But Simon is not trying to get good at CSS debugging, Simon is trying to learn about AI systems and produce content about them. So giving the AI agent a trivial task to go crazy on is a feature, not a bug.
For $12 implied cost, he got a front-page post on HN with 500 comments. What is that worth? :-)
> What is that worth? :-)
This is one of those double edge sword situations. It is on the front page and it stays because it will trigger a lot of people and he has to spend a lot of effort explaining himself. What is that worth?
His explanations would most likely be buried deep so the impression that others get might be worsened. What is that worth?
In my opinion, this is one of those find a harder problem and you would still have the same content...but it might not draw as much feedback and stay on the front page longer.
To most of us that's worth a ton, whereas he's probably had enough front-page posts that there's less value to him, although still likely more than $12 worth.
>enough front-page posts that there's less value to him
On the countrary I'd say it's probably even more important - without (amongst doing other "thought leader" things) getting on the HN front-page regularly an influencer's value to the industry disappears (not criticising him here)
That's bad news for all of the other "AI influencers", off the top of my head I can't think of any with remotely my track record of hitting HN.
(That's because they're all busy attracting millions of views on TikTok and YouTube, which are much more impactful channels than my dedication to blogging like it's 2005.)
That's what I meant by other thought leadership things - that's all covering different niches. For what it's worth, I think you do useful work and are a respectible influencer.
I'd also say don't be down about your use of blogging - I'd say it makes you more valuable, there aren't that many decision-makers who are going to sit through a bunch of breathless YouTube videos...
P.S. I hope you don't object to me using the term influencer, assumed you were on-board with it since in your post announcing your sponsorship you referenced Freeman & Forrest, "influencers on tap" / "building turnkey influencer marketing programs as a service".
Hah, yeah I'm still a little sore at the "influencer" term but I'm beginning to accept that it applies and I should get comfortable with it!