Steve Smith
@stevesmithtech.bsky.social
Technology leadership | Books leanpub.com/u/stevesmith | Blog stevesmith.tech | Work equalexperts.com | Conf agileonthebeach.com
Reposted by Steve Smith
controversial take nobody asked for: trying to hold a "middle-ground" position on the usefulness of genAI feels like being satisfied with 'regression to the mean' as acceptable standard 🤷🏾♀️
November 3, 2025 at 9:21 PM
controversial take nobody asked for: trying to hold a "middle-ground" position on the usefulness of genAI feels like being satisfied with 'regression to the mean' as acceptable standard 🤷🏾♀️
Reposted by Steve Smith
When you see Mamdani looking all normal doing normal person things—petting bodega cats, riding public transport—you realize just how bizarre and estranged our average candidate for public office is. Rich martians in flesh suits
November 2, 2025 at 2:26 PM
When you see Mamdani looking all normal doing normal person things—petting bodega cats, riding public transport—you realize just how bizarre and estranged our average candidate for public office is. Rich martians in flesh suits
Reposted by Steve Smith
The number of people who didn’t know what us-east-1 was on Sunday and are suddenly experts in running multi-region distributed systems at scale today is truly remarkable.
October 22, 2025 at 5:59 AM
The number of people who didn’t know what us-east-1 was on Sunday and are suddenly experts in running multi-region distributed systems at scale today is truly remarkable.
Reposted by Steve Smith
It's Signal. It's worth using. Good interview with @Mer__edith
https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-09-14/signal-president-meredith-whittaker-in-technology-its-way-too-easy-for-marketing-to-replace-substance-thats-whats-happened-with-telegram.html
h/t
#signal
https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-09-14/signal-president-meredith-whittaker-in-technology-its-way-too-easy-for-marketing-to-replace-substance-thats-whats-happened-with-telegram.html
h/t
#signal
Signal president Meredith Whittaker: ‘In technology, it’s way too easy for marketing to replace substance. That’s what’s happened with Telegram’
The app best known for respecting privacy looks to grow, despite anti-privacy efforts
english.elpais.com
September 15, 2025 at 12:27 PM
It's Signal. It's worth using. Good interview with @Mer__edith
https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-09-14/signal-president-meredith-whittaker-in-technology-its-way-too-easy-for-marketing-to-replace-substance-thats-whats-happened-with-telegram.html
h/t
#signal
https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-09-14/signal-president-meredith-whittaker-in-technology-its-way-too-easy-for-marketing-to-replace-substance-thats-whats-happened-with-telegram.html
h/t
#signal
Reposted by Steve Smith
Okay, for the folks who asked: here's the majority AI view, writing up the reasonable, thoughtful view on AI that the vast majority of people in tech hold, that gets overshadowed by the bluster and hype of the tycoons trying to shill their nonsense. anildash.com/2025/10/17/t... Please share!
The Majority AI View - Anil Dash
A blog about making culture. Since 1999.
anildash.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Okay, for the folks who asked: here's the majority AI view, writing up the reasonable, thoughtful view on AI that the vast majority of people in tech hold, that gets overshadowed by the bluster and hype of the tycoons trying to shill their nonsense. anildash.com/2025/10/17/t... Please share!
Reposted by Steve Smith
I get the point that's trying to be made here, but it's actually inaccurate. The *MAJORITY* of actual practitioners in the tech industry have a position that is neither of these, it's merely getting drowned out by these two loud positions. The most common belief in the tech industry is simple:
There are basically only two positions in the debate about AI.
1. I’ve barely invested any time in learning how to use it effectively. AI sucks.
2. I’ve invested in learning how to use this tool. Holy cow, it’s transformational.
Position #1 has lower barriers to entry.
1. I’ve barely invested any time in learning how to use it effectively. AI sucks.
2. I’ve invested in learning how to use this tool. Holy cow, it’s transformational.
Position #1 has lower barriers to entry.
October 17, 2025 at 4:32 AM
I get the point that's trying to be made here, but it's actually inaccurate. The *MAJORITY* of actual practitioners in the tech industry have a position that is neither of these, it's merely getting drowned out by these two loud positions. The most common belief in the tech industry is simple:
Is Anthropic less evil than OpenAI? Or do they just have better PR people?
October 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Is Anthropic less evil than OpenAI? Or do they just have better PR people?
Reposted by Steve Smith
Pope Leo quotes Hannah Arendt:
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist."
www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist."
www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...
Pope Leo calls for news agencies to stand as bulwark against "post-truths," lies and manipulation
Pope Leo XIV has encouraged international news agencies to stand firm as a bulwark against the "ancient art of lying" and manipulation.
www.cbsnews.com
October 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Pope Leo quotes Hannah Arendt:
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist."
www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist."
www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...
Reposted by Steve Smith
Macron remarks are notable- some quotes: "We have been incredibly naive in entrusting our democratic space to social networks that are controlled either by large American entrepreneurs or large Chinese companies, whose interests are not at all the survival or proper functioning of our democracies."
President Macron: “Europeans, let's wake up!
We have been incredibly naive in entrusting our democratic space to social networks.”
defenddemocracy.eu/macron-democ...
We have been incredibly naive in entrusting our democratic space to social networks.”
defenddemocracy.eu/macron-democ...
October 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Macron remarks are notable- some quotes: "We have been incredibly naive in entrusting our democratic space to social networks that are controlled either by large American entrepreneurs or large Chinese companies, whose interests are not at all the survival or proper functioning of our democracies."
Reposted by Steve Smith
OpenAI employees are very excited about how well their new AI tool can create fake videos of people doing crimes and have definitely thought through all the implications of this
September 30, 2025 at 11:24 PM
OpenAI employees are very excited about how well their new AI tool can create fake videos of people doing crimes and have definitely thought through all the implications of this
Betteridge's Law says hello
September 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Betteridge's Law says hello
Reposted by Steve Smith
I was part of a working group on AI and Fraternity assembled by the Vatican. We met in Rome and worked on this over two days. I am happy to share the result of that intense effort: a Declaration we presented to the Pope and other government authorities
coexistence.global
coexistence.global
September 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM
I was part of a working group on AI and Fraternity assembled by the Vatican. We met in Rome and worked on this over two days. I am happy to share the result of that intense effort: a Declaration we presented to the Pope and other government authorities
coexistence.global
coexistence.global
Reposted by Steve Smith
for all people mock it wikipedia is genuinely one of the wonders of the modern world
September 21, 2025 at 7:54 PM
for all people mock it wikipedia is genuinely one of the wonders of the modern world
Reposted by Steve Smith
This piece argues we’re in not one, but three AI bubbles:
1. a financial bubble with inflated valuations,
2. an infrastructure bubble with overbuilt data centers,
3. a hype bubble where AI can’t meet its promises.
Honestly, all three seem highly likely to me.
1. a financial bubble with inflated valuations,
2. an infrastructure bubble with overbuilt data centers,
3. a hype bubble where AI can’t meet its promises.
Honestly, all three seem highly likely to me.
There isn’t an AI bubble—there are three
Here's how to capitalize on them.
www.fastcompany.com
September 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
This piece argues we’re in not one, but three AI bubbles:
1. a financial bubble with inflated valuations,
2. an infrastructure bubble with overbuilt data centers,
3. a hype bubble where AI can’t meet its promises.
Honestly, all three seem highly likely to me.
1. a financial bubble with inflated valuations,
2. an infrastructure bubble with overbuilt data centers,
3. a hype bubble where AI can’t meet its promises.
Honestly, all three seem highly likely to me.
When I grow up, I want to be like @meredithmeredith.bsky.social
“We are not working on building an AI agent. We are working to protect Signal from the invasion of AI agents that threaten privacy and that are being implemented in irresponsible ways”
It's Signal. It's worth using. Good interview with @Mer__edith
https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-09-14/signal-president-meredith-whittaker-in-technology-its-way-too-easy-for-marketing-to-replace-substance-thats-whats-happened-with-telegram.html
h/t
#signal
https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-09-14/signal-president-meredith-whittaker-in-technology-its-way-too-easy-for-marketing-to-replace-substance-thats-whats-happened-with-telegram.html
h/t
#signal
September 19, 2025 at 9:56 AM
When I grow up, I want to be like @meredithmeredith.bsky.social
Reposted by Steve Smith
at a time where folding for fascism and aligning with authoritarianism is the norm, distinguish yourself by having integrity and convictions and defending them
September 18, 2025 at 11:13 AM
at a time where folding for fascism and aligning with authoritarianism is the norm, distinguish yourself by having integrity and convictions and defending them
Reposted by Steve Smith
Owning code in production changes how we write it. ‘You Build It, You Run It’ isn’t asking too much of developers, imo. It’s a great way to build reliable software.
September 17, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Owning code in production changes how we write it. ‘You Build It, You Run It’ isn’t asking too much of developers, imo. It’s a great way to build reliable software.
youtu.be
September 16, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Reposted by Steve Smith
Developers vs. ‘You Build It, You Run It’ | PART 3 | @stevesmithtech.bsky.social
📅 TOMORROW NIGHT @ 7PM (UK)
Subscribe & hit the bell to receive notifications whenever we release a video 🔔➡️ youtube.com/@ModernSoftw...
📅 TOMORROW NIGHT @ 7PM (UK)
Subscribe & hit the bell to receive notifications whenever we release a video 🔔➡️ youtube.com/@ModernSoftw...
September 16, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Developers vs. ‘You Build It, You Run It’ | PART 3 | @stevesmithtech.bsky.social
📅 TOMORROW NIGHT @ 7PM (UK)
Subscribe & hit the bell to receive notifications whenever we release a video 🔔➡️ youtube.com/@ModernSoftw...
📅 TOMORROW NIGHT @ 7PM (UK)
Subscribe & hit the bell to receive notifications whenever we release a video 🔔➡️ youtube.com/@ModernSoftw...
Reposted by Steve Smith
New article by me for @mitpress.bsky.social on the rise of "Nihilistic Violent Extremists" and why David Brooks is wrong to think that Church and "believing in belief" is the solution to nihilism rather than recognizing such empty rituals as the cause...
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/returning-to...
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/returning-to...
Returning to Church Won’t Save Us from Nihilism
Engaging in ritual for ritual’s sake only deepens nihilism.
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu
September 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
New article by me for @mitpress.bsky.social on the rise of "Nihilistic Violent Extremists" and why David Brooks is wrong to think that Church and "believing in belief" is the solution to nihilism rather than recognizing such empty rituals as the cause...
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/returning-to...
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/returning-to...
Reposted by Steve Smith
Some personal news:
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
The Washington Post Fired Me — But My Voice Will Not Be Silenced.
I spoke out against hatred and violence in America — and it cost me my job.
substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Some personal news:
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
Reposted by Steve Smith
EXCLUSIVE - Today the Guardian is publishing the Boris Files
A trove of leaked data from the office of Boris Johnson.
It reveals how Johnson is using the relationships forged in the UK’s highest elected office to facilitate his personal enrichment.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
A trove of leaked data from the office of Boris Johnson.
It reveals how Johnson is using the relationships forged in the UK’s highest elected office to facilitate his personal enrichment.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
What are the Boris Files and what do they reveal about former PM’s conduct?
Leaked material from Johnson’s private office raises serious questions relating to his time in No 10 and since he resigned
www.theguardian.com
September 8, 2025 at 6:22 PM
EXCLUSIVE - Today the Guardian is publishing the Boris Files
A trove of leaked data from the office of Boris Johnson.
It reveals how Johnson is using the relationships forged in the UK’s highest elected office to facilitate his personal enrichment.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
A trove of leaked data from the office of Boris Johnson.
It reveals how Johnson is using the relationships forged in the UK’s highest elected office to facilitate his personal enrichment.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Steve Smith
📣 NEW -- In The Economist, discussing the privacy perils of AI agents and what AI companies and operating systems need to do--NOW--to protect Signal and much else!
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
September 9, 2025 at 11:44 AM
📣 NEW -- In The Economist, discussing the privacy perils of AI agents and what AI companies and operating systems need to do--NOW--to protect Signal and much else!
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...