The hottest Platforms Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top News Topics

The Platformization of Brands

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
💼 Business Brands Platforms Value Creation
  1. Brands are facing challenges in maintaining direct contact with consumers in the current platform era dominated by intermediaries like Amazon and Alibaba.
  2. To combat this, brands are creating their own platform offerings to establish intimate relationships with consumers and address their various needs associated with the core product.
  3. Managers transitioning to a flagship platform model must carefully plan their vision, strategic goals, and value creation processes to meet the diverse needs of consumers while relinquishing control in certain areas.

The Cobus Quadrant™ Of Conversation Design Capabilities

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Design Development Platforms
  1. Conversation design focuses on creating the flow of dialogue between users and AI. It’s about defining how users interact and how responses are managed.
  2. Different AI platforms offer unique features for conversation design, like dialog flow management or visual design tools. Some tools are easier to use while others provide more advanced capabilities.
  3. Keeping the user experience in mind is crucial for successful conversation design. Understanding what the user needs helps to create smoother and more effective interactions.

Platform Envelopment and Network Effects

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Platforms Network Effects Market Competition
  1. Absorbing functionality from another platform can help solve the 'chicken-and-egg' problem in platform markets.
  2. Platform envelopment can make a platform more attractive to consumers by combining core functionalities from different platforms.
  3. Envelopment strategy can decrease a platform's reliance on available software while increasing its standalone value, providing a competitive edge against platforms with larger networks.

Me vs Unity and Microsoft

Kevin’s Substack • 3 HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Platforms Issues Support
  1. Creating software can come with unexpected challenges, even when using popular tools like Unity and Microsoft.
  2. Unity's rules against uploading executables can lead to complexities and rejection when trying to submit software to their platform.
  3. Dealing with antivirus software like Windows Defender can pose significant hurdles, impacting the distribution and acceptance of software products.

Introducing the Ecosystem

Developer GTM – by Calyx Consulting • 59 implied HN points • 17 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Platforms APIs
  1. Companies are recognizing the value of platforms to expand their business, but may lack talent or resources to build them.
  2. Building a successful platform involves challenges like fostering developer community, telling a compelling platform story, and driving adoption.
  3. Thriving platforms function as ecosystems where partners, developers, and the core platform benefit from each other.
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How to Quit Substack

Freddie deBoer • 10 HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Ideology Platforms Journalism Political critique
  1. The idea of 'no ethical living under capitalism' suggests the complexity of ethical decisions in a system of exploitation, emphasizing the need to work towards a better system.
  2. Critics of Substack may be focused more on personal gain and status rather than genuine moral concerns, using the platform move as a marketing strategy.
  3. The decision to leave a platform like Substack should be made authentically for personal reasons, rather than as a performative display of moral superiority or business strategy.

Sensor Strategy, Monitoring Platforms

Dataplane.org Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Sensors Platforms Infrastructure Networks Monitoring
  1. Sensor nodes monitor internet activity and contribute to data collection without generating traffic, resembling a mix of darknet collector and honeypot.
  2. Choosing hosting providers involves factors like unique origin, support for secure payment methods, provider reputation, and fraud detection practices.
  3. Monitoring platforms like Censored Planet, NLNOG Ring, OONI, and RIPE Atlas offer unique approaches to internet censorship measurement through distributed systems.

Platform Dependent Entrepreneurship: Navigating Precarity

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 13 Apr 22
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Platforms Regulation Power Dynamics
  1. Platform-based entrepreneurship faces power imbalances and uncertainties inherent in platform economies, affecting complementors' risks and strategies.
  2. Entrepreneurs in platform markets must acknowledge the significant influence platforms hold over their businesses, leading to a high level of dependence.
  3. Multi-homing strategies, collective action, and engagement with regulatory bodies are crucial responses for platform-dependent ventures to mitigate risks and maintain agency.

RAG RAG on the Wall.

potentialmind • 1 HN point • 17 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Programming Research Platforms
  1. Building successful AI apps involves utilizing AI systems with additional functionalities like retrieval capabilities to support RAG.
  2. To enhance RAG, the 'Small-to-Big' pattern is used, decoupling text chunks for retrieval and synthesis, leading to more precise results.
  3. Two basic patterns for implementing RAG are 'Large Chunks' and 'Small Chunks', each with trade-offs in synthesis quality and recall specificity.

4/26/22: Chinese Ecommerce Framework #2: Intent-Based Vs. Not (Search Vs. Browsing / Livestreaming)

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 26 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Ecommerce Livestreaming Search Platforms Market
  1. Chinese e-commerce in 2022 focuses on intent-based vs. non-intent-based shopping methods like search, browsing, and livestreaming.
  2. The traditional e-commerce model in the West emphasizes aggregating supply and demand, while in China, there's a shift towards more entertainment-oriented and immersive shopping experiences.
  3. Livestreaming e-commerce has seen significant growth in China, with potential for further expansion, showcasing the evolving landscape of online shopping.

The Architecture of Modern Observability Platforms

Bit by Bit • 11 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Observability Architecture Platforms Data Storage
  1. Observability platforms help organizations understand the health of their applications using metrics, logs, and traces.
  2. Modern observability platforms tackle the challenge of handling large volumes of data and offer different types of architectures.
  3. Unifying the storage, ingestion, and querying layers can significantly scale and reduce costs in observability platforms.

Catching Fyre: Platform Diffusion and the Technology Strategy Toolkit

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Platforms Adoption Innovation Networking
  1. Hackathons can help introduce new platform technologies by bringing developers together to collaborate and learn, ultimately boosting platform adoption.
  2. Temporary gatherings like hackathons provide a catalyst for technology platform companies to create positive buzz, align expectations, and accelerate platform growth through social learning and social coordination.
  3. Sponsoring temporary gatherings can be a strategic way for firms launching new platforms to attract initial users and complementors, but it's important to manage the sentiment that emerges from such events.

How to get the audio version of Letters from an American

Letters from an American • 4 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Audio Subscription Platforms Feedback
  1. To receive the audio version of 'Letters from an American' automatically, adjust your settings on Substack.
  2. The default setting for Substack does not automatically send the audio version, ensuring no spam for those who don't want it.
  3. Audio versions are also available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify for easy access.

Cloud fortress

Metal Machine Music by Ben Tarnoff • 19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 19
🕹 Technology Platforms Privacy Surveillance Activism Data
  1. The expanding definition of 'platforms' in tech can have significant implications, shaping responsibilities and liabilities of tech companies.
  2. The use of platforms in law enforcement can impact accountability, public trust, and insulation from criticism and legal action.
  3. Historical instances of groups like CLODO attacking computer centers highlight concerns over surveillance, control, and societal impacts of computerization.

Platform power, by the numbers

SuperJoost Playlist • 1 HN point • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Platforms Mobile Gaming Market dominance
  1. Platforms dominate the top of the games industry, with 8 out of 10 largest firms being platforms in 2022.
  2. Platforms have grown much faster in revenue compared to publishers, with a compound growth rate of 17% versus 2% respectively.
  3. Successful game studios are expected to bypass platforms, build their own communities, and focus on engaging their fanbase.

In the Age of AI, Build "Platforms," Not "Products"

Equal Ventures • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business AI Software Platforms Technology Competition
  1. Legacy software product companies are at risk of becoming obsolete due to the impact of AI on software production.
  2. The concept of building platforms instead of products is crucial in the age of AI for long-term success in the tech sector.
  3. Platforms leverage data, distribution, and development to create increasing returns to scale, making them more valuable and defensible than traditional product-centric companies.

Why Substack?

Button Pusher • 0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Platforms Content Moderation Online Discourse Community Engagement
  1. Substack allows controversial content like Nazi publications, sparking debate around free speech.
  2. Substack's Notes page has received criticism for promoting problematic and radicalizing content.
  3. Despite shortcomings, Substack provides a platform for quality content and meaningful discussions, distinguishing itself from other social media platforms.

Et tu SSRN?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 16
💼 Business Acquisitions Publishing Platforms Capitalism
  1. SSRN, a social science paper repository, is being acquired by Elsevier, a legacy publisher, which may cause concerns about potential changes to SSRN's open-access policies.
  2. Academic platforms like SSRN provide valuable services, but they also need financial support to sustain their operations, often leading to acquisitions by larger entities.
  3. The acquisition of SSRN by Elsevier reflects the balance between providing accessible research platforms and the necessity for financial sustainability in the academic publishing ecosystem.

What would it take to disrupt Facebook?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 26 Mar 16
🕹 Technology Social media Innovation Platforms Disruption Mobile devices
  1. Platforms are hard to disrupt once established, as they have a strong network effect that keeps users loyal.
  2. Disruption can come from different angles - not just by picking off customers, but also by providing better value on the supply side.
  3. Companies need to stay agile and anticipate potential disruptions, restructuring internal teams to be ready for future threats.

Join me on Notes

Ian Johnson • 0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Content Platforms
  1. Ian Johnson has started using Substack Notes to connect with readers in a new way.
  2. Subscribers to Ian's newsletter will automatically see his notes on Substack.
  3. Readers are encouraged to join Notes to share thoughts, ideas, and quotes.

AI Safety: Google and Meta Should Start With Their Own Ads (Rob's Notes 10)

Rob’s Notes • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Ads Platforms Security Artificial Intelligence
  1. Companies like Google and Meta should prioritize using AI to protect users from deceptive advertising over creating flashy products.
  2. Consumers can now use AI tools like ChatGPT4 to assess if an ad is likely a scam, showing the potential for AI in combating deceptive ads.
  3. Google and Meta need to provide more transparency on how they use AI to prevent harm to users and protect them from scam ads, despite the challenges of financially motivated bad actors.

eternal woodstock

BNet • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Platforms Internet History Innovation
  1. Internet has been facing a constant influx of new users for the past three decades, leading to challenges of online behavior and interactions.
  2. Platforms keep trying to recreate the success of Twitter with new services like Threads and Bluesky, but struggle to avoid the problems of commercialization and user engagement.
  3. In the online world, there is a rush to claim 'land' in feeds akin to historical events like the Land Rush of 1889, highlighting the importance of presence and engagement metrics.

ChatGPT Plugins — Automation for Everyone

notes & upside • 0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Platforms Software Applications Consumer Products
  1. OpenAI introduced ChatGPT plugins, which allow the language model to access updated information and use third-party services.
  2. Each plugin serves a specific function like converting a recipe to a shopping cart, expanding ChatGPT's capabilities.
  3. The addition of plugins positions ChatGPT as a platform between end users and software applications, potentially changing how businesses interact with AI.