Business books are largely entertainment, not practical guides to strategic success. They offer simplified narratives, relatable anecdotes, and the illusion of actionable advice, but lack the nuance and context-specific insights necessary for real-world application. While enjoyable to read, they often promote generic, easily digestible concepts that are already widely understood. True strategic advantage comes from deeply understanding your specific industry, market, and company, which requires focused analysis and practical experience, not passively consuming popular business literature. Essentially, business books offer the comfort of perceived learning without the hard work of genuine strategic thinking.
Disney Imagineers are defending their new "Project Kiwi" robot depicting a young Walt Disney, emphasizing its potential as a storytelling medium rather than a creepy imitation. They highlight the sophisticated technology behind the robot's lifelike movements and expressions, aiming to create an authentic, engaging experience for park visitors. While acknowledging the uncanny valley effect, they believe the robot's charm and expressiveness outweigh any initial discomfort. The team views Project Kiwi as a step towards a future where animatronic figures can interact more dynamically with guests, enhancing immersion and creating new possibilities for storytelling.
Several Hacker News commenters express skepticism and discomfort with the realistic Walt Disney robot, finding it creepy and bordering on necromancy. Some feel it cheapens Disney's legacy, reducing him to a programmable automaton. Others question the robot's purpose, suggesting it's a shallow attempt to capitalize on nostalgia rather than offering any genuine educational value. A few commenters draw parallels to Disney's past interest in cryonics, further highlighting the unsettling implications of trying to "resurrect" him. Some discussion also revolves around the technical aspects of the animatronic and the uncanny valley effect. A minority express mild curiosity or appreciation for the technical achievement, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly negative.
Google Cloud's Immersive Stream for XR and other AI technologies are powering Sphere's upcoming "The Wizard of Oz" experience. This interactive exhibit lets visitors step into the world of Oz through a custom-built spherical stage with 100 million pixels of projected video, spatial audio, and interactive elements. AI played a crucial role in creating the experience, from generating realistic environments and populating them with detailed characters to enabling real-time interactions like affecting the weather within the virtual world. This combination of technology and storytelling aims to offer a uniquely immersive and personalized journey down the yellow brick road.
HN commenters were largely unimpressed with Google's "Wizard of Oz" tech demo. Several pointed out the irony of using an army of humans to create the illusion of advanced AI, calling it a glorified Mechanical Turk setup. Some questioned the long-term viability and scalability of this approach, especially given the high labor costs. Others criticized the lack of genuine innovation, suggesting that the underlying technology isn't significantly different from existing chatbot frameworks. A few expressed mild interest in the potential applications, but the overall sentiment was skepticism about the project's significance and Google's marketing spin.
Netflix's Media Production Suite is a comprehensive set of cloud-based tools designed to streamline and globalize film and TV production. It covers the entire production lifecycle, from pre-production tasks like scriptwriting and budgeting to post-production processes like editing and VFX. The suite aims to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and reduce friction by centralizing assets and providing a unified platform accessible to all stakeholders worldwide. Key features include a centralized asset hub, automated workflows, integrated communication tools, and robust security measures. This allows for real-time feedback, simplified version control, and secure access to production materials regardless of location, ultimately leading to faster production cycles and higher-quality content.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism and criticism of Netflix's Media Production Suite. Several commenters questioned the actual novelty and impact of the described tools, suggesting they're solving problems Netflix created by moving away from established industry workflows. Others pointed out the potential for vendor lock-in and the lack of interoperability with existing tools commonly used in the industry. Some highlighted the complexities and challenges of media production, doubting a single suite could effectively address them all. The lack of open-sourcing any components also drew criticism. A few commenters offered alternative perspectives, acknowledging the potential benefits for large-scale productions while still expressing concerns about flexibility and industry adoption.
AMC Theatres will test Deepdub's AI-powered visual dubbing technology with a limited theatrical release of the Swedish film "A Piece of My Heart" ("En del av mitt hjärta"). This technology alters the actors' lip movements on-screen to synchronize with the English-language dub, offering a more immersive and natural viewing experience than traditional dubbing. The test will run in select AMC locations across the US from June 30th to July 6th, providing valuable audience feedback on the technology's effectiveness.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of AI-powered visual dubbing, as described in the linked Engadget article about AMC screening a Swedish film using this technology. Several express skepticism about the quality and believability of AI-generated lip movements, fearing an uncanny valley effect. Some question the need for this approach compared to traditional dubbing or subtitles, citing potential job displacement for voice actors and a preference for authentic performances. Others see potential benefits for accessibility and international distribution, but also raise concerns about the ethical considerations of manipulating actors' likenesses without consent and the potential for misuse of deepfake technology. A few commenters are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that this could be a useful tool if implemented well, while acknowledging the need for further refinement.
The Chinese animated film "Nezha 2: The Rebirth of Nezha" has surpassed all other animated films globally in box office revenue, reaching $1.38 billion. This achievement dethrones the previous record-holder, also a Chinese film, "Monkey King: Hero is Back." Released in January 2025, "Nezha 2" continues the story of the popular mythological figure, this time set 3,000 years later in a dystopian future.
Hacker News commenters discuss the success of Nezha 2, attributing it to factors beyond just domestic Chinese support. Some highlight the increasing quality of Chinese animation and storytelling, suggesting it's now attracting a wider international audience. Others mention the film's accessibility through streaming services, expanding its reach beyond theatrical releases. A few commenters express curiosity about how revenue is calculated and distributed with China's unique box office system and streaming landscape. Some also question the article's claim of "highest-grossing globally," pointing out that it omits Japanese anime films like Demon Slayer and Spirited Away which have higher lifetime grosses, and clarify that Nezha 2 is the highest-grossing non-US animated film. Finally, some comments touch upon the ongoing challenges and censorship within the Chinese film industry.
Amazon, having completed its acquisition of MGM Studios, now has full creative control over the James Bond franchise. This includes future 007 films, along with the extensive Bond library. Amazon intends to honor the legacy of the franchise while expanding the reach of the Bond universe through new storytelling across various media, potentially including video games and other immersive experiences. They emphasize a commitment to preserving the theatrical experience for future Bond films.
Hacker News commenters express skepticism about Amazon's ability to manage the James Bond franchise effectively. Several predict an influx of poorly-received spin-offs and sequels, diluting the brand with subpar content for profit maximization. Concerns were raised regarding Amazon's track record with original content, with some arguing their successes are outweighed by numerous mediocre productions. Others highlighted the delicate balance required to modernize Bond while retaining the core elements that define the character, fearing Amazon will prioritize commercial viability over artistic integrity. A few commenters expressed cautious optimism, hoping Amazon might bring fresh perspectives to the franchise, but overall sentiment leans towards apprehension about the future of James Bond under Amazon's control.
"Subway Poker" is a silent, observational game played by mentally assigning poker hands to fellow subway passengers based on the first five visible digits of their MetroCards. Players cannot influence the cards they are "dealt" and simply observe the hands around them, comparing their imagined hands to others' to determine a winner. The game offers a discreet and engaging way to pass the time during a commute, adding a layer of amusement to the mundane act of people-watching.
Commenters on Hacker News largely enjoyed the subway poker concept, calling it "charming" and "delightful." Some discussed strategies, like focusing on suits rather than specific card values for easier memorization, or intentionally losing rounds to mislead other players. A few debated the feasibility of the game in real-world scenarios, citing crowded subways and the difficulty of maintaining eye contact. Several expressed interest in trying it themselves, while others suggested variations, like using phone apps or playing with larger groups. Some reminisced about similar silent games played in childhood. The overall sentiment was positive, with the game seen as a fun and engaging way to pass the time on public transit.
Warner Bros. Discovery is releasing full-length, classic movies on their free, ad-supported YouTube channels like "WB Movies" and genre-specific hubs. This strategy aims to monetize their vast film library content that isn't performing well on streaming services. By utilizing YouTube's existing audience and ad infrastructure, they can generate revenue from these older films without the costs associated with maintaining their own streaming platform or licensing deals. This also allows them to experiment with different ad formats and potentially drive traffic to their Max streaming service by showcasing their library's depth.
Hacker News commenters discuss several potential reasons for Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy of releasing free, ad-supported movies on YouTube. Some suggest it's a way to monetize their back catalog of less popular films that aren't performing well on streaming services. Others posit it's an experiment in alternative distribution models, given the ongoing challenges and costs associated with maintaining their own streaming platform. The possibility of YouTube offering better revenue sharing than other platforms is also raised. Several commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability of this strategy, questioning whether ad revenue alone can be substantial enough. Finally, some speculate that this move might be a precursor to shutting down their existing streaming services altogether.
SudokuVariants.com lets you play and create a wide variety of Sudoku puzzles beyond the classic 9x9 grid. The website offers different grid sizes, shapes, and rule sets, including variations like Killer Sudoku, Irregular Sudoku, and even custom rule combinations. Users can experiment with existing variants or design their own unique Sudoku challenges using a visual editor, and then share their creations with others via a generated link. The site aims to provide a comprehensive platform for both playing and exploring the vast possibilities within the Sudoku puzzle format.
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in the SudokuVariants website. Several praised its clean design and the variety of puzzles offered. Some found the "construct your own variant" feature particularly appealing, and one user suggested adding a difficulty rating system for user-created puzzles. A few commenters mentioned specific variant recommendations, including "Killer Sudoku" and a variant with prime number constraints. There was also a brief discussion about the underlying logic and algorithms involved in generating and solving these puzzles. One user pointed out that some extreme variants might be NP-complete, implying significant computational challenges for larger grids or complex rules.
The New York Times article explores the hypothetical scenario of TikTok disappearing and the possibility that its absence might not be deeply felt. It suggests that while TikTok filled a specific niche in short-form, algorithm-driven entertainment, its core function—connecting creators and consumers—is easily replicable. The piece argues that competing platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are already adept at providing similar content and could readily absorb TikTok's user base and creators. Ultimately, the article posits that the internet's dynamic nature makes any platform, even a seemingly dominant one, potentially expendable and easily replaced.
HN commenters largely agree with the NYT article's premise that TikTok's potential ban wouldn't be as impactful as some believe. Several point out that previous "essential" platforms like MySpace and Vine faded without significant societal disruption, suggesting TikTok could follow the same path. Some discuss potential replacements already filling niche interests, like short-form video apps focused on specific hobbies or communities. Others highlight the addictive nature of TikTok's algorithm and express hope that a ban or decline would free up time and mental energy. A few dissenting opinions suggest TikTok's unique cultural influence, particularly on music and trends, will be missed, while others note the platform's utility for small businesses.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43940747
Hacker News commenters largely agreed with the article's premise that business books offer little practical value. Many argued that these books often state the obvious, repackage common sense, or offer vague, unactionable advice. Several commenters pointed out that direct experience and learning by doing were far more effective than reading generalized business principles. Some suggested that the true value of these books might lie in networking, signaling intellectual curiosity, or simply providing entertainment. A few dissenting voices argued that some business books offer valuable frameworks or introduce readers to new perspectives, but even they acknowledged that application and critical thinking are essential. A recurring theme was the importance of filtering the signal from the noise in the crowded business book market.
The Hacker News post titled "Business books are entertainment, not strategic tools" linking to an article on The Orthogonist sparked a lively discussion with a variety of perspectives on the value of business books. Several commenters agreed with the premise of the article, arguing that business books often lack actionable advice and are filled with generic platitudes, ultimately serving more as a form of entertainment or a placebo for aspiring entrepreneurs. They pointed out the repetitive nature of the content and the tendency for these books to state the obvious, offering little in the way of genuine strategic insight. Some suggested that the time spent reading such books could be better utilized in actively building a business and learning through direct experience.
A recurring theme in the comments was the idea that business books primarily cater to a desire for self-improvement and the fantasy of entrepreneurial success. The act of reading these books can provide a sense of progress and motivation, even if the content itself doesn't translate into tangible results. This "feel-good" factor was compared to other forms of entertainment, suggesting that the enjoyment derived from reading them is their primary value.
However, not all commenters dismissed the utility of business books entirely. Some argued that certain books, particularly those focused on specific skills like sales or marketing, can offer practical advice and valuable frameworks. The key, they suggested, is to be discerning in choosing which books to read and to approach them with a critical mindset, filtering out the generic advice and focusing on the actionable insights. Others pointed to the potential benefits of learning from the experiences and perspectives of successful entrepreneurs, even if the lessons are not directly applicable to every situation. Reading biographies and books that delve into the history of specific companies or industries were highlighted as potentially more valuable than generic "business advice" books.
Several commenters emphasized the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge gleaned from books. They argued that true learning comes from facing real-world challenges and adapting to dynamic circumstances, something that business books cannot replicate. The consensus among these commenters was that while books can supplement practical experience, they should not be considered a replacement for it.
Finally, some commenters discussed the role of luck and timing in business success, suggesting that attributing outcomes solely to the strategies outlined in business books is overly simplistic. They highlighted the importance of external factors and the inherent unpredictability of the market, arguing that no amount of reading can guarantee success.