Whatsit.today is a new word guessing game where players try to decipher a hidden five-letter word by submitting guesses. Feedback is provided after each guess, revealing which letters are correct and if they are in the correct position within the word. The game offers a daily puzzle and the opportunity for unlimited practice. The creator is seeking feedback on their project.
This 1975 essay by Gerald Weinberg explores the delicate balance between honesty and kindness when delivering potentially painful truths. Weinberg argues that truth-telling isn't simply about stating facts, but also considering the impact of those facts on the recipient. He introduces the concept of "egoless programming" and extends it to general communication, emphasizing the importance of separating one's ego from the message. The essay provides a framework for delivering criticism constructively, focusing on observable behaviors rather than character judgments, and offering suggestions for improvement instead of mere complaints. Ultimately, Weinberg suggests that truly helpful truth-telling requires empathy, careful phrasing, and a genuine desire to help the other person grow.
HN commenters largely discuss the difficulty of delivering hard truths, particularly in professional settings. Some highlight the importance of framing, suggesting that focusing on shared goals and the benefits of honesty can make criticism more palatable. Others emphasize empathy and tact, recommending a focus on observable behaviors rather than character judgments. Several commenters note the importance of building trust beforehand, as criticism from a trusted source is more readily accepted. The power dynamics inherent in delivering criticism are also explored, with some arguing that managers have a responsibility to create a safe space for feedback. Finally, several users note the timeless nature of the advice in the original article, observing that these challenges remain relevant today.
Learning in public, as discussed in Giles Thomas's post, offers numerous benefits revolving around accelerated learning and career advancement. By sharing your learning journey, you solidify your understanding through articulation and receive valuable feedback from others. This process also builds a portfolio showcasing your skills and progress, attracting potential collaborators and employers. The act of teaching, inherent in public learning, further cements knowledge and establishes you as a credible resource within your field. Finally, the connections forged through shared learning experiences expand your network and open doors to new opportunities.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's premise about the benefits of learning in public. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of how publicly documenting their learning journeys, even if imperfectly, led to unexpected connections, valuable feedback, and career opportunities. Some highlighted the importance of focusing on the process over the outcome, emphasizing that consistent effort and genuine curiosity are more impactful than polished perfection. A few cautioned against overthinking or being overly concerned with external validation, suggesting that the primary focus should remain on personal growth. One user pointed out the potential negative aspect of focusing solely on maximizing output for external gains and advocated for intrinsic motivation as a more sustainable driver. The discussion also briefly touched upon the discoverability of older "deep dive" posts, suggesting their enduring value even years later.
Summary of Comments ( 216 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43593789
HN users generally praised the simple, clean design and addictive gameplay of the word game. Several suggested improvements, such as a dark mode, a way to see definitions, and a larger word list. Some questioned the scoring system and offered alternative methods. A few pointed out similar existing games, and others offered encouragement for further development and monetization strategies. One commenter appreciated the creator's humility in presenting the game and mentioned their own mother's enjoyment of simple word games, creating a sense of camaraderie. The overall sentiment was positive and supportive.
The Hacker News post, "Show HN: I built a word game. My mom thinks it's great. What do you think?", generated several comments offering feedback and discussion.
Many commenters were supportive and encouraging of the creator, praising the game's simplicity and addictive nature. Some shared their personal experiences playing the game, noting how quickly time passed while engaged with it. A few users offered specific suggestions for improvements, like adding a timer or a competitive element with leaderboards. The "mom thinks it's great" part of the title also resonated with several commenters, who found it endearing and relatable.
Some commenters provided constructive criticism, such as addressing the mobile experience (specifically mentioning the keyboard popping up and covering the game). Others discussed the game's similarity to existing word games like Boggle and suggested ways to differentiate it further. There was also a technical discussion about the implementation details, including suggestions for using different frameworks or optimizing the code. One commenter even delved into the algorithm used for word validation, offering potential enhancements.
A recurring theme in the comments was the importance of finding the right balance between simplicity and complexity. Some users appreciated the game's minimalist design, while others suggested adding features to enhance replayability. This sparked a conversation about the target audience and the potential for appealing to different player preferences.
Overall, the comments were a mix of positive feedback, constructive criticism, and technical discussions. The creator actively engaged with the commenters, responding to questions and acknowledging the suggestions. This interaction fostered a sense of community and contributed to a productive discussion about the game's potential.