The hottest Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Warm Holiday Greetings from The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The author feels a strong connection to their work and has embraced writing authentically without worrying about others' opinions. This has helped them tap into deep creative ideas.
  2. In 2024, the publication grew significantly and became more like a magazine, bringing on staff and accepting guest pieces. This has created a sense of community among younger writers.
  3. The author hopes to increase paid subscriptions to support future projects and plans for 2025. They welcome all kinds of support, whether it's through subscriptions or simply sharing their work with others.

Vol. 2, Issue 24 - Interview with We All Live In A Pokémon World

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The website 'We All Live In A Pokémon World...' defended Pokémon from unfair rumors and misconceptions, emphasizing the positive themes of friendship and kindness in the franchise.
  2. Pokémon has grown significantly over the years, with new generations creating a sense of community among fans who share their love for the franchise with their families.
  3. Despite facing various issues and criticisms, the Pokémon brand has maintained its popularity by focusing on the joy and connection it brings to fans worldwide.

Trashy mementos

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 29 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A trashy memento journal is a fun way to keep little things that you might not want to throw away. It helps capture special but not overly significant memories.
  2. Two book recommendations include one about autism that offers a fresh perspective and another by an author known for her creative storytelling.
  3. Playing chess can be great for quality time and learning. A clever chess book design can also make the learning process more engaging and fun.

Attention is All You Need

Never Met a Science • 238 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading and writing are unique technologies that shape our society and culture. They are essential for navigating our world, but today's youth feel less need for traditional long-form literacy.
  2. Media technology changes how we think and communicate. With the rise of short-form media, like social media and videos, our attention spans shrink, and we become more like simple response machines.
  3. As technology evolves, it's hard to tell if these changes are good or bad for us. What's certain is that new media shapes our cognition and social culture in unexpected ways.

The age of the sovereign creator

Substack • 1289 implied HN points • 23 May 24
💼 Business Media
  1. The rise of independent creators is changing how we think about online content. Unlike before, creators can now build direct relationships with their audiences and earn money without relying on advertising.
  2. Aggregation theory explains how big platforms control the flow of information and can limit creators. However, new models like Substack empower creators by giving them ownership of their content and audience.
  3. The future will likely see more creators moving away from traditional platforms. They'll use these big platforms for exposure while focusing on their own channels, where they can maintain control and earn more.
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The Polarization Machine

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Trump's gratuitous attack on the late Rob Reiner shows how the attention economy rewards outrageous, performative political behavior and drags public discourse into a swamp.
  2. The Substack earned a Top Ten spot on Vincent Kelley's Handful of Earth list, signaling growing recognition for its writing.
  3. Coverage is planned from the Turning Point USA convention, promising on-the-ground reporting from the event.

The Phantom Menace of the Trump Mobile T1 SmartPhone: Silicon Dreams & Supply Chain Realities

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 261 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Media
  1. The Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is less about real technology and more about selling a confidence game. It's surprising how many people are willing to overlook this.
  2. The idea of making a high-spec phone in America for a low price is a fantasy. Real manufacturing takes much more investment and planning than what's being promised.
  3. Many reports about the T1 phone show uncertainty and skepticism. Experts think it's more of a marketing gimmick than a feasible product.

The Monday Media Diet with Dylan Neuhaus

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Balance is key when it comes to consuming media. It's good to mix serious content with lighter, entertaining pieces.
  2. Reading deep stories about creativity and production processes can be more interesting than just the finished product, like a popular TV show.
  3. Exploring local grocery stores is a great way to learn about new places, offering a glimpse into the culture and community.

Vote for the June 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Media
  1. The past ads are getting a second chance to be voted on. This allows subscribers to revisit old favorites and choose which should be featured.
  2. A voting poll will run for just three days. It's a quick opportunity for fans to share their opinions on the topics.
  3. There's a trial offer for new subscribers to access posts for free for a week. This can help more people discover and enjoy the content.

'Demonic force': Dominion lawsuit reveals Fox knowingly spread election lies

georgelakoff • 432 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox for knowingly spreading election lies
  2. Fox personalities like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham privately expressed disbelief at Trump's false attacks on democracy but still spread those lies on air
  3. Fox chose to prioritize ratings over truth by airing false claims about the election and pressuring employees who fact-checked the lies

Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in $72 Billion Deal

philsiarri • 44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Media
  1. Netflix is buying Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, TV, and streaming assets (including HBO and DC) in a roughly $72 billion deal, creating a massive global streaming powerhouse.
  2. The merger will face heavy regulatory and union scrutiny and could be challenged over antitrust concerns, potential job losses, and reduced bargaining power for creators.
  3. If approved, consumers might need fewer subscriptions but could face higher prices and less content diversity, and the deal signals a major shift toward streaming dominance in Hollywood.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 65

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The new digital Library of Alexandria aims to preserve knowledge for future generations. It's a fascinating effort to rebuild what was lost in history.
  2. Helsinki has achieved something impressive by going a whole year without a single traffic death. Smarter city design and lower speed limits played a big role.
  3. The search for the real author of 'The Dice Man' reveals unexpected twists in the story of this influential cult novel. It's a journey into unexpected authorship.

An archival detective story and other links; a great, stupid action espionage TV show; and more!

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. There are interesting links including a detective story and articles on sports gambling and hustle culture. They cover both fun and serious topics.
  2. A recommended spy show is described as 'great' and 'stupid', suggesting it's entertaining and light-hearted.
  3. An album of Armenian-influenced electronic music is highlighted, indicating a diverse taste in music.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

The Vanishing Craft of Journalism in China

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
📰 News Media
  1. Journalism in China is struggling because many reporters don't leave their desks anymore. They rely on copying content instead of doing real investigation and writing clearly.
  2. Headlines and news stories have become sensational and confusing, focusing more on attracting viewers than on delivering accurate information. This lack of professionalism is making journalism less trustworthy.
  3. The push for digital transformation is causing media outlets to forget the basics of journalism. They focus too much on traffic numbers instead of producing quality reporting that matters to the public.

Introducing a new destination for U.S. election discourse

Substack • 923 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Substack has launched a new U.S. election tab that collects the latest news and discussions from various politics publishers. This helps readers stay updated on hot topics easily.
  2. The new tab features a wide range of perspectives from well-known voices and helps readers discover smaller publishers. It's designed to connect people with diverse political views and insights.
  3. The election tab is part of a broader platform update that encourages collaboration among creators and aims to make it easier for readers to find content that matters to them.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. The modern work culture is often seen as flawed and inhumane. Many people feel this way intuitively, even if they don't want to admit it.
  2. There's a growing argument for a 32-hour work week. This could lead to better work-life balance and happier employees.
  3. Understanding the problems with work can help us push for changes in how we approach our jobs and daily lives. It's important to challenge the norms that make us unhappy.

Al Jazeera's Undercover Israel Lobby Reporter Speaks on Gaza

Séamus Malekafzali • 357 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Al Jazeera's undercover investigation revealed extensive pro-Israel lobbying efforts targeting pro-Palestine sentiment in the US and UK.
  2. Discussions about pro-Israel lobbying have shifted from being taboo to being openly acknowledged.
  3. Israel lobby tactics in media focus on diverting attention from Israel's crimes and fabricating a crisis of anti-semitism.

Apologies for Nihar Malaviya

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Media
  1. Penguin Random House introduced a new CEO, Nihar Malaviya, following a detailed PR strategy.
  2. CEO transitions in big companies involve carefully managed public introductions and media appearances.
  3. Nihar Malaviya's atypical appearance and background challenged typical CEO stereotypes within Penguin Random House.

Looking Back

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 656 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Reading is a personal experience that often happens privately, yet how we represent it through visual art can tell deeper stories about attention and focus.
  2. The way we read has changed over time, from quiet bookish moments to distractions from our phones, altering how we connect with text.
  3. Photographs of readers can show the tension between our personal, private experiences and the external pressures of a surveillance-driven world, reminding us of our inner lives.

Will Kash Patel Fix the FBI—or Break It?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 677 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Kash Patel is seen as someone who wants to dismantle the FBI's current structure rather than just reform it. He has strong negative views on the 'deep state' and government officials.
  2. Patel has suggested bold actions, like turning the FBI headquarters into a museum to highlight the 'deep state'. He uses harsh language to describe those in power.
  3. He has also mentioned plans to pursue legal action against media figures he believes have lied or conspired against citizens, indicating a confrontational approach to his potential role.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 641 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Tilda Swinton's interview is really engaging and could go on forever. It's a great mix of interesting thoughts and conversation.
  2. Enjoying simple pleasures like whisky sours and fries can really make for a cozy experience. It’s nice to treat yourself to little things in a comforting setting.
  3. It's great to move past feeling unwell and find joy in sharing experiences again. Returning to favorite activities can be refreshing.

The World's Worst Argument Against Austerity

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Public broadcasting funding often relies more on taxpayer money than people realize, making it important for stations to get that support.
  2. The argument that government funding for public broadcasting is tiny is misleading and doesn't consider all sources of government support.
  3. A better argument for taxpayer funding of public media would be about its survival needs rather than downplaying government contributions.

Brands And Their Beautiful Stories

Brain Worms • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. In 2023, the trend for movies shifted from 'Eat The Rich' satire to storytelling focused on brands and corporations.
  2. The genre 'Brands & Their Beautiful Stories' emerged, portraying companies like Nike and Mattel as protagonists.
  3. These movies glorify brands over human characters and often wrap pro-corporate themes in timely messages.

15 things I consumed this thing

Maybe Baby • 550 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. A lot is happening with the Israel-Hamas conflict and there was a recent ceasefire agreement discussed in a New Yorker interview. It's interesting to learn how these agreements come about.
  2. Balancing life with a toddler can be tough, especially when they keep you up at night. It shows how parenting can be challenging and exhausting.
  3. Consuming different media can give us fresh perspectives on ongoing events. It’s good to stay informed and think about how various stories connect to our lives.

An ayahuasca fan’s take on the Aaron Rodgers documentary

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 570 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Aaron Rodgers talks about perfectionism in the documentary, saying it often makes us feel broken inside. He believes we can learn to be more emotional and vulnerable, especially as men.
  2. The idea of 'ego death' is discussed, but it seems Rodgers may misunderstand it as a fixed goal. True ego death is more like an ongoing journey rather than something you can achieve completely.
  3. The documentary feels more like a personal promotion for Rodgers than a deep exploration of his life. It misses key questions about his past decisions and relationships.

Call Me Karen (Barbara)

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. A jury let violent attackers from Antifa off without punishment, raising concerns about the legal system's integrity. It highlights a troubling trend where justice seems compromised.
  2. The government has intruded into everyday life, notably with the ban on incandescent light bulbs and hefty fines for selling them. This serves as a warning about increasing government control.
  3. The term 'Karen' has been used to label reasonable women negatively, but there is a call to redefine this and celebrate reasonable women like 'Barbara'. It's about recognizing and valuing assertive, concerned voices in society.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 563 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Sharing resources is important during tough times, especially for those affected by disasters. It's good to help each other find places that need support.
  2. Being aware of what's happening around us, like natural disasters, helps us stay connected as a community. Taking action, even small steps, can make a difference for those in need.
  3. Consuming different kinds of media can enrich our lives and keep us informed. It's fun and interesting to share what we've been reading, watching, or listening to.

Vol. 2, Issue 27 - Interview with Pokémon Forever

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Pokémon Forever was an important fan site that provided detailed information about the early Pokémon games. It helped fans understand game mechanics and offered tools for deeper insights.
  2. The creator, Chris Fritz, used the site to learn web development and programming, which significantly shaped his career. He also made notable contributions to Pokémon terminology that fans still use today.
  3. Despite closing in 2005, Pokémon Forever left a legacy in the community. Chris reflected positively on his experiences and encouraged new fans to explore technology through their interests.

A Super Tuesday for Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1502 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. Primary voters chose Trump and Biden, indicating a desire for a rematch, despite other challengers trying to offer alternatives.
  2. Nikki Haley's supporters continued to back her financially even when it became clear that her campaign wasn't successful, demonstrating loyalty and belief in her message.
  3. Across the Western world, new hate speech laws threaten freedom of speech, with Ireland, Canada, and Britain considering strict legislation.

Ukrainian media asks ‘who should be next’ after car bombing of Russian writer

Alex Rubinstein • 412 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🌍 World Politics Media
  1. Ukrainian media conducted a poll asking who should be the next Russian intellectual to be assassinated after a car bomb attack on a writer.
  2. The Biden administration has supported Ukraine's actions targeting Russian intellectuals supporting their government's war effort.
  3. The Ukrainian news agency UNIAN initiated the poll on Telegram, presenting a list of prominent Russians as potential targets for assassination.

Happy Late Valentine's Day: Let's Shit on "The Wedding Planner"

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. It's a by‑the‑numbers rom‑com that delivers predictable pleasures and still found commercial success despite offering little originality.
  2. The movie leans on absurd plot beats and lazy character logic — from a life‑threatening rescue for designer shoes to an oddly unfazed fiancée and awkward race/heritage choices.
  3. It feels like commerce more than art, a churnable formula that makes it easy to imagine AI producing indistinguishable scripts.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media
  1. Taking care of a sick family can be really tough. It can feel like you're in a never-ending cycle of illness, especially with little kids.
  2. Staying home while everyone is sick makes you feel kind of trapped. It can be really challenging but finding little joys at home can help.
  3. Being open about struggles, like family sickness, helps build connection. It's important to share and talk about these experiences with others.

How to fix The Observer

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media
  1. The Observer is facing a potential sale that many staff members oppose, fearing it goes against its founding values. 93% of the voting staff are in favor of striking against the sale.
  2. There's a debate about whether the sale could actually help The Observer, despite the backlash. Some believe it might lead to a better future for the outlet.
  3. The situation highlights the struggles within traditional media and raises questions about its future in the digital age. It's an important moment for both journalists and media consumers.