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! https://whatnext.dev/feed
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
20.08.2025 11:15 — 👍 3 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
Logo image for "I'm a software engineer ~ what next?" A weekly podcast where James Wilson and Matthew Sinclair chew the fat on what software engineers can do at their next career crossroads. https://whatnext.dev
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
11.08.2025 21:26 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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!
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...
08.07.2025 00:04 — 👍 46 🔁 16 💬 3 📌 1
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.
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...
16.06.2025 08:38 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
**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.
QUANTUM FAX MACHINE: Spring/Summer Double Issue: 8 Reading Lists Published!
Check out the reading lists here: quantumfaxmachine.com
13.06.2025 17:55 — 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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.
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...
13.06.2025 12:40 — 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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-...
28.05.2025 19:55 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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...
21.05.2025 10:19 — 👍 6 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Crafting culture in startups, CEO's role
I'm a software engineer ~ what next?
"Crafting culture in startups, CEO's role"
www.youtube.com/shorts/9RD9I...
20.05.2025 09:11 — 👍 5 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Strong vs weak cultures in startups
I'm a software engineer ~ what next?
"Strong vs weak cultures in startups"
www.youtube.com/shorts/9u6hq...
20.05.2025 09:10 — 👍 4 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Hiring values over tech in early stage startups
I'm a software engineer ~ what next?
"Hiring for values over technology in early-stage startups"
www.youtube.com/shorts/uFWBv...
20.05.2025 09:06 — 👍 4 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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
📚 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-...
12.04.2025 16:55 — 👍 4 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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
📚 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-...
12.04.2025 16:55 — 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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
📚 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-...
12.04.2025 16:55 — 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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
📚 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-...
12.04.2025 16:55 — 👍 4 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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/
📚 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
12.04.2025 16:49 — 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 4 📌 0
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
01.04.2025 07:58 — 👍 11 🔁 6 💬 3 📌 0
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
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
17.03.2025 11:59 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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?
⚠️ 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
16.03.2025 16:06 — 👍 4 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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?
🚀 February 2025 Engineering Leadership Reading List!
On AI in management, flatter hierarchies, and rethinking technical debt. Read more: quantumfaxmachine.com/blog/qfm055-...
#EngineeringLeadership #TechManagement
16.03.2025 16:06 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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.
💫 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
16.03.2025 16:06 — 👍 4 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
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.
🤖 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
16.03.2025 16:06 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
🚀 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
12.03.2025 14:18 — 👍 3 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
💰 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
03.03.2025 12:39 — 👍 4 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Top Engineering Talents: London Leads the Way
"The quality of the average off-the-street engineer in London is about as good as anywhere I have seen."
Find out more at our new podcast:
I'm a software engineer -- what next?
www.youtube.com/shorts/gTAui...
#IASWEWN #podcast #engineering #sofware #whatnext
23.02.2025 14:19 — 👍 5 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Master the Art of Influence Through Clear Communication
"I find ... when you can organise your thoughts and project them concisely and clearly ... it's so much easier to influence."
Find out more at our new podcast:
I'm a software engineer -- what next?
www.youtube.com/shorts/m1LmP...
#IASWEWN #podcast #engineering #sofware #whatnext
23.02.2025 14:19 — 👍 4 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Mastering the Skill that Unlocks Influence
"You can only get into this level of influence if you learn this foundational skill."
Find out more at our new podcast:
I'm a software engineer -- what next?
www.youtube.com/shorts/GobNt...
#IASWEWN #podcast #engineering #sofware #whatnext
23.02.2025 14:19 — 👍 4 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
YouTube video by I'm a software engineer - what next?
Why Failure Teaches More Than Success
"Failure is a much better teacher than success."
Find out more at our new podcast:
I'm a software engineer -- what next?
www.youtube.com/shorts/Xz7Ko...
#IASWEWN #podcast #engineering #sofware #whatnext
23.02.2025 14:18 — 👍 5 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
