Roberto Vitillo's...
I am writing a book
I have released the first chapter of Understanding Distributed Systems ! "Wait, what? Weren't you...
over a year ago
I have released the first chapter of Understanding Distributed Systems ! "Wait, what? Weren't you working on a video class?" - I hear you…
AVC
Coming Back Up For Air
The last time I posted was May 23rd, three weeks ago. There was a time when I wrote every day. When...
a year ago
The last time I posted was May 23rd, three weeks ago. There was a time when I wrote every day. When I had not yet posted on any day, I felt like something was missing, like I had not yet had my cup of coffee. Clearly, I have moved on from that need to write […]
Rest of World -...
The music streaming app for those who can’t pay for downloads
Ad-driven Trebel has scooped up 13 million users across Latin America who don't want to pay for...
a year ago
Ad-driven Trebel has scooped up 13 million users across Latin America who don't want to pay for YouTube or Spotify.
Noahpinion
Nobody knows how many jobs will "be automated"
Whatever that even means.
a year ago
Whatever that even means.
Paul Graham: Essays
Chapter 1 of Ansi Common Lisp
a year ago
Noahpinion
Uh, guys, we really should think about spending more on defense
That's not a message many people want to hear, but it's true.
a year ago
That's not a message many people want to hear, but it's true.
Tech + Economics +...
The responsibility of AI titans in a post-work society.
Advocates of AI (and yes, before the pedants chime in, I'm aware that LLMs
are not technically AI,...
a year ago
Advocates of AI (and yes, before the pedants chime in, I'm aware that LLMs
are not technically AI, but for the purposes of popular debate and
perception – we'll go with it) will tell you that automation will create
new jobs and generate broad societal value such that it...
Working Theorys
Unbundling Cash & Equity | Theory No. 15
a heretical take on "total compensation"
a year ago
a heretical take on "total compensation"
AVC
Voice Input
Smartphones have had voice input for over a decade now and yet I don’t know that many people who use...
a year ago
Smartphones have had voice input for over a decade now and yet I don’t know that many people who use voice input regularly. I would guess that maybe 10 to 20% of smartphone users are using voice input regularly. That’s a guess based on absolutely no data other than observing...
Rest of World -...
Rebel or sellout? How Nigeria’s startup darling became tech minister
Bosun Tijani was a rock star in the Nigerian startup scene, but his transition to government has...
11 months ago
Bosun Tijani was a rock star in the Nigerian startup scene, but his transition to government has been controversial.
Rest of World -...
Mexico’s women gig workers are making a dangerous job safer
Women delivery workers are pushing for protection from gender-based violence, creating safe meeting...
a month ago
Women delivery workers are pushing for protection from gender-based violence, creating safe meeting spots and WhatsApp support groups, and fighting for legal protections.
Nadia Asparouhova
Idea machines
Tech as a system of values, and not just an industry, is heavily driven by its subcultures and their...
over a year ago
Tech as a system of values, and not just an industry, is heavily driven by its subcultures and their ideologies. Where do these ideologies come from, and how do they influence what’s accomplished?
One of the most visible ideologies in tech is effective altruism (or EA), a...
42!
Optimising bank working hours
Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash
This is probably an out of date concept these days, however if...
over a year ago
Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash
This is probably an out of date concept these days, however if you ever ran a traditional business back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as I did, one of the most frustrating things ever was trying to get my banking done over the counter.
Almost...
Noahpinion
If this is a bad economy, please tell me what a good economy would look like
We should acknowledge that things are going well, even as we continue to look for problems to solve.
a year ago
We should acknowledge that things are going well, even as we continue to look for problems to solve.
Paul Graham: Essays
Chapter 1 of Ansi Common Lisp
a year ago
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Thales the Milesian
Like a lot of things we think are obvious today, financial options were first invented by a...
over a year ago
Like a lot of things we think are obvious today, financial options were first invented by a philosopher: There is the anecdote of Thales the…
Rest of World -...
How InstaDeep became Africa’s biggest AI startup success
Karim Beguir is the co-founder and CEO of InstaDeep, a Tunisian startup that was acquired for $682...
3 months ago
Karim Beguir is the co-founder and CEO of InstaDeep, a Tunisian startup that was acquired for $682 million by BioNTech.
The Thinking Cap
Attention Traps
Can we find needles of signal in the Web's infinite haystack of noise?
a year ago
Can we find needles of signal in the Web's infinite haystack of noise?
Rest of World -...
Nigeria’s economic crisis is fueling a stunt philanthropy boom
A crop of content creators are building fame on MrBeast-style content.
4 months ago
A crop of content creators are building fame on MrBeast-style content.
Paul Graham: Essays
Why to Not Not Start a Startup
over a year ago
Folklore.org:...
The Father Of The Macintosh
Who is the father of the Macintosh?
a year ago
Who is the father of the Macintosh?
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Offline first, mobile enabled
One of the major trends in tech startups what Fred Wilson calls “Mobile first, web second.”...
over a year ago
One of the major trends in tech startups what Fred Wilson calls “Mobile first, web second.” Instagram is a great example of mobile first…
Data Boutique
Economics of Web Data: ROI
Customer's Value Standpoint
a year ago
Customer's Value Standpoint
Blog posts of...
Managing people 🤯
I believe almost all first-time founders burn out their first employees – maybe this article helps...
over a year ago
I believe almost all first-time founders burn out their first employees – maybe this article helps you avoiding this
Nadia Asparouhova
Cultivating agency
I didn’t always know that I wanted to have kids. I wasn’t against it, necessarily – for awhile,...
over a year ago
I didn’t always know that I wanted to have kids. I wasn’t against it, necessarily – for awhile, there were just more reasons in the “why not” column than the “why”: uncertainty about whether I’d be a good parent, fear of losing my identity, a lack of maternal instinct. Those...
Stephen Diehl
Reflecting on Haskell in 2017
over a year ago
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Lessons from the PC video game industry
The future of media is here — it’s just not evenly distributed The success or failure of tech and...
over a year ago
The future of media is here — it’s just not evenly distributed The success or failure of tech and media products depends on complicated…
tomcritchlow.com
Work is a Place
My buddy Luke recently started a band called Tattoo Mustache. While we were chatting, his eyes lit...
9 months ago
My buddy Luke recently started a band called Tattoo Mustache. While we were chatting, his eyes lit up talking about jamming in the studio with his bandmates - his arms were flailing and you could feel the energy coming off him like steam from a hot pan. These weekly jam sessions...
SatPost by Trung...
9 Best Things of 2023
My favourite book, film, podcast, meme, investment and more for the year.
11 months ago
My favourite book, film, podcast, meme, investment and more for the year.
The Thinking Cap
Can We Build Scenius From Scratch?
On crafting tight-knit communities with potential for high future impact in the post-pandemic era.
over a year ago
On crafting tight-knit communities with potential for high future impact in the post-pandemic era.
Rest of World -...
Indian tech CEO to ChatGPT’s Altman: India can dominate AI
Tech Mahindra CEO explains why he believes India has the potential for global AI supremacy.
a year ago
Tech Mahindra CEO explains why he believes India has the potential for global AI supremacy.
Noahpinion
Why you should not ignore economists
They aren't always right, but they almost always have something important to add.
3 months ago
They aren't always right, but they almost always have something important to add.
Data Boutique
AI Depends Massively on Web Scraping
And web data sourcing is now a critical problem
a year ago
And web data sourcing is now a critical problem
SatPost by Trung...
Economics of Taylor Swift's $2B+ Eras Tour
Breaking down the numbers for the most successful concert tour ever.
a week ago
Breaking down the numbers for the most successful concert tour ever.
Platformer
How TikTok failed to make the case for itself
After a rocky appearance before Congress, the company has reason to reflect
a year ago
After a rocky appearance before Congress, the company has reason to reflect
Unpacked
Tech's Pledge To Fight AI Election Interference & Twillio’s woes with Segment | EP 6
Last week, 20 tech companies across Big Tech, social networks and AI providers signed a voluntary...
10 months ago
Last week, 20 tech companies across Big Tech, social networks and AI providers signed a voluntary pledge to fight election interference from AI-generated content going through 2024. We dive into the timing of the announcement (2024 is a big election year across the globe), some...
David Perell
The Paradoxes of Modern Life
The Paradox of Reading: The books you read will profoundly change you even though you’ll forget the...
over a year ago
The Paradox of Reading: The books you read will profoundly change you even though you’ll forget the vast majority of what you read. The Paradox of Writing: Great writing looks effortless. But because the ideas are so clear, casual readers don’t appreciate how much time it took to...
Rest of World -...
Sing your way to learning a new language
Unlike apps like Duolingo, Beelinguapp focuses on storytelling and song to engage its over 5 million...
a year ago
Unlike apps like Duolingo, Beelinguapp focuses on storytelling and song to engage its over 5 million users.
AVC
NFT Art CDMX
We spent this past weekend in Mexico City at Bright Moment’s NFT Art CDMX. Bright Moments is the...
over a year ago
We spent this past weekend in Mexico City at Bright Moment’s NFT Art CDMX. Bright Moments is the premier NFT art “gallery” in the world. I use that term in parentheses because Bright Moments is much more than a gallery but that word is well understood. USV is a member of the...
Tech + Economics +...
Real estate grifters are creating unlivable conditions.
TikTok Real Estate Influencers and ‘Grifters’ Are in Deep Trouble, Short
Seller Says
Philip...
11 months ago
TikTok Real Estate Influencers and ‘Grifters’ Are in Deep Trouble, Short
Seller Says
Philip Garboden, a professor of affordable housing at the University of
Hawaii who has studied the rise of small real estate investors, said
the effects of reckless lending on...
Dustin Curtis
Luxury for everyone: thoughts on Vision Pro and Apple's DNA
In 2009, Microsoft released an enormous 200lb coffee table with an embedded 30-inch touchscreen...
7 months ago
In 2009, Microsoft released an enormous 200lb coffee table with an embedded 30-inch touchscreen called Surface. Although the iPhone had been around for a little while, the larger screen made Surface feel absolutely futuristic: in the Photos app, you could toss around pictures...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Inferring intent on mobile devices
[Google CEO Eric] Schmidt said that while the Google Instant predictive search technology helps...
over a year ago
[Google CEO Eric] Schmidt said that while the Google Instant predictive search technology helps shave an average of 2 seconds off users…
Working Theorys
The Generational Business Trap | Theory No. 11
On the varied longevity of businesses & why we shouldn't idolize permanence.
a year ago
On the varied longevity of businesses & why we shouldn't idolize permanence.
Rest of World -...
The war in Gaza is reshaping moderation rules
A new wave of appeals to Meta’s Oversight Board could have far-reaching consequences.
a year ago
A new wave of appeals to Meta’s Oversight Board could have far-reaching consequences.
Noahpinion
Why trying to "shape" AI innovation to protect workers is a bad idea
Instead, we should empower workers and create mechanisms for redistribution.
a year ago
Instead, we should empower workers and create mechanisms for redistribution.
Rest of World -...
Chinese factory owners are becoming TikTok comedians to find new business partners
Factory influencers are producing actually funny videos on TikTok, Instagram, and WeChat to increase...
5 months ago
Factory influencers are producing actually funny videos on TikTok, Instagram, and WeChat to increase B2B sales
Tech + Economics +...
WeWork files for bankruptcy amid office market downturn.
On Monday, Mr Neumann issued a statement saying the impending
bankruptcy was “disappointing”....
a year ago
On Monday, Mr Neumann issued a statement saying the impending
bankruptcy was “disappointing”. “It has been challenging for me to
watch from the sidelines since 2019 as WeWork has failed to take
advantage of a product that is more relevant today than ever before,”
...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Inside versus outside financings: the nightclub effect
At some point in the life of a venture-backed startup there typically arises a choice between doing...
over a year ago
At some point in the life of a venture-backed startup there typically arises a choice between doing an inside round, where the existing…
SatPost by Trung...
Starbucks' Digital Dilemna
The Starbucks rewards app is an incredible business. However, mobile orders are getting out of...
7 months ago
The Starbucks rewards app is an incredible business. However, mobile orders are getting out of control and hurting the brand's "premium" vibe.
David Perell
How Philosophers Think
Philosophers are the most rigorous thinkers I know. Like intellectual boxers; they come to...
over a year ago
Philosophers are the most rigorous thinkers I know. Like intellectual boxers; they come to understand ideas by making them fight with each other. Their style of analysis is effective because it’s so bloody. One friend calls his style “violent thinking.” He talks about thinking...
Noahpinion
Is U.S. industrial policy learning from its mistakes?
I hope so, because mistakes are being made.
11 months ago
I hope so, because mistakes are being made.
Rest of World -...
The most important news from Apple isn’t about AI
Reuniting the world’s text messages — one app at a time.
6 months ago
Reuniting the world’s text messages — one app at a time.
Rest of World -...
How Mexico learned to stop worrying and love EVs
Despite its standing as a global auto manufacturing power, Mexico’s position as a hub for electric...
a year ago
Despite its standing as a global auto manufacturing power, Mexico’s position as a hub for electric vehicles was far from given until recently.
David Perell
Annual Review 2020
Writing this Annual Review, I realize that I’m incredibly fortunate. While some people spent the...
over a year ago
Writing this Annual Review, I realize that I’m incredibly fortunate. While some people spent the quarantine alone, I moved into my childhood home and spent five months with family. While America saw the worst unemployment spike in recent history, my business grew because the...
Internal Tech Emails
Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel
Peter and I have had a number of conversations about what we expect the world to look like in 2030...
5 months ago
Peter and I have had a number of conversations about what we expect the world to look like in 2030 so we can plan and position our future work accordingly.
Rest of World -...
Teaching inmates in Argentina to make video games in prison
“Gaming studios need employees, and the formerly incarcerated need a place to work once they’re...
a year ago
“Gaming studios need employees, and the formerly incarcerated need a place to work once they’re released.”
Rest of World -...
Tears of a get-rich-quick guru
Influencers like Sunny Ali promote the Amazon seller dream, but not everyone buys the hustlepreneur...
a year ago
Influencers like Sunny Ali promote the Amazon seller dream, but not everyone buys the hustlepreneur fantasy.
Roberto Vitillo's...
Counting at scale
How engaged are users for a certain segment of the population? How many users are actively using a...
over a year ago
How engaged are users for a certain segment of the population? How many users are actively using a new feature? One way to answer that…
Platformer
Winners and losers in the race to add AI
ChatGPT is now running inside Snapchat, Notion, and other apps. Will it give them a sustaining...
a year ago
ChatGPT is now running inside Snapchat, Notion, and other apps. Will it give them a sustaining advantage — or just line OpenAI's pockets?
David Perell
The Ultimate Guide to Writing Online
For years, I thought that being successful and being myself were diametrically opposed, but becoming...
over a year ago
For years, I thought that being successful and being myself were diametrically opposed, but becoming an online writer has shown me that I can succeed by bringing out more of myself — and so can you.
The post The Ultimate Guide to Writing Online appeared first on David Perell.
David Perell
Should You Write Every Day?
When I started working out, I hated it. I wanted to gain muscle but dreaded working out. Eventually,...
over a year ago
When I started working out, I hated it. I wanted to gain muscle but dreaded working out. Eventually, a friend got fed up with my laziness and told me what I needed to hear: “If you want to build the habit, go to the gym every single day without fail.” So that’s what I did.
The...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Google should open source what actually matters: their search ranking algorithm
Websites live or die based on how a small group of programmers at Google decide their sites should...
over a year ago
Websites live or die based on how a small group of programmers at Google decide their sites should rank in Google’s main search results. As…
Internal Tech Emails
Samsung vs. iPhone | Elon Musk's schedule
Steve Job's passing has led to a huge wave of press coverage of Apple's and iPhone's "superiority",...
over a year ago
Steve Job's passing has led to a huge wave of press coverage of Apple's and iPhone's "superiority", all created by the, "passionate, tireless, perfectionist..." The point here is that there is an unintended benefit for Apple, since the external messages by 3rd parties are all...
David Perell
Kevin Kelly: Seeing the Future
My guest today is Kevin Kelly, who co-founded Wired Magazine in 1993 and served as its Executive...
over a year ago
My guest today is Kevin Kelly, who co-founded Wired Magazine in 1993 and served as its Executive Editor for the first seven years. As one of the most important futurists of our generation, he’s published a number of books including The Inevitable, What Technology Wants, and New...
Platformer
The AI is eating itself
Early notes on how generative AI is affecting the internet
a year ago
Early notes on how generative AI is affecting the internet
cdixon.org RSS Feed
There are three New York Cities
There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born...
over a year ago
There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born here, who takes the city for granted and…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
What carries you up will also bring you down
In Rules of Thumb, Alan Weber quotes legendary venture capitalist John Doerr discussing the original...
over a year ago
In Rules of Thumb, Alan Weber quotes legendary venture capitalist John Doerr discussing the original business plans for companies he…
Noahpinion
The student debt revolt failed, but Millennials will be fine
My generation will bear some minor economic scars into our prosperous middle age.
a year ago
My generation will bear some minor economic scars into our prosperous middle age.
Blog posts of...
Easy, but easy to f*ck up. 3 Rules to Setup Analytics Tools correctly.
As a consultant for analytics i see a fair share of integrations of analytics tools. One of the most...
over a year ago
As a consultant for analytics i see a fair share of integrations of analytics tools. One of the most common mistakes is how people...
Noahpinion
Repost: Weebs!
Everything you didn't realize you wanted to know about the non-Japanese people who love Japanese pop...
a year ago
Everything you didn't realize you wanted to know about the non-Japanese people who love Japanese pop culture.
Blog posts of...
🇪🇺 Dear Europe, please wake up – eu/acc
Europe is special to me as I consider myself a proud European, but damn we need to talk. Europe...
7 months ago
Europe is special to me as I consider myself a proud European, but damn we need to talk. Europe please wake up.
Noahpinion
Four years of Noahpinion
What happened to the world in 2024, and what I wrote about it
4 weeks ago
What happened to the world in 2024, and what I wrote about it
Platformer
How two insurgents are taking on Twitter
Artifact's Kevin Systrom on the disruptive power of good comments. PLUS: Substack's naïveté around...
a year ago
Artifact's Kevin Systrom on the disruptive power of good comments. PLUS: Substack's naïveté around Notes
Platformer
The secret list of Twitter VIPs getting boosted over everyone else
Congratulations to Ben Shapiro, AOC, and ... LeBron?
a year ago
Congratulations to Ben Shapiro, AOC, and ... LeBron?
Tech + Economics +...
Internet access is a human right.
Fast, reliable and independent internet access is no longer a luxury or a
convenience. It has...
12 months ago
Fast, reliable and independent internet access is no longer a luxury or a
convenience. It has become a necessity and a function of modern society.
The digital divide, the gap between those with and without internet access,
has profound implications for an individual's...
Rest of World -...
Instagram account hacked? “Ethical hackers” will get it back
Meta’s account recovery process is so complicated that people are paying experts to do it for them.
a year ago
Meta’s account recovery process is so complicated that people are paying experts to do it for them.
Ed Zitron's Where's...
Godot Isn't Making it
Before we get going — please enjoy my speech from Web Summit, Why Are All Tech Products Now Shit? I...
2 weeks ago
Before we get going — please enjoy my speech from Web Summit, Why Are All Tech Products Now Shit? I didn’t write the title.
What if what we're seeing today isn't a glimpse of the future, but the new terms of the present? What
Rest of World -...
In-home beauty service in Pakistan: the woman sweet-talking tough clients
Though gig work gives respite from the grind of working in a salon, choosy clients make a...
a year ago
Though gig work gives respite from the grind of working in a salon, choosy clients make a beautician’s work demanding.
Entrepreneur's Edge
Revenue is easy, profit is harder
The fundamentals needed to run a business in the next economic cycle.
a year ago
The fundamentals needed to run a business in the next economic cycle.
Unpacked
2024 Predictions: AI, Media, Advertising & more
They say predictions is a bad business - You get it right, people say "duh". You get it wrong, you...
11 months ago
They say predictions is a bad business - You get it right, people say "duh". You get it wrong, you are terribly wrong. So, of course we are kicking off with 2024 tech predictions. Listen in for hot takes across AI, Media, Advertising & more.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Once you take money, the clock starts ticking
One of the interesting things about having been investing in startups for a number of years is that...
over a year ago
One of the interesting things about having been investing in startups for a number of years is that at any moment you get an inside peek at…
Data Boutique
How To Monitor Retailer's Prices
A Practical Data Boutique Use Case
a year ago
A Practical Data Boutique Use Case
Steve Blank
Quantum Computing – An Update
In March 2022 I wrote a description of the Quantum Technology Ecosystem. I thought this would be a...
2 months ago
In March 2022 I wrote a description of the Quantum Technology Ecosystem. I thought this would be a good time to check in on the progress of building a quantum computer and explain more of the basics. Just as a reminder, Quantum technologies are used in three very different and...
Noahpinion
How Pakistan can join the South Asia growth boom
A guest post by Murtaza Hussain
a year ago
A guest post by Murtaza Hussain
Aaron's Essays
Fundraising isn't predictable
I recently had a conversation with a founder who'd just finished a number of unsatisfying...
over a year ago
I recently had a conversation with a founder who'd just finished a number of unsatisfying conversations with investors. The founder's company was growing well, had crossed $1mm ARR, but still couldn't raise money. According to conventional wisdom, that should have been enough to...
Working Theorys
Taste is Eating Silicon Valley.
Just as software ate the world and dramatically transformed industries in the last era, taste is now...
3 months ago
Just as software ate the world and dramatically transformed industries in the last era, taste is now eating software—and with it, Silicon Valley.
Rest of World -...
19 books to read in 2023
Rest of World's staff favorites, from around the globe to add to your must-read pile.
a year ago
Rest of World's staff favorites, from around the globe to add to your must-read pile.
Noahpinion
Biden should run on a message of abundance
Things are going pretty well in America, and Biden's policies have largely helped.
10 months ago
Things are going pretty well in America, and Biden's policies have largely helped.
Rest of World -...
Amazon launched a program for Indian handicrafts. Local artisans say it’s not working
Makers say Amazon Karigar has failed to distinguish their crafts from mass-produced items.
a month ago
Makers say Amazon Karigar has failed to distinguish their crafts from mass-produced items.
SatPost by Trung...
Jony Ive, Meta AR, Visa Monopoly and the Legend of Robert Caro
PLUS: An incredible tech roast by John Mulaney.
2 months ago
PLUS: An incredible tech roast by John Mulaney.
AVC
Helium Mobile
USV has been an investor in the Helium network since 2019. I have always loved the idea of using...
a year ago
USV has been an investor in the Helium network since 2019. I have always loved the idea of using web3 technologies to let consumers to “peer produce” a communications network creating a people-powered network. Helium started out powering communications between low-power “Internet...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The myth of the Eureka moment
I’ve been involved in the development of a number startups over the years, including three I...
over a year ago
I’ve been involved in the development of a number startups over the years, including three I co-founded. I have also observed the idea…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Stack Exchange
Today we are announcing that A16z is leading a $40M investment in Stack Exchange, along with earlier...
over a year ago
Today we are announcing that A16z is leading a $40M investment in Stack Exchange, along with earlier investors USV, Bezos Expeditions, Spark…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Keybase: bringing public-key cryptography to mainstream users
Today I’m excited to announce that a16z is leading a $10.8M Series A financing of Keybase, a company...
over a year ago
Today I’m excited to announce that a16z is leading a $10.8M Series A financing of Keybase, a company that is trying to make the internet…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
function my_exit_payout(…)
/* aggregateoptionsstrike_price = your options strike price per share * number of shares you own...
over a year ago
/* aggregateoptionsstrike_price = your options strike price per share * number of shares you own company sale price is 1) if private…
Rest of World -...
Mexico is using an AI-powered app to prevent suicides
MeMind has connected 10,000 at-risk people with mental health treatment, contributing to a 9% drop...
a week ago
MeMind has connected 10,000 at-risk people with mental health treatment, contributing to a 9% drop in suicides.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
How Aristotle Created the Computer
The philosophers he influenced set the stage for the technological revolution that remade our world....
over a year ago
The philosophers he influenced set the stage for the technological revolution that remade our world. Originally published by The Atlantic…
Steve Blank
Secret History – When Kodak Went to War with Polaroid
This part 2 of the Secret History of Polaroid and Edwin Land. Read part 1 for context. Kodak and...
7 months ago
This part 2 of the Secret History of Polaroid and Edwin Land. Read part 1 for context. Kodak and Polaroid, the two most famous camera companies of the 20th century, had a great partnership for 20+ years. Then in an inexplicable turnabout Kodak decided to destroy Polaroid’s...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The Internet is for snacking
Web products have followed a steady evolutionary path from the compound to the atomic. Today’s...
over a year ago
Web products have followed a steady evolutionary path from the compound to the atomic. Today’s popular social sites are spin outs of…
Noahpinion
Western leftists have lost the plot
Gleeful support for the massacre of innocents is simply inhumane.
a year ago
Gleeful support for the massacre of innocents is simply inhumane.
Steve Blank
National Industrial Policy – Private Capital and The America’s Frontier Fund Steps Up
This article previously appeared in The National Interest. Last month the U.S. passed the CHIPS and...
over a year ago
This article previously appeared in The National Interest. Last month the U.S. passed the CHIPS and Science Act, one of the first pieces of national industrial policy – government planning and intervention in a specific industry — in the last 50 years, in this case for...
Entrepreneur's Edge
Scale 10X with Court Lorenzini (Founder/CEO Docusign)
A conversation around building your startup, making the right bets, and achieving operational...
a year ago
A conversation around building your startup, making the right bets, and achieving operational leverage as an organization.
Inverted Passion
Notes from the book “Decoding the Why”
Finished (well, skimmed) the book “Decoding the Why: How Behavioral Science is Driving the Next...
a year ago
Finished (well, skimmed) the book “Decoding the Why: How Behavioral Science is Driving the Next Generation of Product Design”. It’s a decent introductory book if you have not delved into behavioral science before, but if you have, most of the ideas in the book won’t come across...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
As [Edwin] Land ultimately recognized, the adoption of his [polarized headlight] system was fatally…
As Edwin Land ultimately recognized, the adoption of his polarized headlight system was fatally...
over a year ago
As Edwin Land ultimately recognized, the adoption of his polarized headlight system was fatally hampered by the fact that there was no…
Platformer
The AI industry really should slow down a little
This year has given us a bounty of innovations. We could use some time to absorb them
a year ago
This year has given us a bounty of innovations. We could use some time to absorb them
Business Brainstorms
💡 Business Brainstorms 💡- My favorite ideas of the week
#1 💡 Action produces information. Just keep doing stuff. Trying to solve the issue by thinking...
10 months ago
#1 💡 Action produces information. Just keep doing stuff. Trying to solve the issue by thinking about it only makes it worse. Don't stop. Trust the process. Eventually the right opportunity will appear right in front of you and the choice will be crystal clear.
Rest of World -...
Indian government gives itself the power to “fact-check” and delete social media posts
Journalists, opposition parties, and advocacy groups are worried what this “absolute power” means...
a year ago
Journalists, opposition parties, and advocacy groups are worried what this “absolute power” means for press freedom in India.
Rest of World -...
How livestream realtors helped make Xishuangbanna a boom town
Real estate agents turn to Douyin and Kuaishou to show properties virtually through livestreaming,...
9 months ago
Real estate agents turn to Douyin and Kuaishou to show properties virtually through livestreaming, drawing the attention of out-of-town buyers.
Internal Tech Emails
Mark Zuckerberg: "speed and strategy"
One way to make sure we can move quickly is for everyone to understand our strategy behind the major...
a year ago
One way to make sure we can move quickly is for everyone to understand our strategy behind the major product areas we're working on. I've tried to summarize some of the key ones here.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Trusting platforms
In response to my post yesterday about how an internet of people has enabled a new wave of web-based...
over a year ago
In response to my post yesterday about how an internet of people has enabled a new wave of web-based marketplaces, Nick Mango commented…
Rest of World -...
The tech executive who believes AI needs more voice-based learning systems
Bayo Adekanmbi explains why voice-based learning is the best way to increase AI adoption across...
9 months ago
Bayo Adekanmbi explains why voice-based learning is the best way to increase AI adoption across Africa.
Unpacked
Generative AI and the Future of News - a tale of two worlds
Last week, the New York Times reported that Google is testing an AI tool that enables news...
a year ago
Last week, the New York Times reported that Google is testing an AI tool that enables news organizations to create content using AI. It is unclear what the exact capabilities of the product are but based on one comment from Google, it helps with tasks like headlines and modifying...
Noahpinion
Why has U.S. manufacturing productivity stagnated for over a decade?
A few hypotheses about a very disturbing trend.
5 months ago
A few hypotheses about a very disturbing trend.
Rest of World -...
Chinese smartphone maker Transsion’s strategy to win hearts and wallets in small-town India
After big successes in Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, China's Transsion Holdings sets its sights...
9 months ago
After big successes in Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, China's Transsion Holdings sets its sights on India.
tomcritchlow.com
Digital Bricolage & Web Foraging
When I reflect on the various lines of inquiry that light me up, there’s one consistent theme:...
a year ago
When I reflect on the various lines of inquiry that light me up, there’s one consistent theme: digital bricolage. Bricolage is “the skill of using whatever is at hand and recombining them to create something new.”
Working Theorys
New Social App
Who am I? And other urgent existential questions.
8 months ago
Who am I? And other urgent existential questions.
Entrepreneur's Edge
Your Name is an Ad Creative that is Everywhere, All at Once
Learn how to leverage cognitive science to create an instant brand advantage.
a year ago
Learn how to leverage cognitive science to create an instant brand advantage.
Rest of World -...
A little-understood role in a global VC could also be one of the most influential
Ana Jiménez, 500 Global’s chief of staff for Latin America, on building a relationship of trust and...
a year ago
Ana Jiménez, 500 Global’s chief of staff for Latin America, on building a relationship of trust and strategic vision with her organization’s leader.
Data Boutique
How to Estimate Sales Using Inventory Web-Scraped Data
A powerful use case for web data
9 months ago
A powerful use case for web data
Stephen Diehl
The Haskell Elephant in the Room
over a year ago
Working Theorys
Crypto social games don’t need the crypto
Crypto social games, work "trials," and meeting your creations in the wild
10 months ago
Crypto social games, work "trials," and meeting your creations in the wild
Stephen Diehl
Exotic Programming Ideas: Part 3 (Effect Systems)
over a year ago
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Some thoughts on startup crowdfunding
Like a lot of people, I’m excited about crowdfunding, and specifically the crowdfunding of startups...
over a year ago
Like a lot of people, I’m excited about crowdfunding, and specifically the crowdfunding of startups now that’s it’s legal in the US. Based…
Noahpinion
Economic losses for our allies are not wins for the U.S.
Stop comparing ourselves to countries who are on our side.
10 months ago
Stop comparing ourselves to countries who are on our side.
David Perell
Why You’re Christian
Becoming an educated citizen starts with understanding the lineage of your beliefs. For example,...
over a year ago
Becoming an educated citizen starts with understanding the lineage of your beliefs. For example, look at this iconic line from one of America’s founding documents:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”
The post Why You’re Christian appeared...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
"The Not So Global Internet"
Fred Wilson writes about how frustrating it is when companies break the internet: We are in the...
over a year ago
Fred Wilson writes about how frustrating it is when companies break the internet: We are in the caribbean this week celebrating the year end…
Tech + Economics +...
How we turned into assholes
The internet was supposed to unite us.
So what the fuck happened?
And how did we become a...
a year ago
The internet was supposed to unite us.
So what the fuck happened?
And how did we become a cross-generational digital nation of assholes?
We dreamed of a global, decentralized network spreading information,
enabling communication, and connecting humanity. But somewhere...
Rest of World -...
Desperate taxi drivers in Argentina are finally joining Uber
Amid the country’s economic turmoil, thousands of cabbies turn to the Uber Taxi function to make...
a year ago
Amid the country’s economic turmoil, thousands of cabbies turn to the Uber Taxi function to make ends meet.
XO Capital - Field...
Fresh Cheddar
Couple of announcements:
We've got some fresh cheddar!
We just got access to up to $2M to deploy....
11 months ago
Couple of announcements:
We've got some fresh cheddar!
We just got access to up to $2M to deploy. We're looking for 1-2 businesses:
b2b saas
$30k+ MRR
This is about 2x what we've already deployed so far which is a big deal. We will
Unpacked
NVIDIA Explained: Origins, GPUs and AI stock bump | EP8
NVIDIA has seen their valuation 5x over the last 5 years and is now worth more than $2 trillion. In...
8 months ago
NVIDIA has seen their valuation 5x over the last 5 years and is now worth more than $2 trillion. In the latest episode, we dive a few layers deep into the company. We start with the origin of the company and the launch of their first GPU in 1999 which unlocked several...
Rest of World -...
Delivery riders are fighting each other over bike-shares in Brazil
Almost half the riders from Brazil’s largest delivery app now use city bikes to get around.
a year ago
Almost half the riders from Brazil’s largest delivery app now use city bikes to get around.
Rest of World -...
Indonesia’s e-bike shops are building their own batteries
Battery-pack builders chase maximum range, despite safety risks.
9 months ago
Battery-pack builders chase maximum range, despite safety risks.
Paul Graham: Essays
High Resolution Fundraising
over a year ago
XO Capital - Field...
v2
XO V1 concluded with 10 acquisitions and 1 "fund".
The V1 "conclusion" is really a line in the sand...
8 months ago
XO V1 concluded with 10 acquisitions and 1 "fund".
The V1 "conclusion" is really a line in the sand but it feels right as we continue to offload assets to focus on larger deals using outside capital. This will transition us into v2 which we'
Rest of World -...
A traveler’s dream: Cash-free payment systems link up across Southeast Asia
From Bali to Bangkok, people are ditching cards for QR code payments. There’s a catch: For now, it’s...
a year ago
From Bali to Bangkok, people are ditching cards for QR code payments. There’s a catch: For now, it’s for locals only.
Noahpinion
The economics of "Rich Men North of Richmond"
It made some good points, and some not-so-good points.
a year ago
It made some good points, and some not-so-good points.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Eleven Reasons To Be Excited About The Future of Technology
“The strongest force propelling human progress has been the swift advance and wide diffusion of...
over a year ago
“The strongest force propelling human progress has been the swift advance and wide diffusion of technology.” — The Economist In the year…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Why you shouldn’t keep your startup idea secret
A frequent question entrepreneurs have when they are just starting their company is: how secretive...
over a year ago
A frequent question entrepreneurs have when they are just starting their company is: how secretive should I be about my idea? My answer…
Nadia Asparouhova
The creator economy
I’ve had some lingering thoughts over the past year about what it means to be a “creator,” further...
over a year ago
I’ve had some lingering thoughts over the past year about what it means to be a “creator,” further accelerated by a recent conversation with a friend, and I want to try to unpack those feelings here.
The “creator economy” popped into our vernacular with surprisingly little moral...
Rest of World -...
Behold, the world’s first 3D-printed temple
Located in India, the Hindu temple’s layout follows ancient guidelines dating back to 1100 B.C.
2 months ago
Located in India, the Hindu temple’s layout follows ancient guidelines dating back to 1100 B.C.
Business Brainstorms
Feedback panel SaaS, gift ideas, selling futures, industrial grade calendaring, ...
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write...
a year ago
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write this email to share the most interesting trends, frameworks, opportunities, and ideas with you. Let's dive in! 💡 Opportunities “An idea for an AI tool I'd love to use — I upload chat...
Essays - Benedict...
Mainframes, ML and digital transformation
‘Digital transformation’ sounds like a parody of meaningless tech
marketing, but actually captures...
over a year ago
‘Digital transformation’ sounds like a parody of meaningless tech
marketing, but actually captures some pretty interesting and important
shifts in big company tech. It’s not as exciting as crypto or AR, and it
takes a decade or two, but it’s just as big as smartphones.
Rest of World -...
Uber drivers are melting amid Nigeria’s historic heat wave and record fuel prices
As temperatures soar and fuel prices triple, drivers are having to choose between their health and...
9 months ago
As temperatures soar and fuel prices triple, drivers are having to choose between their health and livelihood.
Rest of World -...
The most surprising tech champions of 2024
From Threads to Bluesky and Zello to Black Myth: Wukong, a handful of small and large tech champions...
2 weeks ago
From Threads to Bluesky and Zello to Black Myth: Wukong, a handful of small and large tech champions stood out for their impressive growth this year.
Nothing Human
Metrics, Cowardice, and Mistrust
why we need better ideologies than "data driven decision making"
a year ago
why we need better ideologies than "data driven decision making"
Essays - Benedict...
The AI summer
Hundreds of millions of people have tried ChatGPT, but most of them haven’t
been back. Every big...
5 months ago
Hundreds of millions of people have tried ChatGPT, but most of them haven’t
been back. Every big company has done a pilot, but far fewer are in
deployment. Some of this is just a matter of time. But LLMs might also be a
trap: they look like products and they look magic, but...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
App store shenanigans
I’ve downloaded and tested a few hundred iPhone and iPad apps. One thing that I’ve noticed is that...
over a year ago
I’ve downloaded and tested a few hundred iPhone and iPad apps. One thing that I’ve noticed is that many of the top rated and ranked apps…
Stephen Diehl
Bitcoin: The Postmodern Ponzi
over a year ago
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Facebook’s response to Yahoo’s patent lawsuit
Like many in tech, I believe all software patents should be abolished. That said, I think Facebook...
over a year ago
Like many in tech, I believe all software patents should be abolished. That said, I think Facebook made the right move by filing a lawsuit…
Rest of World -...
AI is making Philippine call center work more efficient, for better and worse
BPO workers say AI tools are monitoring their calls, assisting them with customers, and scoring...
3 weeks ago
BPO workers say AI tools are monitoring their calls, assisting them with customers, and scoring their performance.
Rest of World -...
It’s not (just) Ticketmaster’s fault
A Mexican superstar’s concert tour proves no ticketing company’s tech is a match for fans and fraud.
a year ago
A Mexican superstar’s concert tour proves no ticketing company’s tech is a match for fans and fraud.
Rest of World -...
Xiaohongshu has revolutionized Chinese tourism in Southeast Asia
The lifestyle and social media platform, often compared to Instagram, is turning obscure sites into...
2 months ago
The lifestyle and social media platform, often compared to Instagram, is turning obscure sites into must-see attractions.
Rest of World -...
Chinese EV upstarts to battle Japanese heavyweights for Thailand’s pickup truck market
Toyota and Isuzu have long dominated Thailand’s pickup truck market. As they prepare to launch EV...
5 months ago
Toyota and Isuzu have long dominated Thailand’s pickup truck market. As they prepare to launch EV trucks, they face competition from Chinese firms.
Tom Blomfield
What is “founder mode”?
We held a YC event a couple of months ago where Brian Chesky from Airbnb gave a passionate talk...
2 months ago
We held a YC event a couple of months ago where Brian Chesky from Airbnb gave a passionate talk about his experience running Airbnb over the last 17 years. He believed that as Airbnb hired more professional managers, he lost a close connection with the details of the end product...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
While Google fights on the edges, Amazon is attacking their core
Google is fighting battles on almost every front: social networking, mobile operating systems, web...
over a year ago
Google is fighting battles on almost every front: social networking, mobile operating systems, web browsers, office apps, and so on. Much…
Stephen Diehl
Gamestop, Bitcoin and the Commoditization of Populist Rage
over a year ago
Business Brainstorms
💡 Business Brainstorms 💡- My favorite ideas of the week
🪄 Growth Magic
4 months ago
Paul Graham: Essays
An Alternative Theory of Unions
over a year ago
Inverted Passion
Notes from the book “Magic Words”
Just finished reading Magic Words by Jonah Berger and my notes follow. 1/ Most of us spend a...
a year ago
Just finished reading Magic Words by Jonah Berger and my notes follow. 1/ Most of us spend a significant amount of time in assembling the thoughts we want to convey, but assume the words to convey them as a given. 2/ This book – written by a professor of business – takes the view...
Rest of World -...
The SoftBank-backed company that lets you buy glasses over WhatsApp
The Indian eyewear company, Lenskart, is now an Asian giant.
a year ago
The Indian eyewear company, Lenskart, is now an Asian giant.
Rest of World -...
AI’s “tech tsunami” is coming for call center workers
The Philippines’ 1.6 million outsourced workers fear they may soon be automated out of a job.
a year ago
The Philippines’ 1.6 million outsourced workers fear they may soon be automated out of a job.
Rest of World -...
Why Mexico is tweeting at its third- richest citizen to delete his tweets
On August 11, Mexico’s election authority made an unexpected announcement via its official account...
a year ago
On August 11, Mexico’s election authority made an unexpected announcement via its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter: It called for Ricardo Salinas Pliego, Mexico’s third-richest man, to...
Working Theorys
Great Products Have Great Premises
The most powerful thing a product can do is give its user a premise.
10 months ago
The most powerful thing a product can do is give its user a premise.
Paul Graham: Essays
Chapter 2 of Ansi Common Lisp
a year ago
Business Brainstorms
Never launch, AI as an anti-signal, slow news, zero shame in pulling the plug.
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write...
a year ago
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write this email to share the most interesting trends, frameworks, opportunities, and ideas with you. Let's dive in! 💡 Opportunities “Billing for software is broken. Stripe is REALLY good...
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things to start your week (#42)
The end of Chevron deference; export controls; jerky American profs; basic income; economics of AI;...
5 months ago
The end of Chevron deference; export controls; jerky American profs; basic income; economics of AI; solar power uses; Global South tariffs; Gen Z wages; Stiglitz
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The importance of institutional redundancy
Every system built by a single institution has points of failure that can bring the entire system...
over a year ago
Every system built by a single institution has points of failure that can bring the entire system down. Even in organizations that have…
Internal Tech Emails
Scott Forstall emails Steve Jobs | Elon Musk on tweeting
He mentions third party developers. I do think at some point we will want to enable third parties to...
over a year ago
He mentions third party developers. I do think at some point we will want to enable third parties to write apps for P2.
Platformer
Microsoft just laid off one of its responsible AI teams
As the company accelerates its push into AI products, the ethics and society team is gone
a year ago
As the company accelerates its push into AI products, the ethics and society team is gone
42!
Pitch competitions as a measure of success
In our early days of my startup, I would try to enter as many pitch competitions as was feasible,...
a year ago
In our early days of my startup, I would try to enter as many pitch competitions as was feasible, just to try and get our project in front of as many eyes as possible and get our names mentioned in the popular startup press.
I used to give everything in these competitions, and we...
Rest of World -...
What Elon Musk’s new biography leaves out
Looking beyond the Tesla reality-distortion field.
a year ago
Looking beyond the Tesla reality-distortion field.
Tom Blomfield
Startup Series Part 1: Interviewing Engineers
There’s been a huge volume of literature written on the subject of startup methodologies and...
over a year ago
There’s been a huge volume of literature written on the subject of startup methodologies and philosophies. This is a positive thing for the ecosystem - just as new software tools mean it’s simpler and cheaper to start a company, these methodologies allow first-time entrepreneurs...
Rest of World -...
India’s ambitious lithium dreams have stalled
Last year, India touted the discovery of a huge reserve of valuable lithium in Kashmir. Experts say...
a month ago
Last year, India touted the discovery of a huge reserve of valuable lithium in Kashmir. Experts say optimism around the discovery was overblown.
Tom Blomfield
Advice
Starting a company is a challenging process - you’re thrown into the deep-end with nothing but your...
over a year ago
Starting a company is a challenging process - you’re thrown into the deep-end with nothing but your wits to help you. Often, though, advice will be forthcoming. This post is about that advice, and how to spot the difference between good and bad.
Some advice is expert - your...
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#17)
Techno-optimism, the mighty U.S. economy, Chinese real estate, slavery's economic effects, and the...
a year ago
Techno-optimism, the mighty U.S. economy, Chinese real estate, slavery's economic effects, and the danger of hate on social media. Plus, rescue rabbits.
Essays - Benedict...
Notes on newsletters
Email newsletters unlocked a new way to pay for content, but is this a tool
or a network? You can...
over a year ago
Email newsletters unlocked a new way to pay for content, but is this a tool
or a network? You can write all you like, but how do you get readers? And
is the take rate 10% or 90%?
Rest of World -...
The Chinese founder who is betting on the Western appetite for short soaps
Mega Matrix and FlexTV want to succeed where Quibi has failed by embracing the allure of “so bad...
7 months ago
Mega Matrix and FlexTV want to succeed where Quibi has failed by embracing the allure of “so bad it’s good” shows.
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#31)
Indian poverty reduction, America's friends, Canada's economy, Europe grows a spine, and Japan's...
9 months ago
Indian poverty reduction, America's friends, Canada's economy, Europe grows a spine, and Japan's DARPA
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The credentials trap
I talk a lot to people who are deciding between startups and established companies. They’re usually...
over a year ago
I talk a lot to people who are deciding between startups and established companies. They’re usually early in their careers and have been…
Platformer
The people who want to end Section 230 may have botched their case
But even a ruling against the plaintiffs in Gonzalez vs. Google could hurt internet freedoms,...
a year ago
But even a ruling against the plaintiffs in Gonzalez vs. Google could hurt internet freedoms, observers say
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The only college major that matters
If you want to work in venture capital focusing on internet/software companies, or start one of...
over a year ago
If you want to work in venture capital focusing on internet/software companies, or start one of those companies, or work as an employee in…
Entrepreneur's Edge
Recommended Books
A collection of books that have changed how I think about the world.
a year ago
A collection of books that have changed how I think about the world.
Platformer
Google goes to court
On the eve of a major antitrust trial — and its 25th birthday — the company is bracing for a fight
a year ago
On the eve of a major antitrust trial — and its 25th birthday — the company is bracing for a fight
AVC
What Happened In 2022
I like to bookend the New Year holiday with two posts, one looking back at the year that is ending...
a year ago
I like to bookend the New Year holiday with two posts, one looking back at the year that is ending and one looking forward to the year ahead. This is the first of these two posts. The second one will run tomorrow. What happened in 2022 is the bottom fell out of the capital...
David Perell
Hugging the X-Axis
I’ve always struggled with commitment. In a world as grand as ours, shouldn’t we try to experience...
over a year ago
I’ve always struggled with commitment. In a world as grand as ours, shouldn’t we try to experience it all? Change it up. Visit every country. Try a bunch of careers. The menu of life is vast, and it’d be a shame to only order a single entrée. When I say I was allergic to...
Rest of World -...
Ride-hailing unions in Africa are struggling for traction
Drivers’ unions in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania say they’re no match for...
a year ago
Drivers’ unions in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania say they’re no match for companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive.
Platformer
Ten strategies for replacing Twitter from people who used to work there
Announcing 'Extremely Hardcore,' Zoë Schiffer’s book on Musk’s Twitter takeover
a year ago
Announcing 'Extremely Hardcore,' Zoë Schiffer’s book on Musk’s Twitter takeover
Noahpinion
Japan isn't quite "back", but it has a fighting chance
Here are some ideas for what it can do to be truly "back".
10 months ago
Here are some ideas for what it can do to be truly "back".
Noahpinion
Interview: Dan Wang, China specialist
We talk about China's economy, decoupling, export controls, industrial policy, state control, and...
a year ago
We talk about China's economy, decoupling, export controls, industrial policy, state control, and lots more.
Rest of World -...
China’s AI elite rethink their Silicon Valley dream jobs
The West may lose out in the talent race amid U.S. national security and immigration hurdles
5 days ago
The West may lose out in the talent race amid U.S. national security and immigration hurdles
Tech + Economics +...
The Hyperloop was always a scam
Paris Marx:
The tech industry’s move into transportation was not only a failure; it
was...
12 months ago
Paris Marx:
The tech industry’s move into transportation was not only a failure; it
was an active campaign to deny the public access to better transit and
trains because the billionaires of Silicon Valley don’t personally want
to get around that way. The...
Noahpinion
Interview: Sarah C. Paine
A scholar of the 20th century explains the conflicts of the 21st.
10 months ago
A scholar of the 20th century explains the conflicts of the 21st.
Noahpinion
The debt ceiling deal: What was the whole point?
A manufactured crisis leads to an ineffectual "solution"
a year ago
A manufactured crisis leads to an ineffectual "solution"
Rest of World -...
Why Amazon isn’t the Amazon of Latin America
The paradox of e-commerce
a year ago
The paradox of e-commerce
Paul Graham: Essays
A Word to the Resourceful
over a year ago
Rest of World -...
Rest of World’s 2024 reading guide
Global tech leaders share 12 books to add to your must-read pile.
6 months ago
Global tech leaders share 12 books to add to your must-read pile.
SatPost by Trung...
The Psychology of Disneyland
From Walt Disney's original vision to Imagineering to pricing strategy.
a year ago
From Walt Disney's original vision to Imagineering to pricing strategy.
Business Brainstorms
Airbnb real estate experiences, talking logistics, raisting testosterone, failing indie hackers, ...
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write...
a year ago
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write this email to share the most interesting trends, frameworks, opportunities, and ideas with you. Let's dive in! 💡 Opportunity Airbnb real estate experiences. I recently visited Porto...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Yahoo should invest in products, not advertising
For 10 years, Yahoo was my default home page. Now I can barely stand using the site. I still use...
over a year ago
For 10 years, Yahoo was my default home page. Now I can barely stand using the site. I still use it for Finance and Flickr, but that’s it…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Full stack startups
Many of today's most exciting startups were tried before in a different form. Suppose you develop a...
over a year ago
Many of today's most exciting startups were tried before in a different form. Suppose you develop a new technology that is valuable to some…
Tech + Economics +...
The patriarchy is a modern invention, not the natural order.
The "patriarchy", a male-dominated social order with entrenched hierarchies
giving power and...
11 months ago
The "patriarchy", a male-dominated social order with entrenched hierarchies
giving power and authority to men over women, is pitched by masculinity
influencers and pop social scientists as humanity's natural state. They
argue patriarchy represents the primal hard-wiring of...
Working Theorys
Weekend Theorys No. 4
Time to lameness, netizens vs. citizens, and OpenAI scaring creative people (again)
10 months ago
Time to lameness, netizens vs. citizens, and OpenAI scaring creative people (again)
Rest of World -...
Shopee, the juggernaut that fended off Amazon
Featuring a whirlwind of discounts, the Sea Group-owned app is popular from Indonesia to Taiwan.
a year ago
Featuring a whirlwind of discounts, the Sea Group-owned app is popular from Indonesia to Taiwan.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Later-stage rounds and “setting the bar too high”
I recently had a number of conversations with CEOs of later-stage startups (generating significant...
over a year ago
I recently had a number of conversations with CEOs of later-stage startups (generating significant revenue) that went something like this…
Noahpinion
Interview: Chris Miller, historian and author of "Chip War"
In which I consult an expert on the battle to control the semiconductor industry.
a year ago
In which I consult an expert on the battle to control the semiconductor industry.
Rest of World -...
Elon Musk said he’d eliminate bots from X. Instead, election influence campaigns are running wild
In a year of global elections, X is making it easy to meddle.
4 months ago
In a year of global elections, X is making it easy to meddle.
Working Theorys
In Defense of 'Tarpit Ideas'
In the startup world, there’s a term called “tarpit ideas.” These ideas look enticing at first. They...
6 months ago
In the startup world, there’s a term called “tarpit ideas.” These ideas look enticing at first. They have universal surface appeal, but they end up being huge drains on time and resources, and ultimately, they fail. The common trope is that young, first-time founders pursue...
Tech + Economics +...
Stop treating human beings like NPCs.
Technology has made it stupidly easy to avoid real human interaction. Our
eyes are glued to our...
11 months ago
Technology has made it stupidly easy to avoid real human interaction. Our
eyes are glued to our phones as we walk down streets, barely noticing the
people around us. Even in real-world interactions, we talk over the top of
our screens, anything to avoid face-to-face...
Tech + Economics +...
Bitcoin ETFs will make greater fools of us all.
Reuters: US SEC approves bitcoin ETFs in watershed for crypto market
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Jan...
11 months ago
Reuters: US SEC approves bitcoin ETFs in watershed for crypto market
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. securities regulator
on Wednesday approved the first U.S.-listed exchange traded funds
(ETFs) to track bitcoin, its Chair Gary Gensler said, in a...
Essays - Benedict...
The FTC versus tech M&A
The US is fundamentally rethinking its approach to regulating competition,
and M&A, and tech, and...
over a year ago
The US is fundamentally rethinking its approach to regulating competition,
and M&A, and tech, and big tech buying startups. The FTC’s attempt to block
Meta from buying Within is a test case for all of this. So, how many
interesting problems can we count?
Folklore.org:...
Eulogy for Brian
Eulogy for Brian Howard, Macintosh hero, 1944-2010
a year ago
Eulogy for Brian Howard, Macintosh hero, 1944-2010
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for your weekend (#26)
The U.S. economy, U.S. energy, Millennial wealth, medical administrators, and standardized tests
11 months ago
The U.S. economy, U.S. energy, Millennial wealth, medical administrators, and standardized tests
Paul Graham: Essays
Chapter 1 of Ansi Common Lisp
a year ago
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#22)
Test score collapse, triumph of the vibes, U.S. dependence on China, the benefits of upzoning,...
a year ago
Test score collapse, triumph of the vibes, U.S. dependence on China, the benefits of upzoning, immigrants and jobs, and a world at war
Rest of World -...
Welcome to Exporter
A new way of thinking about the global tech industry.
a year ago
A new way of thinking about the global tech industry.
Rest of World -...
The startup working to teach AI about African history
There’s less historical material about Africa for AI to find online. Archivi.ng believes its work...
a year ago
There’s less historical material about Africa for AI to find online. Archivi.ng believes its work will change that.
SatPost by Trung...
Francis Ford Coppola: The Entrepreneur
Exploring the legendary director's business career in 8 films, a studio and a winery.
3 months ago
Exploring the legendary director's business career in 8 films, a studio and a winery.
Paul Graham: Essays
Chapter 1 of Ansi Common Lisp
a year ago
cdixon.org RSS Feed
“Otherwise do something else”
I remember back when I started my first company, a friend said to me “get ready to have a knot in...
over a year ago
I remember back when I started my first company, a friend said to me “get ready to have a knot in your stomach and feel nauseous for years…
Platformer
How OpenAI is building a path toward AI agents
Building a GPT-based copy editor showcases their promise — but the risks ahead are real
a year ago
Building a GPT-based copy editor showcases their promise — but the risks ahead are real
Business Brainstorms
Podcast translations, Apple opportunity, being unreasonable, don't hire corporate executives, the...
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write...
a year ago
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write this email to share the most interesting trends, frameworks, opportunities, and ideas with you. Let's dive in! 💡 Opportunities “When the Apple VR headset drops tomorrow, every social...
Platformer
What I learned in year three of Platformer
Has the Substack revolution come and gone? PLUS: What's changing in year four
a year ago
Has the Substack revolution come and gone? PLUS: What's changing in year four
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Proprietary services vs open protocols
over a year ago
Business Brainstorms
API for simple manual online tasks, pickleball for surfing, freelancer laptop stickers, ...
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write...
a year ago
Hey, this is Jakob Greenfeld, author of the Business Brainstorms newsletter - every week I write this email to share the most interesting trends, frameworks, opportunities, and ideas with you. Let's dive in! 💡 Opportunities “I want an AI companion that I can share my goals with...
Noahpinion
2023 is when the empires strike back
Cold War 2 won't be decided by the opening moves.
a year ago
Cold War 2 won't be decided by the opening moves.
Noahpinion
Six ideas for Poland
Poland is a developed country. But it can still get richer.
3 months ago
Poland is a developed country. But it can still get richer.
Rest of World -...
The company that thinks it can succeed where Lime failed
Russia’s Whoosh launched in Brazil last year, and plans to expand across the country by 2026.
4 months ago
Russia’s Whoosh launched in Brazil last year, and plans to expand across the country by 2026.
Stephen Diehl
The Simple English Argument Against Crypto
over a year ago
Rest of World -...
How to become an #Influencer in India
Many middle-class Indians aspire to be the next Kusha Kapila or Ranveer Allahbadia. But there’s a...
a year ago
Many middle-class Indians aspire to be the next Kusha Kapila or Ranveer Allahbadia. But there’s a real struggle to monetize from Instagram.
Noahpinion
Why it's so hard to fix the information ecosystem
Misinformation is a job; correcting misinformation is a hobby.
a year ago
Misinformation is a job; correcting misinformation is a hobby.
Noahpinion
Why Can't the U.S. Build Ships?
A guest post by Brian Potter of Construction Physics.
3 months ago
A guest post by Brian Potter of Construction Physics.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Security through diversity
Someone asked me the other day whether I thought the United States was vulnerable to a large scale...
over a year ago
Someone asked me the other day whether I thought the United States was vulnerable to a large scale “cyber” attack. While I have no doubt…
Rest of World -...
TikTokers are documenting — and monetizing — anti-government protests in Kenya
At least 23 people have reportedly been killed as crowds oppose proposed tax increases.
a year ago
At least 23 people have reportedly been killed as crowds oppose proposed tax increases.
Ed Zitron's Where's...
Burst Damage
Soundtrack: Masters of Reality - High Noon Amsterdam
I have said almost everything in this piece in...
4 months ago
Soundtrack: Masters of Reality - High Noon Amsterdam
I have said almost everything in this piece in every one of these articles for months. I am not upset, but just stating an obvious truth. The current state of affairs effectively pushes against the boundaries of good sense,...
Rest of World -...
The SoftBank-backed fintech that helped Nigerians through a cash crisis is eyeing “innovative...
Olu Akanmu, co-CEO and president of OPay Nigeria, on the importance of cloud infrastructure and the...
a year ago
Olu Akanmu, co-CEO and president of OPay Nigeria, on the importance of cloud infrastructure and the company’s future plans.
Working Theorys
30 and Retirable
P.S. It’s not just about being retirable, but being more retirable than your neighbor.
4 months ago
P.S. It’s not just about being retirable, but being more retirable than your neighbor.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
"A lot of the best tech startups are ideas that have been around for years"
A lot of the best tech startups are ideas that have been around for years but the time is finally...
over a year ago
A lot of the best tech startups are ideas that have been around for years but the time is finally right. * Some people get jaded. "We tried…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
A massive misallocation of online advertising dollars
In an earlier blog post, I talked about how sites that generate purchasing intent (mainly “content”...
over a year ago
In an earlier blog post, I talked about how sites that generate purchasing intent (mainly “content” sites) are being under-allocated…
Noahpinion
A bunch of handy charts about climate change
A couple dozen pictures are worth a couple thousand words.
10 months ago
A couple dozen pictures are worth a couple thousand words.
Rest of World -...
China is six months behind the U.S. on AI, the US has to move faster: Div Turakhia
The India-born tech investor, entrepreneur and billionaire businessman spoke to Rest of World about...
2 months ago
The India-born tech investor, entrepreneur and billionaire businessman spoke to Rest of World about the promise of AI technology, why the U.S. needs to move faster to compete with China, and the advantage the UAE has in building AI.
Working Theorys
Background Social
Theory #41: on apps that let you tell me what you're up to without telling me what you're up to.
6 months ago
Theory #41: on apps that let you tell me what you're up to without telling me what you're up to.
Rest of World -...
Why China still runs on Windows
And what it means for Microsoft.
6 months ago
And what it means for Microsoft.
Noahpinion
The California Forever project is a great idea
The implementation will be very tricky, but there's a big opportunity here.
11 months ago
The implementation will be very tricky, but there's a big opportunity here.
Stephen Diehl
The Handwavy Technobabble Nothingburger
over a year ago
SatPost by Trung...
Lululemon's $50B+ Apparel Innovation
Chip Wilson launched the athleisure industry by solving the "camel-toe problem" (via breakthroughs...
a year ago
Chip Wilson launched the athleisure industry by solving the "camel-toe problem" (via breakthroughs in materials and sewing methods).
Rest of World -...
How different languages laugh online
Laughter is universal, but lol is not.
a year ago
Laughter is universal, but lol is not.
Rest of World -...
Argentina’s far-right front-runner is not the crypto candidate fans think he is
Milei’s plans for the dollarization of Argentina’s economy might even depress crypto adoption.
a year ago
Milei’s plans for the dollarization of Argentina’s economy might even depress crypto adoption.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Nine reasons screenshots are awesome
By taking a screenshot, you can “export” from any app on any device. You can “import” screenshots...
over a year ago
By taking a screenshot, you can “export” from any app on any device. You can “import” screenshots back into any app that imports photos…
Rest of World -...
What is this thing? Guess Temu’s weirdest gadgets
Chinese e-commerce site Temu uses its most bizarre products in online ads. Rest of World tested them...
a year ago
Chinese e-commerce site Temu uses its most bizarre products in online ads. Rest of World tested them so you don’t have to.
Paul Graham: Essays
Why Arc Isn't Especially Object-Oriented
over a year ago
Working Theorys
Two Shticks
Everyone needs two shticks.
4 days ago
Everyone needs two shticks.
Paul Graham: Essays
What We Look for in Founders
over a year ago
tomcritchlow.com
Building a New Project in Public
Nate Kadlac runs Approachable Design an online course to teach the basics of visual aesthetic and...
a year ago
Nate Kadlac runs Approachable Design an online course to teach the basics of visual aesthetic and design.
Rest of World -...
Meet the Nigerian YouTuber bringing a positive lens to African stories
With 600,000 subscribers, Tayo Aina is one of Africa’s most prominent creators.
a year ago
With 600,000 subscribers, Tayo Aina is one of Africa’s most prominent creators.
Working Theorys
Weekend Theorys No. 1
"Healthy” social apps, the folly of the "one-two punch," and side projects that command respect
10 months ago
"Healthy” social apps, the folly of the "one-two punch," and side projects that command respect
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Gordon Moore on self-driving cars
“I never thought I’d see autonomous automobiles driving on the freeways. It wasn’t many years ago...
over a year ago
“I never thought I’d see autonomous automobiles driving on the freeways. It wasn’t many years ago they put out a request to see who could…
Platformer
Google unveils Gemini
CEO Sundar Pichai and DeepMind's Demis Hassabis talk to Platformer about the promise — and product...
a year ago
CEO Sundar Pichai and DeepMind's Demis Hassabis talk to Platformer about the promise — and product roadmap — of their answer to GPT-4
Working Theorys
Writer-Builders
Theory #39 | The archetype of new kind of renaissance man
7 months ago
Theory #39 | The archetype of new kind of renaissance man
Noahpinion
The Democrats' new sunny vibes
Suddenly, the country has an opportunity to leave the madness of the 2010s behind.
4 months ago
Suddenly, the country has an opportunity to leave the madness of the 2010s behind.
Unpacked
AI-enabled SaaS vs Moatless AI
Several enterprise SaaS companies have announced generative AI features recently, which is a direct...
a year ago
Several enterprise SaaS companies have announced generative AI features recently, which is a direct threat to AI startups that lack sustainable competitive advantage
Noahpinion
The case of the angry history postdoc
Elite overproduction spotted in the wild.
6 months ago
Elite overproduction spotted in the wild.
David Perell
The Paradox of Abundance
Information abundance, like all markets of abundance, is bad for the average person but great for a...
over a year ago
Information abundance, like all markets of abundance, is bad for the average person but great for a small number of people. Abundance is a paradox. Environments of abundance are bad for the median consumer but extremely good for a small number of conscious ones. Average consumers...
Ed Zitron's Where's...
Are We Watching The Internet Die?
Sometime this month, Reddit will go public at a valuation of $6.5bn. Select Redditors were offered...
9 months ago
Sometime this month, Reddit will go public at a valuation of $6.5bn. Select Redditors were offered the chance to buy stock at the initial listing price, which it hasn’t announced yet but is expected to be in the range of $31-34 per share. Regardless of the actual
Blog posts of...
AngelList is the NASDAQ of our generation.
It’s fair to say that Angellist is the most exciting (web/mobile) tech startup in 2013. Even before...
over a year ago
It’s fair to say that Angellist is the most exciting (web/mobile) tech startup in 2013. Even before they launched syndicates, earl...
Rest of World -...
Seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border? You’d better speak English or Spanish
Migrants speaking Haitian Creole or Indigenous languages face challenges at the border.
a year ago
Migrants speaking Haitian Creole or Indigenous languages face challenges at the border.
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