2025/12/31

1. 2025: The Year in LLMs from simonwillison.net
   849 by simonw 1d ago | | |

   Article: 1 hr 19 min

   This article is a retrospective review of the advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs) throughout 2025, focusing on trends such as reasoning models, agents, command-line access, and notable events like the release of Claude Code.

   Moderate

   • The year was marked by significant developments in reasoning models, agents, and command-line access for LLMs.
   • Claude Code was a major breakthrough in the form of an asynchronous coding agent that allows developers to prompt and forget tasks which are then executed asynchronously.
   • Reasoning models have become a signature feature across various AI labs, enhancing capabilities such as code debugging and search engine integration.
   • The year saw advancements in Chinese open weight models, challenging OpenAI's lead in the industry.

   Quality:
   The article provides a comprehensive review of the advancements in LLMs, backed by detailed analysis and insights from various AI labs.

   Discussion (498): 1 hr 58 min

   The comment thread discusses Simon Willison's role in organizing AI updates and reporting developments. There is a neutral sentiment overall with some positive views on his approach to providing organized information about AI. However, there are concerns raised about the promotion aspect of his content and the perception that AI progress has not met expectations this year.

   • Simon Willison's work has been valuable for organizing AI updates
   • AI progress feels stagnant this year

   Counterarguments:

   • Some users are concerned about the promotion aspect of Simon's content
   • Others feel that AI progress has not met expectations this year
   AI Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing
2. Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO after six decades from latimes.com
   695 by ValentineC 1d ago | | |

   Article: 9 min

   Warren Buffett, the legendary CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has stepped down from his position after six decades, with Greg Abel taking over as the new CEO.

   • Buffett grew Berkshire from a struggling textile mill to a massive conglomerate.
   • Abel has been managing noninsurance businesses since 2018.
   • Berkshire operates with a decentralized structure, allowing executives significant decision-making autonomy.

   Quality:
   The article provides a balanced view of the situation, discussing both Buffett's legacy and Abel's potential impact.

   Discussion (541): 1 hr 51 min

   The comment thread discusses various opinions on Warren Buffett, focusing on his investment strategies, philanthropy, and lifestyle. Opinions range from admiration as an American hero to criticism of his wealth distribution and lifestyle choices. The conversation also touches on the impact of his investments on society and compares him with other billionaires.

   • Buffett is an American hero
   • Buffett's lifestyle and habits are not heroic, but rather down-to-earth

   Counterarguments:

   • Buffett's investment strategy is not always successful
   • Buffett's lifestyle choices are not necessarily admirable
   Business Leadership/Management, Finance
3. I canceled my book deal from austinhenley.com
   592 by azhenley 1d ago | | |

   Article: 20 min

   The author, an associate teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon University, shares their experience of canceling a book deal with a big tech publisher after facing numerous issues during the writing process.

   • The author decided against self-publishing initially due to the perceived benefits of having a publisher.
   • Negotiations led to an agreement on the book topic, audience, and detailed table of contents.
   • Issues with contract terms, such as low royalties and illustrations requirement, were discussed.
   • The writing process was challenging due to constant feedback and pressure from the editor to dumb down content and add an introductory chapter about Python.

   Quality:
   The post is well-structured and provides a clear, unbiased account of the author's experience.

   Discussion (332): 1 hr 30 min

   The discussion revolves around an author's experience with a book deal cancelled by the publisher due to disagreements over incorporating AI into the content. Opinions vary on self-publishing versus traditional publishing, with concerns about AI's impact on writing and publishing. The community largely agrees that publishers can provide valuable feedback but also faces criticism for lack of marketing efforts. There is debate around the quality and necessity of AI-generated content compared to human-created material.

   • Publishers may not always provide adequate marketing for authors' books.
   • Self-publishing offers more control over the book's content, pricing, and distribution.
   • AI-generated content could potentially replace human-created material in certain contexts.

   Counterarguments:

   • Publishers provide valuable feedback and editing services for authors.
   • Traditional publishing can offer greater credibility and reach compared to self-publishing.
   • AI-generated content might lack the nuance and personal touch found in human-created works.
   Literature Memoir/Blog Post
4. Stardew Valley developer made a $125k donation to the FOSS C# framework MonoGame from monogame.net
   572 by haunter 1d ago | | |

   Article:

   Stardew Valley developer donates $125k to the FOSS C# framework MonoGame, encouraging community involvement through various support options.

   - Encourages open-source contributions, fosters a supportive developer community, and promotes financial support for free software projects.

   • $125k donation to MonoGame
   • Support options via GitHub, PayPal, Patreon
   • MonoGame Store for branded merchandise
   • Invitation to contribute through code, community support, and bounties

   Quality:
   The article provides clear and factual information about the donation, community involvement options, and relevant platforms.

   Discussion (244): 1 hr 2 min

   The discussion revolves around the generous donation by ConcernedApe, the developer of Stardew Valley, to MonoGame. The community appreciates this act and discusses its implications on game development, open-source software, and business models. There's a focus on comparing indie games with AAA titles in terms of success and funding sources, highlighting the importance of community support for projects like MonoGame.

   • ConcernedApe's donation is seen as generous given Stardew Valley's success.
   • Open-source tools often benefit large corporations without adequate contribution.

   Counterarguments:

   • Some argue that the donation might be self-serving, aiming for business expansion or control over rival platforms.
   Software Development Open Source, Community Projects
5. Show HN: Use Claude Code to Query 600 GB Indexes over Hacker News, ArXiv, etc. from exopriors.com
   368 by Xyra 1d ago | | |

   Article: 11 min

   This article introduces Claude Code, a tool that allows users to query large indexes of information from sources like Hacker News and ArXiv using natural language prompts. It provides instructions on how to set up the tool for both direct use in the web app and through command-line interface (CLI) with specific commands and settings.

   The tool could potentially enhance research and development processes by providing quick access to large datasets, but it might also raise concerns about data privacy and the ethical use of AI.

   • Instructions on setup and usage

   Discussion (133): 32 min

   The comment thread discusses an AI research tool that allows querying content from various sources, including arXiv, LessWrong, and Hacker News. The tool is praised for its unique features such as SQL query integration, agent-native text-to-SQL workflow, and prompt, tool, and external dataset capabilities. However, there are concerns about marketing hype and the lack of benchmarks to prove its superiority.

   • The scale of the tool makes it stand out among competitors

   Counterarguments:

   • The tool is just marketing hype without solid evidence
   • Lack of benchmarks to prove its superiority
   Software Development AI/ML, Cloud Computing
6. Web Browsers have stopped blocking pop-ups from smokingonabike.com
   366 by coldpie 1d ago | | |

   Article: 6 min

   The article discusses how web browsers have stopped blocking pop-ups, which were once a major issue due to their misuse in displaying ads that covered legitimate content until closed. Web browsers implemented built-in pop-up blockers in the early 2000s, but as ad developers found ways around these features, pop-ups reappeared and became more intrusive than before.

   • Ad developers found ways around these blockers, leading to the return of intrusive pop-ups.

   Quality:
   The article presents an opinion on the return of pop-ups and suggests a solution, but maintains objectivity in discussing the issue.

   Discussion (410): 58 min

   The comment thread discusses various issues related to the web experience, including intrusive ads, pop-ups, cookie banners, and dark patterns that negatively impact user experience. There is a consensus on the need for better technological literacy among users and the effectiveness of ad blockers in mitigating these issues. The conversation also touches upon privacy concerns and the ethics of website design tactics.

   • The web experience has become increasingly intrusive and annoying due to various website tactics.
   • There is a lack of technological literacy among the general public when it comes to managing browser settings effectively.

   Counterarguments:

   • Some argue that ads are necessary for funding content creation on websites, and blocking them could lead to less content being available.
   • Others suggest that technological literacy should improve as users become more aware of browser settings and extensions like ad blockers.
   Internet Web Browsers, Advertising Technology
7. Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design (2011) [pdf] from ece.uvic.ca
   326 by tosh 1d ago | | |

   Article:

   The article discusses Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design, a set of principles and guidelines for spacecraft engineering. It covers topics such as the importance of numbers in engineering, designing systems to operate with some failures, iterative design processes, the inevitability of discarding best efforts, and various laws related to data analysis, leadership, optimization, and more.

   • Numbers are crucial for engineering success.
   • Designing systems to operate with some failures is wise.
   • Iterative design process is essential.
   • Best efforts may not always be used in the final design.
   • Patterns and noise in data should be distinguished.
   • Everything can appear linear on a log-log plot.
   • Optimum often lies in the middle of options.
   • Starting without all information is acceptable.
   • Estimation and guessing are part of engineering.
   • Throwing everything out and starting over sometimes leads to better designs.
   • Multiple wrong solutions exist, but perfection requires infinite resources.
   • Designs should be based on requirements.
   • Improvement occurs at interfaces.
   • Past experience can provide reality checks but not guarantees.
   • Engineers may underestimate their own mistakes.
   • Documentation is crucial for understanding problems.
   • Schedules are often unrealistic.
   • Work breakdown structures help manage work.
   • Following a testing failure, it's possible to refine analysis.
   • Don't do anything dumb in engineering practice.
   • Schedules only move forward and should have room for issues.
   • Free launches come with costs.
   • Program management requires accurate estimation.
   • Engineers design systems based on initial concepts.
   • Evolutionary development has limitations.
   • Demonstrations can fail when hardware works perfectly.
   • Good plans executed now are better than perfect plans later.
   • Do what you can, where you have resources.
   • Design perfection is achieved by removing unnecessary elements.
   • Elegant designs may not be practical or efficient.
   • Success in missions requires clear lines of blame.
   • Capabilities drive requirements.
   • Affordable and on-schedule space programs avoid new launch vehicles.
   • target_audience
   • Engineering students, aerospace engineers, and professionals involved in spacecraft design

   Discussion (97): 26 min

   The discussion revolves around Akin's Laws, their application across various fields, and the importance of presentation in project success. Opinions vary on software engineering practices, Elon Musk's ventures, and the relevance of specific examples like the Nokia N95.

   • Akin's Laws are valuable guidance for various disciplines
   • Software engineering often lacks true engineering aspects due to over-measurement
   • Engineering involves continuous tradeoffs and striving for perfection is challenging but worthwhile

   Counterarguments:

   • The Nokia N95 example is not a good comparison for technical design
   • Mixed success with Elon Musk's ventures
   Engineering Aerospace Engineering
8. Efficient method to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere from helsinki.fi
   276 by lrasinen 1d ago | | |

   Article: 3 min

   Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a new method for capturing carbon dioxide from air using a compound made of superbase and alcohol. The compound can absorb 156 milligrams of CO2 per gram, outperforming current methods in terms of capacity.

   The development of this technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions, potentially leading to a decrease in global warming and climate change effects.

   • Developed compound based on superbase and alcohol
   • Does not react with nitrogen, oxygen or other atmospheric gases
   • Capable of recycling captured CO2 by heating at 70°C for 30 minutes

   Discussion (321): 1 hr 14 min

   讨论围绕碳捕获技术、植物吸收CO2以及减少排放源头的效率进行了深入探讨。观点倾向于认为，虽然植物和自然过程在缓解气候变化中扮演重要角色，但大规模实施碳捕获技术面临成本、能源需求和技术挑战。同时，讨论强调了比较不同减排方法的有效性，并指出需要全球协调以实现气候目标。

   • Planting trees and using plants to capture CO2 are effective but have limitations due to time constraints.
   • Efficiency of carbon capture methods should be compared against reducing emissions源头.
   • The cost and energy requirements for large-scale carbon capture make it less feasible as a standalone solution.

   Counterarguments:

   • Plants can be grown on land that is not suitable for food crops or agriculture, providing an alternative method for sequestering CO2.
   Environment Climate Change, Renewable Energy
9. Meta created 'playbook' to fend off pressure to crack down on scammers from reuters.com
   247 by lossolo 1d ago | | |

   Article: 43 min

   Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has developed a 'playbook' to counteract pressure from regulators aiming to crack down on scams. The company launched an enforcement campaign to reduce scam ads while also making problematic content less discoverable for Japanese regulators by managing search results in its Ad Library database.

   Meta's actions may influence the way other tech companies handle regulatory pressure and advertising fraud, potentially leading to more transparency measures or defensive tactics in response to government scrutiny.

   • Meta's fear of Japanese regulations forcing identity verification of advertisers
   • Adoption of tactics in other markets including the US, Europe, India, Australia, Brazil and Thailand

   Quality:
   The article provides a detailed account of Meta's internal strategies and tactics, backed by sources such as Reuters.

   Discussion (118): 27 min

   The comment thread discusses the issue of scam ads on platforms like Facebook, focusing on how they reduce trust in good ads, the responsibility of platforms to limit such ads, and the role of regulators. The conversation highlights concerns about monopolies, market dynamics, and the effectiveness of regulatory agencies.

   • Platforms should not accept scam ads
   • Regulators should force platforms to limit scam ads

   Counterarguments:

   • There are two markets: advertisers and users, where users can 'exit' the platform if they do not like the ads
   • Platforms benefit from monopoly effects that make them relatively immune from customer preferences
   Regulations Technology Regulations, Advertising Regulations
10. The rise of industrial software from chrisloy.dev
    247 by chrisloy 1d ago | | |

    Article: 15 min

    The article discusses how AI coding could lead to a 'disposable' industrial revolution in software development, potentially replacing traditional high-quality software with cheaper, low-quality alternatives. It explores the economic and societal implications of this shift.

    Disposable software production could lead to overproduction of low-quality goods, potentially affecting the quality and sustainability of software ecosystems.

    • AI coding is making software production cheaper, faster, and increasingly disconnected from human expertise.
    • Historical precedents like the impact of industrialization on agriculture suggest that this shift might result in overproduction of low-quality goods.

    Quality:
    The article presents a balanced view of the potential impacts and implications without taking an extreme stance.

    Discussion (185): 1 hr 5 min

    The discussion revolves around the impact of AI on software development, with opinions divided on whether it is making the industry more industrialized and reducing costs. Arguments include the potential for AI to automate tasks and reduce production costs, while counterarguments highlight concerns about code quality and maintainability.

    • Software development is becoming more industrialized
    • AI reduces cost of software production

    Counterarguments:

    • AI-generated code may lack quality and maintainability
    • Analogy between industrialization and AI in software development is flawed
    Computer Science Software Development