Promptless, a YC W25 startup, has launched a service to automatically update customer-facing documentation. It connects to internal tools like Jira, Github, and Slack, monitoring for changes relevant to documentation. When changes are detected, Promptless uses AI to draft updates and suggests them to documentation writers for review and approval before publishing. This eliminates the manual process of tracking changes and updating docs, ensuring accuracy and reducing stale information for improved customer experience.
This post advocates for clear, legible mathematical handwriting, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing similar symbols. It offers specific guidelines for writing letters (like lowercase 'x' and 'times,' 'u' and 'union,' and Greek letters), numerals (particularly distinguishing '1,' '7,' and 'I'), and other mathematical symbols (such as plus/minus, radicals, and various brackets). The author stresses vertical alignment within equations, proper spacing, and the use of serifs for improved clarity. Overall, the goal is to enhance readability and avoid ambiguity in handwritten mathematics, benefiting both the writer and anyone reading the work.
Hacker News users discuss the linked guide on mathematical handwriting, largely praising its practical advice. Several commenters highlight the importance of clear communication in mathematics, emphasizing that legible handwriting benefits both the writer and the reader. Some share personal anecdotes about struggling with handwriting and the impact it has on mathematical work. The suggestion to practice writing Greek letters resonates with many, as does the advice on spacing and distinguishing similar-looking symbols. A few commenters offer additional tips, such as using lined paper turned sideways for better vertical alignment and practicing writing on a whiteboard to improve clarity and flow. Overall, the comments reflect an appreciation for the guide's focus on the often-overlooked skill of legible mathematical writing.
After 75 years, the Society for Technical Communication (STC) is permanently closing, effective July 15, 2024. Facing declining membership and revenue, the organization's Board of Directors determined it could no longer sustain operations. STC will cease all activities, including its annual summit, publications, and certification programs. The organization expressed gratitude for its members and their contributions to the field of technical communication.
HN commenters lament the closure of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), expressing surprise and sadness at the loss of a long-standing organization. Several speculate on the reasons for the closure, citing declining membership, the rise of free online resources, and the changing nature of technical communication. Some question the STC's relevance in the modern landscape, while others highlight its historical importance and the valuable resources it provided. A few commenters express hope that another organization will fill the void left by the STC, preserving its archives and continuing its mission of advancing the field of technical communication. Some users discuss their personal positive experiences with the organization. One notes a large amount of student debt held by the organization.
Summary of Comments ( 55 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43092522
The Hacker News comments express skepticism about Promptless's value proposition. Several commenters question the need for AI-driven documentation updates, arguing that good documentation practices already involve regular reviews and updates. Some suggest that AI might introduce inaccuracies or hallucinations, making human oversight still crucial and potentially negating the time-saving benefits. Others express concern about the "black box" nature of AI-driven updates and the potential loss of control over messaging and tone. A few commenters find the idea interesting but remain unconvinced of its practical application, especially for complex or nuanced documentation. There's also discussion about the limited use cases and the potential for the tool to become just another layer of complexity in the documentation workflow.
The Hacker News post "Launch HN: Promptless (YC W25) – Automatic updates for customer-facing docs" has generated several comments discussing the product and its potential use cases and limitations.
Several commenters express interest in the product and its potential. One user highlights the challenge of keeping documentation updated and sees Promptless as a potential solution. Another user questions the practicality of fully automating documentation updates, suggesting a hybrid approach involving AI suggestions and human review might be more realistic. They also mention the importance of human oversight to ensure accuracy and clarity.
A key theme in the discussion revolves around the complexity of integrating such a tool with existing documentation workflows. One commenter asks about support for specific documentation formats like Markdown and OpenAPI/Swagger. Another raises concerns about the potential for the tool to introduce inaccuracies or inconsistencies into the documentation. The potential for hallucinations is also brought up, highlighting a common concern with AI-powered tools.
The discussion also touches upon the target audience for Promptless. One commenter wonders if the tool is primarily aimed at developers or technical writers. This leads to a discussion about the potential benefits for both groups, with some suggesting that technical writers might benefit the most from automated updates.
One user expresses skepticism about the ability of AI to fully replace human writers, arguing that certain aspects of documentation, such as understanding the user's perspective and crafting clear explanations, still require human input. This skepticism is echoed by another commenter who believes that good documentation requires human empathy and understanding of context, which AI may lack.
The founder of Promptless actively engages in the comments section, answering questions about the product's features and addressing concerns raised by users. They clarify the intended use case, explaining that Promptless is designed to augment, not replace, human writers. They also provide details about supported formats and the process of integrating the tool with existing documentation workflows. The founder emphasizes that human review is still a crucial part of the process.
Overall, the comments section reveals a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism about the potential of AI-powered documentation updates. While many commenters recognize the potential benefits, there are also concerns about the limitations of AI and the importance of maintaining human oversight in the documentation process.