1. A startup doesn’t need to be a unicorn
Total comment counts : 41
Summary
Matt, a first-time entrepreneur and founder of Vizzly, shares insights from his experience in the startup world in his first post on Substack. After selling Vizzly to WPP in under three years and going through Y-Combinator, he reflects on fundraising and startup success. He critiques the prevalent narratives in B2B SaaS—either the venture capital (VC) path, which encourages aggressive scaling and significant fundraising, or the bootstrapper approach, which promotes sustainable growth without outside investment.
Matt advocates for a “missing middle path” that involves raising a small amount of funding (less than $1M) while retaining majority ownership and focusing on profitability. This approach, which diverges from the VC model, is under-discussed yet can provide a balanced mix of returns with lower financial risk. He highlights the challenges of both the VC and bootstrapper pathways and argues that many startups fail due to raising too much capital prematurely. He concludes that there’s a critical opportunity for founders during the early funding stages that, if leveraged correctly, can lead to substantial outcomes without the burdens associated with larger fundraising rounds.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a model in Germany that allows entrepreneurs to present a business plan to the state’s investment bank to access various financial aids. These include 1.5 years of universal basic income for the applicant and up to two others, up to 20,000 EUR in consulting fees, and discounted loans based on the business plan’s outlook. Although many applicants realize their ideas aren’t viable during the planning phase, some succeed and create stable, solvent companies rather than hyper-growth startups. The author emphasizes that organic growth and sustainability are the most admirable outcomes of this program, contrasting this with the allure of venture capital funding, which only a few startups pursue.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the prevalence of small, self-funded businesses outside of the venture capital (VC) startup bubble. It highlights that 82% of all U.S. businesses have fewer than 10 employees and that an overwhelming majority (99.976%) of new businesses do not rely on venture capital for funding. This illustrates a stark contrast between the typical VC-backed startup ecosystem and the reality of the majority of businesses, which operate on a smaller, often self-sustaining scale.
2. Glamorous Toolkit
Total comment counts : 23
Summary
The article introduces the Glamorous Toolkit, a development environment designed for “Moldable Development,” which emphasizes creating contextual experiences tailored to specific problems. It features a wide array of visual and interactive tools that can be combined flexibly to explore and analyze code, patterns, and log behaviors across various programming languages and technologies, including Ruby, Python, and JavaScript.
The toolkit promotes understanding complex systems by enabling users to view and manage dependencies, visualize data, and engage in context-aware editing. It serves as both a programming environment and a case study, demonstrating the importance of diverse perspectives in system exploration. To utilize Glamorous Toolkit, users need to learn how to navigate and program within its environment, selecting problems of interest to guide their learning.
Overall, its aim is to facilitate deeper insights into systems, making their internal workings more comprehensible through extensive extensions and examples.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author expresses frustration and confusion about a particular project they frequently revisit. They acknowledge that the application’s interface becomes slightly clearer each year, but basic functionalities remain difficult to understand without consulting a handbook. The author feels that essential features should be more intuitive and is disheartened by the complexity of the underlying technology (Pharo) necessary for effective usage. They mention that the community primarily communicates via Discord, which deters them from engaging further, leading them to consider simpler alternatives like Cuis Smalltalk. Despite their desire for a user-friendly knowledge base and data visualization tools, the author finds the current system challenging to navigate and feels overwhelmed by the need to learn programming without adequate support, contrasting it with the more accessible learning experience offered by platforms like Jupyter.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges faced by the Smalltalk and Pharo programming communities, particularly in relation to their popularity and public perception. It highlights the concepts of image-based persistence and introduces new terms like “moldable development” and “contextual micro tools,” which encapsulate the unique aspects of these environments. However, the author suggests that Smalltalk and Pharo suffer from a public relations issue, as they can be perceived as overly academic. They contrast Moose’s promotion of “meta-meta-modeling” with the more practical approach of gritql, which appears to be gaining traction. The author proposes that a shift in strategy may be necessary to attract a broader audience to these innovative yet underappreciated technologies.
3. DeepMind program finds diamonds in Minecraft without being taught
Total comment counts : 25
Summary
A new artificial intelligence system called Dreamer has successfully learned to collect diamonds in Minecraft, a complex task involving multiple steps, without direct human guidance. Dreamer represents a significant advancement towards developing general artificial intelligence (AI) that can adapt knowledge from one domain to another. Created by researchers at Google DeepMind, Dreamer employs reinforcement learning to explore the game and understand its environment. Unlike previous AI efforts that relied on watching human players, Dreamer builds a ‘world model’ to simulate future scenarios, allowing it to make predictions about the outcomes of its actions. This ability to imagine potential results could extend to real-world applications, enhancing how machines learn and interact in dynamic environments.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the effectiveness of the “holding a button” approach in the context of training AI, particularly in the game Minecraft. It suggests that the success of AI models like Dreamer is largely due to how forgiving the Minecraft environment is for exploration and reward structures. The author poses a question about whether Dreamer’s effectiveness would persist in a more complex, synthetic environment with challenging signals, such as those involving object permanence or social reasoning, rather than the straightforward rewards found in games like Minecraft.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article highlights a key point regarding the acceleration of block breaking in Minecraft, emphasizing that continuous button-holding for hundreds of steps would be impractical for stochastic policies. This approach helps concentrate on the main challenges posed by the game.
4. We asked camera companies why their RAW formats are all different and confusing
Total comment counts : 27
Summary
The article by Antonio G. Di Benedetto discusses the existence of a universal open-source RAW format for digital cameras, known as DNG (Digital Negative), which is supported by only a few manufacturers. Despite DNG’s advantages—such as being open-source, flexible, and capable of storing metadata within the file—larger camera brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony continue to use their proprietary formats (e.g., CR3, NEF, ARW). This leads to compatibility challenges for photo editing software, making it difficult for users to process RAW files from different camera brands.
Adobe’s DNG was created in 2004 to streamline RAW file handling and enhance future compatibility, but it has not gained widespread adoption among major brands. While smaller manufacturers and those with ties to Adobe often utilize DNG, larger companies prefer proprietary formats for better control over image processing and optimization based on their unique hardware capabilities. The article highlights the contrast between the advantages of a universal format and the reasons manufacturers choose to maintain proprietary systems, emphasizing the ongoing fragmentation in the RAW format landscape.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the simplicity of RAW formats used in photography, highlighting that the camera firmware is usually developed in countries with limited open-source software traditions. It points out that the decoding process for RAW formats involves basic binary parsing, metadata reading, and decompression, averaging about a thousand lines of C++ code for each format. Unlike complex codecs like HEVC, these RAW formats only approach JPEG complexity when dealing with embedded thumbnails. While cameras could use the more standardized DNG format, doing so would face challenges such as coordination with Adobe and potential language barriers, which might hinder creative experimentation. Ultimately, photographers typically do not prioritize these technical aspects, as raw processing software is generally available shortly after new camera releases, and this does not significantly affect camera sales.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the complexities of raw decoding in image processing, highlighting that it’s an ideal stage for implementing specialized enhancements such as noise reduction and HDR processing. The author, who previously worked at a camera manufacturer, emphasizes the intensity and secrecy surrounding their raw decoder, noting that while third-party deinterlacers can achieve impressive results, they cannot fully replicate the company’s decoder performance.
5. How the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg Got Added to the White House Signal Chat
Total comment counts : 26
Summary
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz was cleared in an internal investigation after mistakenly including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat about US military operations in Yemen. The mix-up stemmed from an earlier incident where Waltz accidentally saved Goldberg’s phone number under a different contact due to a forwarding error in the Trump campaign. The internal investigation revealed a series of oversights leading up to the incident, which went unnoticed until the creation of the group chat. Although Trump considered firing Waltz, he ultimately decided against it, partly due to a desire not to appease the media and because he accepted Waltz’s apology. Following the incident, Trump expressed his support for Waltz publicly, and the White House authorized the use of Signal, recognizing the need for real-time communication across agencies.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article raises a critical question about the use of Signal, a secure messaging app, instead of a government-secured communication network. It suggests concerns over the appropriateness of using a private platform for official communications, implying potential security or accountability issues.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a situation involving a mistaken contact suggestion on a Waltz’s iPhone, attributed to a feature that automatically saves unknown numbers related to existing contacts. It highlights the potential pitfalls of this auto-suggestion feature, particularly in business settings where it can lead to issues, such as accidentally including opposing counsel in emails intended for a client and internal team. The author emphasizes that IT departments should consider disabling such features to avoid these problems.
6. Baby Steps into Genetic Programming
Total comment counts : 10
Summary
The article reflects on a user’s experience in the Google AI Contest, where they ranked 280th, and draws inspiration from a bot made using genetic programming. The author expresses a renewed interest in genetic programming (GP) and aims to explore it using Common Lisp. The piece serves as an introduction to GP, emphasizing practical coding examples over theoretical concepts, suitable for readers interested in GP or Common Lisp.
The article demonstrates a REPL session, illustrating how to generate random code to solve the problem of calculating the area of a circle using four basic operators: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The author detail the function RANDOM-FORM, which generates random expressions by recursively selecting operators and arguments. To prevent stack exhaustion, limits on recursion depth are implemented. Ultimately, the article is meant to engage readers in experimenting with the code in a practical manner, while maintaining a light emphasis on theory.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the replacement of Genetic Programming with Bayesian Optimization (bayesopt) for certain use cases due to its principled foundation and recent advancements. It notes that Bayesian Optimization is particularly useful for non-differentiable objective functions, such as in model selection with hyperparameters or in molecule discovery. The author suggests using libraries like botorch or hyperopt to implement bayesopt, while also acknowledging that hyperopt focuses on a specific algorithm that may now be less effective. The article includes references to a book and tutorial on Bayesian Optimization, along with links to other relevant research. Additionally, it warns that the linked website ai-contest.com appears to have been hijacked by a gambling site.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article provides a brief and approachable overview of Genetic Programming (GP), suggesting that while the write-up is concise and easier to digest than John Koza’s classic book on the subject, readers should still consider reading Koza’s book or trying out his Common Lisp code if they find GP useful. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of not confusing Genetic Algorithms (GA) with Genetic Programming (GP).
7. Journey to Optimize Cloudflare D1 Database Queries
Total comment counts : 5
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience working with Cloudflare Workers and the D1 database, highlighting the challenges faced, particularly with database performance and queries. It emphasizes that while both services are from Cloudflare, they do not inherently improve each other’s performance. The author provides several key insights and strategies for troubleshooting database-related issues:
- Batch Operations: For write operations, using D1’s batch operations is more efficient than performing multiple individual queries, as it reduces REST requests.
- Care with IDs: When updating records, exclude the ID field to minimize row reads, which can lead to unnecessary database load if foreign keys are involved.
- Pagination Strategies: Switching to cursor-based pagination instead of offset-based can significantly reduce the number of rows read and improve efficiency.
- Avoiding Cartesian Products: Complex joins can result in unexpectedly large result sets; therefore, breaking down queries to manage joins is recommended.
- Bulk Inserts: Instead of multiple single inserts, combining records into a single SQL statement can enhance performance, although D1 has a limit on bound parameters requiring data chunking.
The author concludes that server-side issues require careful monitoring and thorough testing, acknowledging that solving one problem might lead to others. Continuous evaluation and adjustment are crucial in managing database performance effectively.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author evaluated the performance of D1 for a project and found it unsatisfactory, particularly noting poor time-to-first-byte (TTFB) metrics both in Europe and internationally. The TTFB exceeded 200ms even in Europe, which is considered unacceptable. The article suggests that frontend developers should be aware of database challenges but advises against using D1, recommending instead a hosted Postgres solution for better performance and capabilities.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a limitation in handling transactions in a database (referred to as D1), where a transaction cannot span multiple requests, meaning you cannot perform a select, execute application logic, and then write to the database atomically. Instead, you can combine multiple statements into a single batch request executed at once. To ensure atomicity in such scenarios, the author describes creating a batch request that includes a precondition check that triggers a JSON parsing error if the condition is not met, thereby aborting subsequent statements in the batch. However, for more complex transactions, it may require creating tables for temporary values and translating application logic into SQL statements to maintain atomicity.
8. Reinventing Feathering for the Vectorian Era
Total comment counts : 6
Summary
In a blog post by Chris Dalton, Head of Runtime at Rive, he discusses the development of a new vector-based feathering system for the Rive Renderer, addressing long-standing requests for glow and shadow effects in design software. Dalton criticizes the traditional method of using Gaussian blur for these effects, as it requires rasterizing vector shapes into bitmaps and applying computationally expensive convolution filters, leading to less efficient and non-scalable results. He highlights the historical misuse of Gaussian blur, initially designed for data smoothing rather than graphics, and proposes a more efficient approach that directly applies calculations to vector curves without rasterization.
Dalton recalls conversations with Rive’s leadership, including CEO Guido Rosso’s enthusiasm for this feature and the desire to build a renderer free from the constraints of outdated SVG specifications. He emphasizes the need for modern algorithms to match contemporary hardware capabilities and outlines Rive’s mission to transform interactive design through its proprietary tools, consisting of the Editor, the .riv file format, and open-source Runtimes. The overarching goal of the project was to innovate beyond legacy design practices and create a more efficient vector rendering system capable of delivering high-quality visual effects.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article begins to delve into technical details but quickly shifts to marketing content. The author expresses disappointment and hopes for a follow-up that thoroughly explores the technical aspects.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses how to achieve a Gaussian blur effect using an infinite impulse response method, originally developed by IBM. The concept has been adapted into JavaScript and shared on GitHub for public use. Links to further information on the infinite impulse response and the GitHub project are provided.
9. A Multiwavelength Look at Proxima Centauri’s Flares
Total comment counts : 2
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article uses a metaphor comparing civilization to a reed mat drifting across the Pacific Ocean, with ants representing humans who, despite their small size and limited perspective, are focused on understanding distant issues, like atmospheric stripping on other planets. The author expresses hope that humanity’s concern for such far-off problems reflects a positive aspect of our nature, suggesting a commitment to inquiry and care for the universe.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author expresses their long-term appreciation for a blog, indicating that they have been a reader for many years and are pleased to see it receiving recognition.
10. Data centers contain 90% crap data
Total comment counts : 49
Summary
The article discusses the alarming issue of “crap data” generated and stored by organizations, which is harming the environment and contributing to a wasteful digital landscape. It highlights that over 90% of commercial or government data is deemed useless, often created without intention of being read or accessed again. The author notes the exponential increase in data, specifically the millions of digital files—photos, videos, reports—many of which are never viewed. Despite the ease of content creation due to digital tools and the cloud, organizations struggle to manage their data effectively, with vast amounts of unused content cluttering their systems.
The author shares examples showing that a significant percentage of content goes unvisited, asserting that many organizations lack awareness of their own data storage and are overwhelmed by copies of files. This rampant accumulation of “crap data” not only wastes resources but also hampers the effectiveness of AI models trained on such flawed information. Ultimately, the article calls attention to the environmental impact of unnecessary data storage and the urgent need for better content management practices.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the vast amount of data that organizations store, noting that a significant portion remains unused after being stored—highlighting a case where 1,500 terabytes were rarely accessed. It draws a parallel to car insurance, where many people pay for policies that they don’t utilize, suggesting that they could save money if they recognized this waste. The author uses sarcasm to emphasize that much data is kept for potential future needs, such as personal photos or business records that might be important later. While acknowledging that there is waste in data storage, the author argues that it often makes sense to keep data, as determining what is necessary can be more time-consuming and expensive than merely storing everything.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author recounts their experience working on a large data migration project at a FAANG company about fifteen years ago, where they migrated multi-exabyte data across many countries. After completing the migration, the old storage platform still contained some data, primarily because users were more focused on ensuring their data was successfully migrated rather than deleting everything from the legacy system. As they prepared to shut down the old storage clusters, they realized that some of the leftover data might be subject to litigation holds, which prevented its deletion. This concern led to several months of discussions with legal teams to navigate the complexities of the situation, as the leftover data spanned multiple jurisdictions and totaled dozens of petabytes. Despite their confidence that there was unlikely to be significant leftover data that wasn’t migrated, they found it impractical to thoroughly inspect such a vast amount of data. Ultimately, the team developed methods to categorize the data, which extended the project timeline by over six months, presenting an interesting challenge that had not been anticipated during the initial planning focused on technical aspects of the migration.