. If anyone can't make it, there will be a recap in the next newsletter.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 20

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Creative Arts Hobbies Lifestyle
  1. You don't need to be an expert to be creative. Just having fun with your interests is what matters most.
  2. Creative activities can reduce stress and improve your mood. Doing something like doodling or cooking can be really beneficial.
  3. It's important to enjoy the process of being creative. Try not to worry about the end result; just focus on having a good time.

On the Properties of Great Card Games

Matt’s Five Points • 19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 11
🎭️ Culture Games Entertainment Social Interaction Leisure Hobbies
  1. Great card games need meaningful and complex strategies. The best games allow skilled players to win more often while still giving everyone a chance to have fun.
  2. Rule simplicity is crucial. If a game takes too long to learn, it's not likely to be played often, so the rules should be easy to understand quickly.
  3. Games should have low downtime and be scalable for different numbers of players. Everyone should be involved and able to play, and the game should work well whether you have three or seven players.

Simulating the World (Pt. 1)

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Board Games Hobbies Military
  1. The journey from wargaming to roleplaying games presented a shift in mental stimulation from traditional games like chess to games with more diverse options and scenarios.
  2. Wargames have a long history as a way to simulate combat without the real risks, offering strategic challenges and engaging gameplay experiences to enthusiasts.
  3. Personal anecdotes exemplify the intense and competitive nature of games like Warhammer 40K, showcasing the excitement and tension that arise during tabletop battles.

The Joy of Making Things

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Design Self-Expression Hobbies
  1. Making things can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. It allows us to express ourselves and see our ideas come to life.
  2. Having a personal project gives us a sense of ownership and purpose. It's important to explore our creativity through different kinds of projects.
  3. Constraining our ideas can help us focus and turn them into reality. Limits can actually encourage us to be more innovative and productive.