Stories with Tag portfolio

• Show HN: LinkedIn sucks, so I built a better one

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  Posted: 2025-03-23 18:52:40

  Verbose tl;dr

  Frustrated with LinkedIn's limitations, a developer created OpenSpot, a networking platform prioritizing authentic connections and valuable interactions. OpenSpot aims to be a more user-friendly and less cluttered alternative, focusing on genuine engagement rather than vanity metrics. The platform features "Spots," dedicated spaces for focused discussions on specific topics, encouraging deeper conversations and community building. It also offers personalized recommendations based on user interests and skills, facilitating meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.

  A software engineer, frustrated with the perceived inadequacies and inefficiencies of LinkedIn, has independently developed an alternative professional networking platform called OpenSpot. The creator posits that LinkedIn has become overly focused on content consumption and engagement metrics, thereby detracting from its core purpose of facilitating genuine professional connections and opportunities. OpenSpot aims to rectify this by prioritizing direct communication and streamlined networking.

  The platform emphasizes a clean, minimalist design, eschewing the cluttered interface and algorithmic feed often criticized on LinkedIn. Its functionality centers around easily discoverable professional profiles, enabling users to quickly identify and connect with individuals sharing similar interests or career paths. OpenSpot encourages direct messaging between users, fostering a more proactive and personalized networking experience than the often passive nature of connection requests on established platforms. The platform also facilitates the formation of focused communities centered around specific industries or professional interests, allowing for more targeted networking within niche areas.

  OpenSpot distinguishes itself further by offering a transparent and straightforward pricing model, devoid of the premium features and tiered subscriptions commonly found on LinkedIn. This purportedly ensures equal access to all platform features, promoting a more equitable and accessible networking environment for all users. The platform's creator emphasizes a commitment to user privacy and data security, suggesting a more ethical approach to handling user information compared to larger, established social networks. Ultimately, OpenSpot presents itself as a streamlined, user-centric alternative to LinkedIn, designed to facilitate authentic professional connections and opportunities while prioritizing user privacy and a clutter-free experience.

  • Job Search
  • networking
  • professional networking
  • social media
  • alternative to linkedin
  • startup
  • career
  • recruiting
  • job board
  • portfolio
  • Open Source
  • Community
  • hack news
  • Show HN

  Summary of Comments ( 283 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43454915

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters were largely unimpressed with OpenSpot, viewing it as a generic networking platform lacking a clear differentiator from LinkedIn. Several pointed out the difficulty of bootstrapping a social network, emphasizing the "chicken and egg" problem of attracting both talent and recruiters. Some questioned the value proposition, suggesting LinkedIn's flaws stem from its entrenched position, not its core concept. Others criticized the simplistic UI and generic design. A few commenters expressed a desire for alternative professional networking platforms but remained skeptical of OpenSpot's ability to gain traction. The prevailing sentiment was that OpenSpot didn't offer anything significantly new or compelling to draw users away from established platforms.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: LinkedIn sucks, so I built a better one" linking to heyopenspot.com generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing skepticism and raising concerns about the viability of the platform.

  A recurring theme was the difficulty of bootstrapping a new social network. Commenters pointed out the "cold start" problem, where a lack of existing users discourages new users from joining. The network effect, where the value of a platform increases with the number of users, was also mentioned as a significant hurdle for OpenSpot to overcome. Several users questioned whether OpenSpot offered enough differentiation from LinkedIn to entice users to switch, especially given the established network and features LinkedIn provides.

  Some commenters critiqued the site's design and functionality. One user pointed out the lack of infinite scroll, which is a common feature on modern social media sites, making browsing less seamless. Others questioned the value proposition of OpenSpot, suggesting that LinkedIn, despite its flaws, adequately serves the purpose of professional networking.

  There was a discussion about the claim that "LinkedIn sucks." Some users agreed with this sentiment, citing issues with spam, irrelevant content, and a push towards gamification. Others argued that LinkedIn is a useful tool, particularly for job searching and recruitment, and that its perceived flaws are not significant enough to warrant a complete switch to a new platform.

  A few commenters expressed interest in the platform and offered constructive feedback, suggesting features such as better search functionality and improved profile customization. However, the overall sentiment seemed to be one of cautious skepticism, with many commenters doubting OpenSpot's ability to compete with LinkedIn.

  The founder of OpenSpot engaged with several comments, responding to criticisms and explaining the platform's goals and features. They emphasized the focus on genuine connections and the absence of algorithms and gamification, positioning OpenSpot as a more authentic alternative to LinkedIn. However, many commenters remained unconvinced, highlighting the challenges of competing with an established giant in the social networking space. Notably, no commenters expressed outright enthusiasm or a strong intention to switch to OpenSpot, primarily focusing on the hurdles the platform faces.

• Leave It to Manus

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  Posted: 2025-03-08 07:56:50

  Verbose tl;dr

  Manus is a simple, self-hosted web application designed for taking and managing notes. It focuses on speed, minimal interface, and ease of use, prioritizing keyboard navigation and a distraction-free writing environment. The application allows users to create, edit, and organize notes in a hierarchical structure, and supports Markdown formatting. It's built with Python and SQLite and emphasizes a small codebase for maintainability and portability.

  Within the digital sphere resides a concise yet compelling proclamation by an individual identified as Manus, presented on a self-titled web domain, manus.im. This individual, presumably possessing considerable proficiency in the realm of software development, articulates a philosophical stance regarding the delegation of tasks and responsibilities, especially those pertaining to the intricate art of coding. The central thesis of this pronouncement, distilled to its purest essence, is the imperative to entrust intricate and demanding programming endeavors to Manus himself. He posits, with an air of self-assured confidence, that by relinquishing the burden of such complex digital constructions, others can liberate themselves from the potential pitfalls of inadequate execution, suboptimal performance, or outright failure.

  Manus elaborates upon this core principle by elucidating the multifaceted benefits of his proposed paradigm. He contends that his extensive experience and profound understanding of software architecture, coupled with a meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, render him uniquely qualified to undertake these challenging assignments. By engaging his services, clients, or perhaps collaborators, can ostensibly circumvent the arduous and time-consuming process of acquiring the necessary expertise, assembling a suitable team, and managing the inherent complexities of software development projects. Implicit within this proposition is the notion that Manus embodies a comprehensive solution, effectively streamlining the workflow and mitigating the risks associated with conventional approaches.

  Furthermore, the succinct nature of the communication suggests an underlying pragmatism and an aversion to superfluous verbiage. The brevity of the message, far from detracting from its impact, serves to amplify its potency, conveying a sense of decisive authority and unwavering conviction. The stark simplicity of the webpage itself reinforces this impression, minimizing distractions and focusing the visitor's attention squarely on the central message: For optimal results in software development, one should, without hesitation, "Leave It to Manus." This phrase, strategically positioned as the culmination of the narrative, encapsulates the essence of his proposition and serves as a compelling call to action.

  • personal website
  • blog
  • portfolio
  • Software Development
  • Web Development
  • javascript
  • React
  • Next.js
  • User Interface
  • Front-End Development
  • design
  • Creative Coding
  • Generative Art

  Summary of Comments ( 7 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43298408

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussing "Leave It to Manus" largely praised the clarity and concision of the writing, with several appreciating the author's ability to distill complex ideas into an easily digestible format. Some questioned the long-term viability of relying solely on individual effort to affect large-scale change, expressing skepticism about individual action's effectiveness against systemic issues. Others pointed out the potential for burnout when individuals shoulder the burden of responsibility, suggesting a need for collective action and systemic solutions alongside individual initiatives. A few comments highlighted the importance of the author's message about personal responsibility and the need to avoid learned helplessness, particularly in the face of overwhelming challenges. The philosophical nature of the piece also sparked a discussion about determinism versus free will and the role of individual agency in shaping outcomes.

  The Hacker News post "Leave It to Manus" (https://news.im/item?id=43298408) linking to the personal note-taking system Manus, has a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the system and personal knowledge management in general.

  Several commenters focus on the perceived complexity of Manus. One user expresses concern that it seems overly engineered, potentially leading to a situation where the system becomes more of a focus than the actual notes themselves. This sentiment is echoed by others who suggest that simpler solutions, even plain text files, might be more effective for many users. The discussion around complexity also touches on the "yak shaving" aspect, where setting up and maintaining such a system could detract from the core purpose of note-taking.

  There's a thread discussing the value of interconnected notes and the "Zettelkasten" method, which Manus seems inspired by. Commenters debate the benefits of densely linked notes versus a more hierarchical or topical organization. Some users share their experiences with similar systems, highlighting the importance of finding a method that fits individual workflows and cognitive styles. The discussion acknowledges the appeal of a interconnected note system but also cautions against the potential for it to become overwhelming if not managed carefully.

  Another recurring theme is the importance of finding a system that works for the individual and sticking with it. Commenters point out that the "best" note-taking system is subjective and depends on personal preferences and needs. Several users share their preferred methods, ranging from simple text editors to more sophisticated software, emphasizing the importance of consistency and ease of use.

  Some comments delve into the technical aspects of Manus, questioning the choice of technologies and expressing concerns about vendor lock-in. One user specifically questions the decision to build the system using Clojure and Datomic. Others express a preference for open formats and tools that allow greater control and portability.

  Finally, a few comments touch on the broader topic of knowledge management and the challenges of organizing and retrieving information effectively. One commenter highlights the importance of tagging and metadata for efficient search and retrieval. Another user emphasizes the value of regular review and refinement of notes to ensure they remain relevant and useful over time.

  Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a diverse range of perspectives on personal knowledge management and the specific approach taken by Manus. While some express enthusiasm for the system, others raise concerns about its complexity and practicality. The discussion highlights the importance of finding a system that works for the individual and the ongoing challenge of managing and utilizing personal knowledge effectively.