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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · Aug 20

This was a great chat with Alexandros Pouroullis. We've previously spoken to great older folks with years of experience, but here, James and I spoke to someone at the other end of their career. Alé has managed to achieve SO MUCH so soon! I'm sure you'll love our latest #WhatNext! whatnext.dev/feed

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · Aug 11

Well, look who has a shiny new website! And not a dodgy AI-generated pirate anywhere to be seen! Check it out at: whatnext.dev

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Jul 8

I am tired of having to justify “Why Elixir?” so I decided to compile all the reasons in one place.

"#0181: Why Elixir? A Rebuttal to Common Misconceptions
Why Elixir is not just a good platform for modern development, but a great one!"
matthewsinclair.com/blog/0181-wh...

A stylised image of a vile of magic purple elixir.

I am sick and tired of having to justify “Why Elixir?” so I decided to write down all of the reasons why in one spot!

#0181: Why Elixir? A Rebuttal to Common Misconceptions
Why Elixir is not just a good platform for modern development, but a great one!

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · Jun 16

In our fourth "Summer Shorts" post for the What Next podcast, James and @matthewsinclair.com chat about a very hot topic: Is AI making things better or worse for software engineers?

🎧 25 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.

#whatnext #summershorts

open.spotify.com/episode/5KCl...

Matt and James with the title "Is AI helping software engineers or making it worse?"

In our fourth "Summer Shorts" post for the What Next podcast, James Wilson and I chat about a very hot topic; Is AI making things better or worse for software engineers?

🎧 25 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.

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The Quantum Fax Machine @quantumfaxmachine.com · Jun 13

QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: Spring/Summer Double Issue: 8 Reading Lists Published!

Check out the reading lists here: quantumfaxmachine.com

**QUANTUM FAX MACHINE**

**Spring/Summer Double Issue: 8 Reading Lists Published**

I was so busy in April and May that I ran way behind publishing the April and May editions of the Quantum Fax Machine reading lists. Here they are, better late than never!

**Machine Intelligence:**

- AI agents prioritise reliability over capability. Novel prompt injection techniques bypass major LLM guardrails. Claude Code and Model Context Protocol reshape development workflows. Human judgement remains the bottleneck as AI accelerates output production.

**Elixir:**

- New RAG library demonstrates Elixir's fault-tolerance advantages for AI systems. Tidewave embeds MCP servers into Phoenix apps, enabling AI agents to interact with live applications. WYSIWYG editors in LiveView with S3 integration showcase practical Phoenix development.

**Engineering Leadership:**

- VPs must take full responsibility for plan outcomes rather than hide behind group consensus. AI tools function as capability amplifiers requiring human oversight. Post-developer era confirms human guidance remains crucial despite AI advancement.

**Irresponsible AI:**

- Recent model progress delivers minimal practical economic value despite marketing claims. North Korean agents use generative AI for fake LinkedIn profiles. AI-generated code creates phantom package dependencies, enabling supply-chain attacks.

Each post curates 10-15 articles with analysis across technology trends, practical implementations, and industry implications.

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Jun 13

Today's #braingasm post explains how to make Emacs appear in macOS Finder’s “Open With” menu for .md files by manually associating file types using duti.

#0180: Making Emacs Appear in macOS Finder's Open With Menu for Markdown Files
matthewsinclair.com/blog/0180-ma...

An AI-generated example screenshot of an Emacs-like editor editing a Markdown file.

Today's #braingasm post explains how to make Emacs appear in macOS Finder’s “Open With” menu for .md files by manually associating file types using duti.

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · May 28

In our third #summershorts post for the #whatnext podcast, James and I chat about The Title Trap: rethinking titles and career progression in tech.

🎧 16 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.

www.linkedin.com/posts/james-...

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · May 21

In our second #summershorts post for the #whatnext podcast, James and I discuss a recent (controversial?) post he made on engineers tying themselves too tightly to a particular tech stack.

🎧 15 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.

www.linkedin.com/posts/matthe...

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · May 20

I'm a software engineer ~ what next?

"Crafting culture in startups, CEO's role"
www.youtube.com/shorts/9RD9I...

Crafting culture in startups, CEO's role

YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?

www.youtube.com

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · May 20

I'm a software engineer ~ what next?

"Strong vs weak cultures in startups"
www.youtube.com/shorts/9u6hq...

Strong vs weak cultures in startups

YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?

www.youtube.com

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · May 20

I'm a software engineer ~ what next?

"Hiring for values over technology in early-stage startups"
www.youtube.com/shorts/uFWBv...

Hiring values over tech in early stage startups

YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?

www.youtube.com

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Apr 12

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
🚀 Engineering Leadership

Challenging conventional wisdom by dismantling the '10x engineer' myth and exploring what it means to be a tech leader in 2025.

👉 quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm059-...

People climbing a grey, rocky mountain looking upwards towards the sky.

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
🚀 Engineering Leadership
Challenging conventional wisdom with pieces dismantling the '10x engineer' myth, exploring what it really means to be a tech leader in 2025, and examining the identity crisis facing software engineers in an AI-augmented world.
👉 https://quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm059-engineering-leadership-reading-list-march-202

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Apr 12

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
⚡ Elixir

Deep dive into the evolving Elixir ecosystem with highlights on Women in BEAM, new UI libraries for Phoenix LiveView, and Sean Moriarity's keynote on designing LLM-native systems with Elixir.

👉 quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm058-...

Shot of programmers computer over the top of a keyboard looking at two monitors in a darkened office/desk.

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
⚡ Elixir
Deep dive into the evolving Elixir ecosystem with highlights on Women in BEAM, new UI libraries for Phoenix LiveView, and Sean Moriarity's keynote on designing LLM-native systems with Elixir.
👉 https://quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm058-elixir-reading-list-march-2025

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Apr 12

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
🤖 Machine Intelligence

Exploring philosophical foundations of AI, economic implications, and practical applications. Featuring "gradual disempowerment" and Mayo Clinic's approach to combating hallucinations.

👉 quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm057-...

Closeup of a women's left eye.

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
## 🤖 Machine Intelligence
Exploring the philosophical foundations of AI, economic implications, and practical applications. Featuring discussions on "gradual disempowerment" and Mayo Clinic's innovative approach to combating hallucinations.
👉 https://quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm057-machine-intelligence-reading-list-march-2025

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Apr 12

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
⚠️ Irresponsible AI

When AI goes wrong - practical tips for avoiding "garbage" output from AI assistants, Apple's "$10B+ Siri AI Disaster," and the provocative question: "Is GenAI Digital Cocaine?"

👉 quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm060-...

Scrabble pieces laid out to say "LEARN FROM FAILURE" on a plan background.

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LIST! 🚀
⚠️ Irresponsible AI
When AI goes wrong - practical tips for avoiding "garbage" output from AI assistants, Apple's "$10B+ Siri AI Disaster," and the provocative question: "Is GenAI Digital Cocaine?"
👉 https://quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm060-irresponsible-ai-reading-list-march-2025

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Apr 12

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LISTS ARE LIVE! 🚀

Fresh content alert! My March 2025 curated reading lists are now available covering four tech domains:

🤖 Machine Intelligence
⚡ Elixir
🚀 Engineering Leadership
⚠️ Irresponsible AI

👉 quantumfaxmachine.com

Close-up for a woman's left eye.

📚 QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: MARCH 2025 READING LISTS ARE LIVE! 🚀

Fresh content alert! My March 2025 curated reading lists are now available covering four tech domains:

🤖 Machine Intelligence
⚡ Elixir
🚀 Engineering Leadership
⚠️ Irresponsible AI

👉 https://quantumfaxmachine.com/

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Apr 1

Introducing ØNTHR: The World's First Perfect Stablecoin. ØNTHR guarantees absolute price stability at precisely $0.00—forever. Find out more here: netherzero.com

#Stablecoin #ZeroIsTheFuture #Web3 #Crypto #ProtocolLaunch #DeFi #Fintech #InstituteForNothing #Tokenomics

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M@ @matthewsinclair.com · Mar 17

Wondering what's next once you're a software engineer? Check my #podcast on career boundary conditions—4 episodes in, wanting your feedback. More at matthewsinclair.com/blog/0175-wh... #whatnext

A picture of a young boy at the bottom of a very large staircase that goes up and away out of sight.

Wondering what's next once you're a software engineer? Check my #podcast on career boundary conditions—4 episodes in, wanting your feedback. More at https://matthewsinclair.com/blog/0175-whatnext-podcast-next-steps #whatnext

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The Quantum Fax Machine @quantumfaxmachine.com · Mar 16

⚠️ NEW: February 2025 Irresponsible AI Reading List!
On "The LLMentalist Effect," AI hype vs. reality, and ethics of militarised AI. Read more: quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm056-...
#ResponsibleAI #AIEthics

NEW: February 2025 Irresponsible AI Reading List!
Examining "The LLMentalist Effect" - are LLMs using cold reading techniques like psychics? Also questioning AI hype vs. reality and the ethical implications of militarised AI systems. Is our AGI fixation diverting attention from pressing present-day AI challenges?

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The Quantum Fax Machine @quantumfaxmachine.com · Mar 16

🚀 February 2025 Engineering Leadership Reading List!
On AI in management, flatter hierarchies, and rethinking technical debt. Read more: quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm055-...
#EngineeringLeadership #TechManagement

NEW: February 2025 Engineering Leadership Reading List!
Key themes: AI's role in engineering management, companies streamlining management layers, and younger workers avoiding middle management roles. Plus: a fresh look at technical debt - is bad code more like an unhedged call option than debt?

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The Quantum Fax Machine @quantumfaxmachine.com · Mar 16

💫 NEW: February 2025 Elixir Reading List!
Featuring LiveDebugger, Torus, and evolving UI patterns in Phoenix. Read now: quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm054-...
#Elixir #Phoenix #LiveView #BEAM

NEW: February 2025 Elixir Reading List!Highli ghts include LiveDebugger (transforming LiveView development), Torus (connecting PostgreSQL search with Ecto), and evolving UI patterns in Phoenix.

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The Quantum Fax Machine @quantumfaxmachine.com · Mar 16

🤖 NEW: February 2025 Machine Intelligence Reading List!
Exploring "gradual disempowerment" - how incremental AI advances could silently erode human agency.
Read more: quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm053-...
#AI #MachineLearning #QuantumFaxMachine

NEW: February 2025 Machine Intelligence Reading List!
This month explores the concept of "gradual disempowerment" - how incremental AI advances could silently erode human agency without requiring a dramatic "takeover" scenario. Also featuring: frame-dependent agency theory, RLHF advancements, and practical insights on integrating LLMs into professional workflows.

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · Mar 12

🚀 Career transitions in tech are tough, especially moving countries, stepping into leadership, or breaking barriers as a woman. In this episode, Swapnali Bhansali shares insights on quality, leadership, and career moves.

🎙 spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ulvBAizYERb

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · Mar 3

💰 VCs & startups: what really matters?
New episode w/ Danielle Ullner on investor priorities, the DVF framework, and common engineer mistakes in VC-backed companies.
🎙 Spotify: spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Gsh24OQZpRb
🎙 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
#SoftwareEng #VC

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I’m a software engineer ~ what next? @whatnext.dev · Feb 24

🤖 AI isn’t replacing engineers—it’s making them more creative. In this episode, we speak to Michael Smith (Sagittal.AI CEO) about decision frameworks and how AI should augment rather than replace humans.

🎧 Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/wha...

🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...

How do you manage complexity? Management and leadership frameworks for software engineers. by I'm a software engineer - what next?

I'm a Software Engineer — what next? S01E02 Michael Smith (CEO Sagittal) - Frameworks"I'm a Software Engineer, What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. Hosted by tech re...

creators.spotify.com

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