Steve McLeod
@steveofmcleod.com
I'm writing a book: Kill the HiPPO: How small, bootstrapped software companies decide what feature to build next.
Follow along or be a beta reader at killthehippo.com
Follow along or be a beta reader at killthehippo.com
I want to buy this “spaghetti” and bring it back home from London as a joke gift for my Italian girlfriend.
But I think she’d seriously considering breaking up with me if I did.
She still can’t quite believe that is what spaghetti *was* for me when I was a kid growing up in New Zealand.
But I think she’d seriously considering breaking up with me if I did.
She still can’t quite believe that is what spaghetti *was* for me when I was a kid growing up in New Zealand.
January 18, 2026 at 5:29 PM
I want to buy this “spaghetti” and bring it back home from London as a joke gift for my Italian girlfriend.
But I think she’d seriously considering breaking up with me if I did.
She still can’t quite believe that is what spaghetti *was* for me when I was a kid growing up in New Zealand.
But I think she’d seriously considering breaking up with me if I did.
She still can’t quite believe that is what spaghetti *was* for me when I was a kid growing up in New Zealand.
We all love Bluey but this is a disgrace. Crass marketing at its worst.
January 18, 2026 at 4:24 PM
We all love Bluey but this is a disgrace. Crass marketing at its worst.
Just arrived in London. Staying a short walk from where I lived in London 25 years ago, when I was young and starry eyed.
I recognise almost NOTHING. Almost the whole area seems to have been rebuilt or renovated over the years.
Including the old man boozer pub that now looks very hip.
I recognise almost NOTHING. Almost the whole area seems to have been rebuilt or renovated over the years.
Including the old man boozer pub that now looks very hip.
January 18, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Just arrived in London. Staying a short walk from where I lived in London 25 years ago, when I was young and starry eyed.
I recognise almost NOTHING. Almost the whole area seems to have been rebuilt or renovated over the years.
Including the old man boozer pub that now looks very hip.
I recognise almost NOTHING. Almost the whole area seems to have been rebuilt or renovated over the years.
Including the old man boozer pub that now looks very hip.
I always found the coding concept of “mix-ins” obscure and hard to understand. Such a strange word.
Today I learn (thanks to the NYT crossword) that a “mix-in” is a USA dessert concept?
And the coding use is a metaphor?
And the name was probably intended to make it *easy* to understand?
🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Today I learn (thanks to the NYT crossword) that a “mix-in” is a USA dessert concept?
And the coding use is a metaphor?
And the name was probably intended to make it *easy* to understand?
🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
January 17, 2026 at 7:21 AM
I always found the coding concept of “mix-ins” obscure and hard to understand. Such a strange word.
Today I learn (thanks to the NYT crossword) that a “mix-in” is a USA dessert concept?
And the coding use is a metaphor?
And the name was probably intended to make it *easy* to understand?
🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Today I learn (thanks to the NYT crossword) that a “mix-in” is a USA dessert concept?
And the coding use is a metaphor?
And the name was probably intended to make it *easy* to understand?
🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Great to see a new Feature Upvote customer use our "custom background" feature to great effect.
We introduced custom backgrounds a few months ago, and its amazing how much spiffier they make our feedback boards.
Oh, and welcome, Planet Crafter, to our club of esteemed customers!
We introduced custom backgrounds a few months ago, and its amazing how much spiffier they make our feedback boards.
Oh, and welcome, Planet Crafter, to our club of esteemed customers!
January 16, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Great to see a new Feature Upvote customer use our "custom background" feature to great effect.
We introduced custom backgrounds a few months ago, and its amazing how much spiffier they make our feedback boards.
Oh, and welcome, Planet Crafter, to our club of esteemed customers!
We introduced custom backgrounds a few months ago, and its amazing how much spiffier they make our feedback boards.
Oh, and welcome, Planet Crafter, to our club of esteemed customers!
I felt like listening to this Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush song, an old favourite of mine, on YouTube.
Holy sh*t you gotta read the comments while the song plays.
They had me crying. It is a compendium of “this song helped me at the lowest point of my life“ stories.
youtu.be/VjEq-r2agqc?...
Holy sh*t you gotta read the comments while the song plays.
They had me crying. It is a compendium of “this song helped me at the lowest point of my life“ stories.
youtu.be/VjEq-r2agqc?...
Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up (ft. Kate Bush)
YouTube video by Peter Gabriel
youtu.be
January 15, 2026 at 12:07 PM
I felt like listening to this Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush song, an old favourite of mine, on YouTube.
Holy sh*t you gotta read the comments while the song plays.
They had me crying. It is a compendium of “this song helped me at the lowest point of my life“ stories.
youtu.be/VjEq-r2agqc?...
Holy sh*t you gotta read the comments while the song plays.
They had me crying. It is a compendium of “this song helped me at the lowest point of my life“ stories.
youtu.be/VjEq-r2agqc?...
You know what depresses me?
That the answer to yesterday’s NYT crossword 56-down: “Most online customer service agents nowadays”…
…was “bots”.
In my company, it’s not a bot. It’s always a knowledge, helpful, friendly person.
That the answer to yesterday’s NYT crossword 56-down: “Most online customer service agents nowadays”…
…was “bots”.
In my company, it’s not a bot. It’s always a knowledge, helpful, friendly person.
January 15, 2026 at 10:33 AM
You know what depresses me?
That the answer to yesterday’s NYT crossword 56-down: “Most online customer service agents nowadays”…
…was “bots”.
In my company, it’s not a bot. It’s always a knowledge, helpful, friendly person.
That the answer to yesterday’s NYT crossword 56-down: “Most online customer service agents nowadays”…
…was “bots”.
In my company, it’s not a bot. It’s always a knowledge, helpful, friendly person.
A theory:
in any small online community that is active and successful, there's 1 or 2 really diligent members who reply to everything, take time to give well-thought-out answers, and keep the atmosphere friendly and positive.
in any small online community that is active and successful, there's 1 or 2 really diligent members who reply to everything, take time to give well-thought-out answers, and keep the atmosphere friendly and positive.
January 15, 2026 at 9:24 AM
A theory:
in any small online community that is active and successful, there's 1 or 2 really diligent members who reply to everything, take time to give well-thought-out answers, and keep the atmosphere friendly and positive.
in any small online community that is active and successful, there's 1 or 2 really diligent members who reply to everything, take time to give well-thought-out answers, and keep the atmosphere friendly and positive.
While preparing the manuscript of my book, Kill the HiPPO, for copy editing, I re-encountered this delightful excerpt from our interview with Keith Perhac, founder of SegMetrics.
January 14, 2026 at 12:22 PM
While preparing the manuscript of my book, Kill the HiPPO, for copy editing, I re-encountered this delightful excerpt from our interview with Keith Perhac, founder of SegMetrics.
Every post from this accounts needs to have added “…if you are in San Francisco.”
My family in New Zealand have less daylight each day at the moment.
My family in New Zealand have less daylight each day at the moment.
You got 1 minute and 14 seconds of extra daylight today, which means you've added 10 minutes in the last 10 days! Sunset ticked forward to 5.13pm!
January 14, 2026 at 7:39 AM
Every post from this accounts needs to have added “…if you are in San Francisco.”
My family in New Zealand have less daylight each day at the moment.
My family in New Zealand have less daylight each day at the moment.
I really like this reminder about how easy it is to get started creating HTML pages the manual way.
lmnt.me/blog/how-to-...
A beginner can go from zero to a few blog posts really quickly, without any CMS/static-site generator/blogging platform.
(Hat-tip to whoever posted this to HN)
lmnt.me/blog/how-to-...
A beginner can go from zero to a few blog posts really quickly, without any CMS/static-site generator/blogging platform.
(Hat-tip to whoever posted this to HN)
How to Make a Damn Website
lmnt.me
January 14, 2026 at 7:34 AM
I really like this reminder about how easy it is to get started creating HTML pages the manual way.
lmnt.me/blog/how-to-...
A beginner can go from zero to a few blog posts really quickly, without any CMS/static-site generator/blogging platform.
(Hat-tip to whoever posted this to HN)
lmnt.me/blog/how-to-...
A beginner can go from zero to a few blog posts really quickly, without any CMS/static-site generator/blogging platform.
(Hat-tip to whoever posted this to HN)
We’ve been getting a steady flow of translation suggestions using our new ”Suggest a missing translation segment” tool built into Feature Upvote.
There are a few things to tweak to make the process smoother at our end, but overall, this has solved an ongoing headache.
There are a few things to tweak to make the process smoother at our end, but overall, this has solved an ongoing headache.
We soft-released a beta translation tool in Feature Upvote today.
Our customers can now suggest translations for any missing piece of text In our UI.
We connected to DeepL with an “auto translate” button that gives people a draft to get started with.
Customers have started using it already.
Our customers can now suggest translations for any missing piece of text In our UI.
We connected to DeepL with an “auto translate” button that gives people a draft to get started with.
Customers have started using it already.
January 13, 2026 at 6:05 PM
We’ve been getting a steady flow of translation suggestions using our new ”Suggest a missing translation segment” tool built into Feature Upvote.
There are a few things to tweak to make the process smoother at our end, but overall, this has solved an ongoing headache.
There are a few things to tweak to make the process smoother at our end, but overall, this has solved an ongoing headache.
While doing a final read through of my book's manuscript before moving on to copy editing, I realised I really like this quote from James Kennedy, founder of ProcurementExpress.
James knows what he is talking about!
James knows what he is talking about!
January 13, 2026 at 9:53 AM
While doing a final read through of my book's manuscript before moving on to copy editing, I realised I really like this quote from James Kennedy, founder of ProcurementExpress.
James knows what he is talking about!
James knows what he is talking about!
A friend asked me this morning for my opinion on the draft newsletter he was about to send to his business’s list.
My answer: the fact that you are actually sending a newsletter is by far the most important thing.
Any other feedback is mere quibbling and of minor importance.
My answer: the fact that you are actually sending a newsletter is by far the most important thing.
Any other feedback is mere quibbling and of minor importance.
January 13, 2026 at 9:13 AM
A friend asked me this morning for my opinion on the draft newsletter he was about to send to his business’s list.
My answer: the fact that you are actually sending a newsletter is by far the most important thing.
Any other feedback is mere quibbling and of minor importance.
My answer: the fact that you are actually sending a newsletter is by far the most important thing.
Any other feedback is mere quibbling and of minor importance.
Reposted by Steve McLeod
It’s Alex’s first day.
You want to help them make a big impact fast. You let them use your computer, email address & app logins. They’re so quick you can’t even see all the steps they’re taking.
What could possibly go wrong?
Why can’t we onboard LLMs the way we would really onboard an employee?
You want to help them make a big impact fast. You let them use your computer, email address & app logins. They’re so quick you can’t even see all the steps they’re taking.
What could possibly go wrong?
Why can’t we onboard LLMs the way we would really onboard an employee?
January 13, 2026 at 8:03 AM
It’s Alex’s first day.
You want to help them make a big impact fast. You let them use your computer, email address & app logins. They’re so quick you can’t even see all the steps they’re taking.
What could possibly go wrong?
Why can’t we onboard LLMs the way we would really onboard an employee?
You want to help them make a big impact fast. You let them use your computer, email address & app logins. They’re so quick you can’t even see all the steps they’re taking.
What could possibly go wrong?
Why can’t we onboard LLMs the way we would really onboard an employee?
Are you a developer running a SaaS or software product for the first time? Then you are - with almost 100% certainty - not charging enough.
Possibly by an order of magnitude.
One of the things I help with in my coaching service is fixing this “undervaluing yourself” mindset.
steveofmcleod.com
Possibly by an order of magnitude.
One of the things I help with in my coaching service is fixing this “undervaluing yourself” mindset.
steveofmcleod.com
Coaching for B2B SaaS founders
I coach B2B SaaS founders who want to run low-stress, profitable companies.
steveofmcleod.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Are you a developer running a SaaS or software product for the first time? Then you are - with almost 100% certainty - not charging enough.
Possibly by an order of magnitude.
One of the things I help with in my coaching service is fixing this “undervaluing yourself” mindset.
steveofmcleod.com
Possibly by an order of magnitude.
One of the things I help with in my coaching service is fixing this “undervaluing yourself” mindset.
steveofmcleod.com
We soft-released a beta translation tool in Feature Upvote today.
Our customers can now suggest translations for any missing piece of text In our UI.
We connected to DeepL with an “auto translate” button that gives people a draft to get started with.
Customers have started using it already.
Our customers can now suggest translations for any missing piece of text In our UI.
We connected to DeepL with an “auto translate” button that gives people a draft to get started with.
Customers have started using it already.
January 12, 2026 at 1:18 PM
We soft-released a beta translation tool in Feature Upvote today.
Our customers can now suggest translations for any missing piece of text In our UI.
We connected to DeepL with an “auto translate” button that gives people a draft to get started with.
Customers have started using it already.
Our customers can now suggest translations for any missing piece of text In our UI.
We connected to DeepL with an “auto translate” button that gives people a draft to get started with.
Customers have started using it already.
I dreamed last night that I sang a duet with Nana Mouskouri at Eurovision.
Not a competition entry, but as a an extra something to add character to the event.
We sang “I got you babe”
Not a competition entry, but as a an extra something to add character to the event.
We sang “I got you babe”
January 12, 2026 at 7:29 AM
I dreamed last night that I sang a duet with Nana Mouskouri at Eurovision.
Not a competition entry, but as a an extra something to add character to the event.
We sang “I got you babe”
Not a competition entry, but as a an extra something to add character to the event.
We sang “I got you babe”
Local museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. And hence extremely crowded.
I took my daughter to one today, on a not-free Sunday. Cost €2.70 In total for the two of us (she was free).
It was almost empty. Such a better experience for us.
“Free” is such a powerful attraction.
I took my daughter to one today, on a not-free Sunday. Cost €2.70 In total for the two of us (she was free).
It was almost empty. Such a better experience for us.
“Free” is such a powerful attraction.
January 11, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Local museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. And hence extremely crowded.
I took my daughter to one today, on a not-free Sunday. Cost €2.70 In total for the two of us (she was free).
It was almost empty. Such a better experience for us.
“Free” is such a powerful attraction.
I took my daughter to one today, on a not-free Sunday. Cost €2.70 In total for the two of us (she was free).
It was almost empty. Such a better experience for us.
“Free” is such a powerful attraction.
A near universal truth:
People who have never had kids simply do not comprehend how little free time parents of small children have.
That includes me, before I had a kid.
People who have never had kids simply do not comprehend how little free time parents of small children have.
That includes me, before I had a kid.
January 10, 2026 at 8:45 AM
A near universal truth:
People who have never had kids simply do not comprehend how little free time parents of small children have.
That includes me, before I had a kid.
People who have never had kids simply do not comprehend how little free time parents of small children have.
That includes me, before I had a kid.
Reposted by Steve McLeod
I'm looking for a/multiple co-host(s) for go podcast(). The show turned 4 years this month and I'd like some freshness for the next phase. There's a post in /r/golang if anyone's want to know more. Podcasting is hard, and I'll admit that I'm not the most consistent host, but I want to continue.
January 7, 2026 at 11:43 AM
I'm looking for a/multiple co-host(s) for go podcast(). The show turned 4 years this month and I'd like some freshness for the next phase. There's a post in /r/golang if anyone's want to know more. Podcasting is hard, and I'll admit that I'm not the most consistent host, but I want to continue.
A draft chapter of my book, Kill the HiPPO wasn't really fitting into the book properly.
So I've removed it and turned it into a blog post.
killthehippo.com/posts/my-sof...
So I've removed it and turned it into a blog post.
killthehippo.com/posts/my-sof...
January 5, 2026 at 4:23 PM
A draft chapter of my book, Kill the HiPPO wasn't really fitting into the book properly.
So I've removed it and turned it into a blog post.
killthehippo.com/posts/my-sof...
So I've removed it and turned it into a blog post.
killthehippo.com/posts/my-sof...
From "Write Useful Books":
January 5, 2026 at 2:10 PM
From "Write Useful Books":
My book Kill the HiPPO will be published in March or April.
Instead of planning a “launch date”, I’m be doing a “launch year”, inspired by April Dunford.
For a year, I’ll be promoting the book through various channels, primarily podcasts, Amazon ads, and by being somewhat annoying.
Instead of planning a “launch date”, I’m be doing a “launch year”, inspired by April Dunford.
For a year, I’ll be promoting the book through various channels, primarily podcasts, Amazon ads, and by being somewhat annoying.
January 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
My book Kill the HiPPO will be published in March or April.
Instead of planning a “launch date”, I’m be doing a “launch year”, inspired by April Dunford.
For a year, I’ll be promoting the book through various channels, primarily podcasts, Amazon ads, and by being somewhat annoying.
Instead of planning a “launch date”, I’m be doing a “launch year”, inspired by April Dunford.
For a year, I’ll be promoting the book through various channels, primarily podcasts, Amazon ads, and by being somewhat annoying.
The 10th and final chapter of Kill the HiPPO, the book I'm cowriting, is ready for our beta readers - including you.
This one is different to the others, featuring 2 cofounders instead of a solo founder.
And we write more of their relationship than of methodology.
helpthisbook.com/steve-mcleod...
This one is different to the others, featuring 2 cofounders instead of a solo founder.
And we write more of their relationship than of methodology.
helpthisbook.com/steve-mcleod...
helpthisbook.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The 10th and final chapter of Kill the HiPPO, the book I'm cowriting, is ready for our beta readers - including you.
This one is different to the others, featuring 2 cofounders instead of a solo founder.
And we write more of their relationship than of methodology.
helpthisbook.com/steve-mcleod...
This one is different to the others, featuring 2 cofounders instead of a solo founder.
And we write more of their relationship than of methodology.
helpthisbook.com/steve-mcleod...