The hottest Online Communities Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

What Are You Reading?!? (In January)

Culture Study • 2141 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Books Literature Reading Online Communities
  1. Taking a break from social media can help you find more time to read. Less screen time often leads to more focus on books.
  2. A historical romance that feels genuine and avoids clichés can be very enjoyable. A well-researched story makes it easier to connect with the characters.
  3. Engaging with others about books can spark new reading interests. Sharing what you're reading helps build a community around literature.

Are Social Media Platforms the Next Dying Malls?

The Honest Broker • 54723 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online Communities Digital Trends Consumer behavior Community Building
  1. Social media platforms are becoming less unique and are starting to look and feel the same, just like many malls did. This makes them more vulnerable to losing users.
  2. Just as malls suffered from having too many of them, social media is facing similar issues. People are overwhelmed with options and may start to abandon these platforms.
  3. Both malls and social media platforms attract a lot of unwanted behavior, making it hard to build real communities. They often feel artificial and exploitative rather than supportive.

Inside the CEO shooter standom

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Pop culture Social Trends Youth culture Online Communities
  1. People have started to view a shooter, who targeted a CEO, as a kind of hero because of frustrations with the healthcare system. Many are expressing support for him online, turning him into a symbol of rebellion against insurance executives.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between mainstream media and the general public. Some believe that media figures, who live in comfort, fail to understand the struggles ordinary people face, leading to misguided narratives about events like this shooting.
  3. Elon Musk’s idea that his platform is a replacement for traditional media may actually create echo chambers. It’s important for people to seek out diverse viewpoints and critically analyze information instead of relying on just one source.

Doomscroll: Yung Chomsky

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 377 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Fitness Online Communities Health Nutrition Aesthetics
  1. Yung Chomsky talks about his journey into the world of weight lifting and how he learned from different online communities. It's an interesting mix of lifting culture and personal growth.
  2. He addresses common mistakes people make when starting to lift weights, like following bad advice found online. Understanding proper training and nutrition can help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.
  3. The episode also touches on the surprising links between fitness culture and politics, particularly how some online groups can influence attitudes and behaviors.

substack f***'d up and now we have to talk about it

astrology for writers • 9512 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Tech Ethics Content Moderation Online Communities Digital Publishing
  1. There are Nazis on Substack, and the platform's founders shirk responsibility for content moderation.
  2. The issue of ethical consumerism is complex and challenging, with no pure choices under capitalism.
  3. Supporting marginalized artists may involve navigating difficult choices between audience support and distribution channels, like Substack.
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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.

Leftist Men Are Pussies

Default Wisdom • 244 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Online Communities Political Commentary Cultural criticism Social media
  1. Many people learn about political ideas online, with platforms like Tumblr shaping modern identity politics more than traditional classrooms. This shift influenced how journalists and young adults view these topics.
  2. The conversation around political beliefs can shift quickly, especially when people explore new ideas. It's easy to get caught up in finding identity through opposing viewpoints, whether on the left or the right.
  3. Understanding differing opinions can be enlightening, even if you don't agree with them. Engaging with various perspectives helps refine your own beliefs, but it can also be uncomfortable or lead to deep personal questions.

Problems at Roblox (RBLX) #5

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Child safety Online Communities Digital Content
  1. Roblox has been linked to serious issues like school shooting games and child abuse, raising concerns about children's safety on the platform.
  2. Many Roblox developers admit the site isn't safe for kids, often referring to its content as harmful and emphasizing the lack of proper moderation.
  3. Roblox's current sign-up process allows easy access for predators, as it only requires a username and password, and there are serious suggestions for improving safety measures to protect children.

Bluesky as the Ship of Theseus

The Future, Now and Then • 291 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Culture User Experience Online Communities Platform Development
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as an alternative to Twitter, attracting users unhappy with changes in X under Elon Musk. It's becoming a new hub for online conversations.
  2. The platform aims for a more user-friendly experience by limiting algorithms and promoting straightforward feeds. This makes it feel like the early days of Twitter.
  3. Bluesky focuses on community and real interactions, reducing toxic behavior from users aiming for outrage. This change may result in lower engagement metrics, but leads to a better overall environment.

I Hit 4,000 Subscribers and Now I Need Your Help

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1378 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation Subscriber growth Online Communities
  1. The writer reached 4,000 subscribers in just 15 months, which is a big achievement for a newsletter. They did it without relying on friends and family for support.
  2. They are thankful for their readers, especially the paid subscribers, who help keep their content going. This support allows them to focus on creating quality material.
  3. The writer wants to know more about their audience's interests. They plan to use a new survey tool to ask readers directly what they would like to see in the future.

Exploring the Dark Web: Rivenrayne, HN and 764

Lucian’s Substack • 1 HN point • 05 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Internet Dark web Online Communities
  1. Rivenrayne, Harm Nation, and 764 are dangerous online groups that harm vulnerable people, especially kids. They promote violence, self-harm, and exploitation through organized networks.
  2. These groups use gaming and social media platforms to recruit and manipulate young people. They often focus on communities where members are already struggling with issues like mental health.
  3. It's important for parents and online communities to be aware of these groups and how they operate. By supporting at-risk individuals and monitoring online spaces, we can help reduce the impact of these harmful networks.

Do You Know How To Read Online Social Cues? I Certainly Don't

Default Wisdom • 111 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Digital Communication Online Communities Isolation
  1. Reading social cues online can be really hard and people often feel awkward in digital spaces. It’s not like we magically become better at socializing when we switch to the internet.
  2. The rise of online eating disorder communities is alarming, and it seems like each new platform struggles to address the issue. It's dangerous to have these conversations pushed into our feeds without proper care.
  3. There’s a theory called 'virtual autism' that suggests kids might miss out on learning social skills due to too much screen time. This could lead to them feeling out of place both online and offline.

Introducing video to Substack Chat

Substack • 501 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Social media Video content Content creation Online Communities Digital Communication
  1. Substack now allows users to send video messages directly to their subscribers. This makes it easier for creators to connect and share their thoughts in a personal way.
  2. Videos can be paywalled, meaning only paying subscribers can view them, which helps creators monetize their content more effectively.
  3. The video feature in Substack Chat creates a private space for discussions, allowing subscribers to engage closely with creators without getting lost in social media feeds.

One year of Substack Notes—now with video and external embeds

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media Publishing Content creation Digital marketing Online Communities
  1. Substack Notes has grown significantly over the past year, attracting many new subscriptions for writers. This shows how important online conversations are for discovering and sharing content.
  2. Writers can now share their notes outside of Substack by embedding them on other websites. This helps their work reach a bigger audience and gain more recognition.
  3. Substack is focused on empowering creators by giving them control over their content and revenue. Unlike traditional social media, most money earned goes directly to the writers.

Building new cultures

Escaping Flatland • 1120 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🎭️ Culture Online Communities Cultural anthropology Culture Wars Social norms
  1. Building new cultures is challenging and requires careful planning and inclusion of diverse perspectives.
  2. Online communities can mirror the challenges faced by historical attempts at creating new societies.
  3. It is important to be mindful of the culture you are creating by curating your social interactions and engaging with specific information.

Come for the culture, stay for the conversation

Substack • 359 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🕹 Technology Social media User Experience Online Communities Subscription Models Digital Communication
  1. You can now paywall your chat to only allow paying subscribers, which helps keep discussions focused and friendly. This can also be a great incentive for people to subscribe to your content.
  2. The chat features have been upgraded to make it easier to navigate, search for old conversations, and manage notifications. This makes participating in chats smoother and more enjoyable.
  3. Substack chats provide a private space for subscribers to connect and discuss topics they love, creating a sense of community among readers and writers. It's like a special hangout just for fans.

Et tu, Substack?

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Platforms User Experience Online Communities Content creation
  1. Substack has introduced a feature called 'Notes' that users cannot turn off. This feels like forced participation to many writers.
  2. Many writers joined Substack to avoid the constant notifications and pressure of social media like Twitter.
  3. The changes to Substack have made some users reconsider their support for the platform and their plans to continue using it.

Even Diabetes Research Foundations Are Trying to Connect With Kids Through Roblox

Crossplay • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Online Communities Digital marketing Health tech
  1. JDRF used Roblox to create spaces for kids with type 1 diabetes to connect and learn about the condition.
  2. When trying to engage with a younger audience on platforms like Roblox, it's important to understand the platform and its audience well.
  3. Charity Walk Simulator in Roblox by JDRF incentivized players to walk and learn about diabetes, showing success with over 2,500 virtual bears given away in 24 hours.

You're not a true software engineer unless...

A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer • 99 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Tech community Humor Alcoholism Online Communities
  1. In some tech communities, there's a concept called 'No True Scotsman' fallacy where group definitions get reshaped to exclude counterexamples.
  2. Humor in tech, especially when joking about expertise, can inadvertently lead to gatekeeping and exclusion, promoting dogmatism and fragmentation.
  3. Tech choices should not define our worth or belonging - divisive jokes can lead to isolated communities that hinder growth and acceptance.

Lesbians Who Only Date Men

Default Wisdom • 185 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Online Communities Sexuality Generation Z Gender identity
  1. Sexual orientation is now defined more by feelings and affinity than by physical experience.
  2. Online affinity networks and fandoms play a role in shaping and evolving how individuals identify themselves.
  3. Shifts in identity labeling show a move from behavior-based categorization to more subjective, internal essence-based categorization.

Disinformation & Why People Believe It

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
📰 News Disinformation Storytelling Conspiracy Theories Online Communities Critical Thinking
  1. Disinformation and misinformation are unintended consequences of the early days of the Digital Age, impacting societies globally.
  2. Disinformation often revolves around storytelling, with different groups creating narratives to shape their reality.
  3. The spread of disinformation is fueled by the rapid dissemination of stories in our hyperconnected world, highlighting the need for critical thinking skills in education.

Many Such Cases: a formal relaunch

Many Such Cases • 559 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Social Issues Personal essays Online Communities Relationship Dynamics
  1. The newsletter focuses on exploring desire and how it affects our lives. It's about understanding our feelings and how they influence our interactions.
  2. There is a growing concern about the decline of sexual relationships and social connections in society. This change reflects a bigger problem with loneliness and isolation.
  3. The writer plans to share personal stories and thoughts regularly, and will also offer paid content with a community element. They want to engage with readers and help with their questions.

How To Play the Creator Game | #240

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 223 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Content creation Marketing Online Communities Self-development
  1. When navigating the creator world, don't blindly follow what others are doing - find your own unique approach.
  2. Be cautious of being influenced by trends or strong opinions, and instead focus on what truly aligns with your goals and capabilities.
  3. Success as a creator isn't about copying what works for others, but about staying true to your interests, finding your unique path, and not giving up.

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.

The evolution of expert communities

lcamtuf’s thing • 125 HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Online Communities Expertise Community Dynamics
  1. Online expert communities follow a general lifecycle model with stages of orderly growth, deluge, crackdowns, meme slope, and terminal plateau.
  2. Uncontrolled growth of online communities can lead to issues like repetitive questions, declining discussion quality, and the need for elaborate rules.
  3. As online expert communities evolve, they might face challenges like elitism, loss of meaningful discussions, and a shift towards off-topic topics.

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.

Tony Stark vs. the World

Everything's Broken • 78 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Blogging Online Communities
  1. Elon Musk has been making controversial decisions on Twitter that have impacted the platform and its users.
  2. Musk's actions have shifted the focus of Twitter towards his personal preferences and away from its original purpose.
  3. Twitter under Musk's leadership is becoming more personalized around him, raising concerns about the direction of the platform.

Social Distancing For Skills

Day One • 798 implied HN points • 15 Apr 20
🚌 Education Skill development Online Communities Entrepreneurship Learning Strategies Personal Growth
  1. Focus on learning one skill at a time instead of overwhelming yourself with multiple choices. Don't get distracted by trying to learn everything at once.
  2. Taking action and earning from the skill you have is more important than acquiring numerous skills. Make sure to put your skills to use.
  3. Devote time to mastering a chosen skill and figuring out how to earn from it. Building expertise in one area will lead to success.

Sympathy for the devils

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Online Communities Identity Social Change Subculture
  1. Identity crisis can fuel violence and separatisms as people strive to prove who they are and maintain their identity.
  2. The evolution of gamer identity shows how communities form around shared interests and act as a source of social significance.
  3. The Gamergate phenomenon highlighted how shifts in culture and inclusivity can trigger reactions from groups feeling their identity threatened.

Verified sextortion scammers are flooding the Chinese circle on Twitter

Wenhao’s news blog • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Censorship Social media Online Communities
  1. Verified sextortion scammers are targeting the Chinese circle on Twitter by flooding the platform with fake accounts and threats.
  2. The scammer operation involves potentially thousands of members working outside of China to carry out sextortion schemes.
  3. The presence of these scammer accounts has disrupted political discussions within the Chinese community on Twitter, leading to influential figures feeling discouraged.