Featured ShowNotes
LLM API for Startups
Accessing LLM in your apps is going to be almost a requirements in the near future as users demand natural language interaction with your tools. This is why learning and using LLM API capabilities is a big plus for any startup or solo developer.
Here I will share my research into this topic.
Go To Market (GTM) Platforms
As I prepare to launch ShowNotes for a public release, I am considering various GTM platforms for eyeballs, backlinks, and potential users. So here is my current research on this topic that might help you launch your product.
My Bangladesh
Welcome to My Bangladesh. This note will give you the background information about the presentation on Bangladesh delivered at Valley View Elementary School's first-ever multicultural event.
I have added additional information to provide more details that couldn’t be shared due to the scope and audience. I hope this will help teachers and parents gain some insights into the state of modern Bangladesh.
Product Hunt Secrets
Launching a SaaS on Product Hunt is a great way to start the SaaS journey. I have never done it, so I am compiling notes to help me understand the details. You get to see my research for free!
Some notes:
- Advertising on PH is expensive. $3.5/click with a minimum budget of $5K
Grass Notes
I have been exploring the Grass project by Wynd Labs in Canada. All my notes related to this project can be found here. I like this project, so I wanted to provide as many insights as possible for anyone to explore this. Do your own research.
DISCLAIMER
If you join Grass to become a node by installing the Chrome / Brave plugin, you do so at your own risk. I have provided my views, and I do participate in the Grass network, but I am not responsible for your decisions.
G.E.T - Recipe for Success
Like most people, I have been thinking about the recipe for success. There are too many variables involved in real-world success. Many attribute success to luck, some to being in the right place at the right time, and some to sheer perseverance. All of them have merits. But I wanted to be able to "engineer" a recipe for success that I could easily share with kids -- my boys. So, I have watched dozens of videos, read many books, and considered it a lot. Here is my recent attempt at making it simple to explain and focus on the key things that I think matter the most. This does not mean there is nothing else involved in success. But these are my key findings.
G.E.T - Grit. Education. Track.
AI Voice & Video Generators
AI voice and video generators are in high demand. People always ask me about these tools. I only use an AI voice generator for a podcast I started called AI for Mere Mortals. I plan to explore video generators in the future, so here is my compiled list of tools to try out and review.
AktiFul Project
Inspired by the recent student-led revolution in Bangladesh, I have created AktiFul, a project that focuses on delivering technology, knowledge solutions, funding, and sponsorship opportunities for Bangladeshi youth.
Startup Accelerators
I never considered this route to build a startup. However, using statup accelerator is appropriate for many startups. For example, if you need a decent size AWS grant from AWS Activate for startups, you need to be associated with a startup accelerator. Self-founded founder led startups do not get more than $1K in AWS Activate grant whereas incubator based startups can get up to $100K in AWS Activate credits. This is just a simple example of the benefits. There are tons of mentoring and funding connection benefits for being part of an incubator system.
So I have compiled a list of them that you can explore.
My SEO Journey
I decided to document my SEO journey for ShowNotes.
I am using a set of tools:
Great Content is the best sales Tool in the World
Netflix Shows / Movies I Want to Watch
I recently unsubscribed from Netflix since I wasn't watching it and neither was my entire family. My kids hardly watch TV and wife v1.0 spends most time in gardening. So it was a waste of $$ to keep netflix sub for so many years.
But now that I don't have it, I am finding new movies and shows that I want to watch.
So I am going to build up a list here and then subscribe again.
Why Use Uclusion for Your Dev Team?
Uclusion is an innovative task management platform designed to streamline team collaboration, combining communication, assignments, and status updates into a user-friendly app. It's often described as an "asynchronous IDE for collaboration" that replaces traditional team meetings, Slack, and Jira by automating team feedback through a range of developer-specific workflows, backed by an inbox and add wizards. Uclusion aims to make team collaboration more efficient and effective by providing a modern, all-in-one solution for managing tasks, assignments, and communication. It's an opinionated approach to task management that aims to revolutionize how teams work together.
David Israel, a co-founder of Uclusion, invited me to try out his product using the free version. He helped set up the initial workspace, and I asked one of my QA team members to join to check it out. Before introducing it to the rest of my engineering and QA teams, who are very stubborn about what they use daily, I thought of creating a Pros and Cons ShowNotes.
Uclusion aims to modernize software development by replacing outdated practices with an integrated, developer-first approach. It focuses on asynchronous collaboration and minimizes meetings. However, it may not suit all teams and requires careful consideration of its automated and opinionated processes.
CSS Nightmare Meds for Backend Devs
I wouldn't say I like HTML and CSS tweaking. Thanks to ChatGPT and its siblings, backend devs are no longer talking to human designers who always seem to find ways to screw up code with fancy CSS crap. Yep, they do. They break your code blocks, and eventually, you pull out each other's hair. So, I have listed a few CSS frameworks that work well for non-frontend devs.
Photography Basics
I love photography but always need to remember the terms and details. That is so surprising since I am a super technical person. So, I need to refresh myself on this subject occasionally.
- Aperture sets the depth of field
- Shutter Speed sets motion blur
- ISO sets the gain of the sensor
Remember this fantastic quote:
The best camera is the one with you!
Top Foods High In Antioxidants
Replenishing antioxidants in the body may help protect
against oxidative stress and lower cancer risk.
Antioxidants have gained significant attention for their health benefits. They can be found in a wide range of foods and are crucial in eliminating cancer-causing free radicals and promoting overall well-being. The USDA acknowledges that antioxidants effectively remove free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to severe illnesses if left unchecked.
Health professionals have harnessed the power of antioxidants in the treatment of various conditions, such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and brain injuries. Moreover, antioxidants have shown promise in slowing down and even preventing the development of certain types of cancer. With such a wide range of health benefits, it's no surprise that antioxidants have gained popularity in recent years.
Getting Your X / Twitter Game Up!
I use X (formerly Twitter) and have a love-hate relationship with the platform. It has more conspiracy theorists than the population of Canada, and at the same time, it has a few dozen people I like to interact with, people I would have never met otherwise. So, it has value to me, one way or the other, and frankly, I was hoping to grow on this platform but never did the things right to grow.
So, I am giving it one more try in 2024 (starting in July), and here I am documenting the process so that if it works for me, others can try it too.
Remember, I am interested in sharing tech, business, and fun personal info on X, so this won't work for you if you are into politics and conspiracy theories. Or will it?
What are the best newsletter platforms
I have been thinking about creating a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter but have yet to really do it. First, let's find the right platform. Here is my research for finding the right platform.
Please note that Mailchimp and Substack are two major products in this category, but they are much more than simple newsletter platforms, so I don't cover them here.
Elementary CS Resources for Summer 2024
Summer is coming soon, and parents are planning supplemental courses for their kids during summer break. I firmly believe that summer must be fun and educational for kids. Otherwise, summer can cause kids to lag in their next academic journey cycle. In his 2008 book Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell points out how summers can be a crucial differentiator for kids' education.
In this communication, I will delve into the benefits of computer science resources for elementary school kids, particularly those in the 5th and 6th grades. These courses not only introduce children to the world of technology but also foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in today's digital age.
I have already purchased two courses for my 5th-grade son for this summer.
Yellowstone Trip 2024
I am super excited about making a group (family and friends) trip to Yellowstone in the Summer of 2024. Here, you will find all notes on Yellowstone related to traveling accommodations and exploring this super volcano's impressive beauty and wonder!
RELATED NOTES:
ATTRACTIONS:
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Uncle Tom's Trail, and West Thumb and Grant’s Village
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST:
Great Videos By a History Teacher
Digital Product / Service Distribution Channels
I am researching distribution channels for digital products and services, so I will share my research with fellow founders here. In July, I will add notes for those I plan to engage in ShowNotes app distribution.
A Programmer's UI/UX Tool Kits
Startup Funding
Startup funding is a critical step in a startup's lifecycle. Let's get to know some resources.
These funding platforms provide tech startups various options for securing early- and growth-stage capital. From traditional angel networks to modern equity crowdfunding models, each platform has unique features suited to different funding needs, company profiles, and stages of growth.
বৈশাখী পার্টির নাচের গান
এখানে আমি আগামী শনিবার মনি ভাবির বাড়িতে হতে যাওয়া বৈশাখী পার্টির জন্য যে গানগুলি বেছে নিয়েছি সেগুলি রয়েছে।
Great Yellowstone AirBnBs
My group is exploring staying at big and awesome AirBnBs near the west entrance of Yellowstone Park. Here are my findings so far.
I am only looking at 6+ bed AirBnBs so far. I haven't found one that can accommodate all seven families. So we might have to divide it up into two different Airbnbs.
I am also looking exclusively near the western entrance of Yellowstone Park.
Cold / Warm Lead Generation for Startup
Generating leads can be one of the toughest challenges for startups, but it's the lifeblood of growth. In this note, I’ll dive into cold and warm lead generation strategies, sharing effective techniques and resources to help you build a consistent pipeline of potential customers.
Here are concise definitions for cold and warm leads:
- Cold Lead: A prospect without prior interaction with your company or product. They may not be familiar with your brand and haven't expressed any interest in your offerings. Cold leads require more effort to engage and convert, as they need to be educated about your value.
Warm Lead: A prospect who has shown interest or engagement with your business. This could be someone who has visited your website, downloaded content, or interacted with your brand through social media or email. Warm leads are typically easier to convert because they already have some awareness of and interest in your product or service.These distinctions can guide how you approach each type of lead in your startup's outreach efforts.
Publishing Notes
So I have a complete manuscript for the novel that I have been working on, and now it's time for me to publish. Here are my notes on various websites and companies that I have talked to in my hunt for a publisher. Please note, I am hunting for a SELF PUBLISHING COMPANY, which means that I am the one paying for the services in order to maintain the rights to my novel, rather than the publisher paying and taking a portion of my profits.
Turn Web App into a Native iPhone or Android App
Modern websites or progressive web apps (PWAs) are excellent solutions, requiring no downloads and running smoothly in native browsers. I usually advocate against building native apps for Apple or Android unless necessary features can't be implemented in a PWA or web app. Many users, especially younger generations, prefer not to type URLs or save websites as bookmarks. In this context, downloadable apps improve engagement. However, building completely native apps can be resource-intensive, and web-view-based apps offer a great compromise. Benefits include:
- Faster, cheaper development
- Consistent user experience
- Easy maintenance
Adhere to platform-specific guidelines and requirements to launch ShowNotes web-view apps on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store. This ensures a valuable user experience and respects user privacy. Web-view-based apps balance native apps and web-based solutions, making them suitable for businesses and developers.
Some third-party services will create this web-view wrapper app for anywhere from $99 to 500, and some will even deal with Apple and Google App stores for you at an additional cost. In short, a realistic budget for a web-view app for a basic PWA app would be anywhere from $500-$1500.00.
Top AI Scientists Around the World
AI scene has been forked into two paths: engineers building AI products for market and AI researchers aka scientists who are exploring fundamental science behind artificial intelligence. I am interested in the fundamental AI science and its progress so I am building a list of top AI scientists around the world.
Awesome Fruits to Fight Cancer
I love the five fruits mentioned in this note. As a family, we consume organic fruits as a big part of our daily diet. Kids eat a plate of mixed fruits cut from whole organic fruits at home daily. We never buy precut fruits from stores.
We grow many fruits and vegetables, even with minimal growing spaces around the house. Our obnoxious HOA, police our front yard and backyard and the surrounding golf course has strict restrictions on what can be grown in public view of the property. So, we are limited, but my wife has grown many exotic fruits that she imported from southern California and Florida.
My Primary Camera: Sony A7R Camera
After owning a pro-grade Canon DLSR camera for 15 years and collecting tens of thousands of dollars worth of Canon lenses, I wanted to upgrade my photography game and wanted a mirrorless full-frame camera. After months of research, I got the Sony A7R Mark V. I will share my notes about this camera as I learn how to use it.
I have added an everyday-use camera to my gear list.
Email Marketing 101
Email is NOT dead.
I honestly believe it and see it in action based on my enterprise customers spending hundreds of thousands of dollars every year on email marketing.
I am compiling a list of tools and techniques for helping me use email marketing effectively. You can enjoy my open source research to save you some time!
Infrastructure Security for Startups
Launching a public website or app is a must for all tech startups. Some startups are software companies, so they should know what software/services they need to keep their infrastructure safe and secure.
I will share some pointers that might help you if you are unsure how to enhance your security on a small budget. Expect to spend 5-15% of revenue for on going security.
My Notes on Product Hunt as a Go-to-Market (GTM) Platform
I have been on Product Hunt for the last few months and in this note I will share my findings about the usefulness of Product Hunt (PH) for launching a consumer facing digital product or service such as the ShowNotes itself.
DISCLIAMER
I haven't yet launched ShowNotes on PH so not sure how it will go so this info is just what I have in my mind based on my experience with the folks who use PH on a regular basis.
Games I recommend for you
Product Hunt Launch Tips from Founders and Marketers on PH
For our future launch I am compiling a list of tips that are shared again and again by successful launch founders and other marketers. Of course with my 2¢ so take them with a large grain of salt.
Your comments are welcome!
Elementary Debate Program I
I am proposing a friendly introduction to debate and public speaking for our kids in 9-12 year range (5th grade to 7th grade) and this note will serve as the primary document to outline the details.
If you are interested, contact me via WhatsApp to join this program.
The program is designed with following in mind:
- Encourage, positive reinforcement and a supportive environment.
- Ensure that topics are simple and relatable for the age group.
- Provide resources like books, articles, and videos to help kids understand their topics.
- Keep the sessions interactive and fun to maintain enthusiasm and interest.
- Keep judges unbiased and not related to the kids participating in the final event.
How The AI Chatbots See the Massive leak of Google’s Search Algorithm API Documentation
It would be interesting to see how different AI chatbots research this topic. So here are my findings.
Once I had collected all the responses from the popular AI chatbot, I used the PRINT feature of this ShowNote to create a PDF and fed that to ChatGPT (GPT-4o). I asked it to generate a chart showing which AI chatbot was more pessimistic about the leaks, using a score of 1-100, with 100 being the most negative and one being the least negative.
My Wordpress Recommendations
I dislike Wordpress a lot.
But my friends keep using it and keep asking me for recommendations.
I have SME company VPs using WP for their pet projects so its very dangerous for them to use random plugins and get their site hacked. Yep, it has happened. So I decided to make a list of my recommendations here.
Amazing Audio/Video AI Tools for Creators
Write Faster and Hopefully Better Code with AI Tools
Software developers are adopting more and more LLM and other LLM-powered third-party tools and co-pilots to help them with mundane and or routine programming tasks like generating generic code snippets to code documentation to even test code or documentation. This speeds up development, QA/QC and acceptance and so there is a lot of AI tools in the market.
I use LLMs like ChatGPT directy and do not use copilots yet so I decided to research the new and trendy tools and see what the hype is all about. First step is to compile a list of them and then try them out. I am sharing my research so you can save some time and
Be aware that I haven't used these tools yet but compiling a list from various sources.
Unhealthy Things I Buy from Amazon!
My wife (v1) has a ban on these Amazon products, but I discreetly purchase them through my business Amazon accounts. These items not the healthiest choice, yet I find them irresistibly satisfying. Proceed with caution!!
How to Clone a YouTube Playlist
Do the following using the Chrome browser on a desktop or laptop computer:
Step 1: Copy the Playlist Address (URL)
You can visit the playlist you'd like to copy and copy the playlist address from the browser's address bar.
Step 2: Go to Your YouTube account
- Go to Youtube.com
- Using the Switch Account option under the currently logged-in user, switch to the desired account.
Step 3: Paste the Playlist Address
Paste the already copied playlist address on your browser's address bar
Step 4: Replace the 'www' in the address with 'music'
The playlist address starts with 'www.youtube.com/...', change 'www' to 'mujsic.youtube.com/...' and press enter.
Step 5: Save the Playlist
You will see a Save button on the screen. Click on it and save the playlist to an existing or new playlist.
Now, you have the same playlist as the original on your account, and you can order the videos by dragging and dropping them as you wish.
How to choose the perfect surprise gift candle?
Surprise gift candles have become a popular gift choice for various occasions, blending the warmth and ambience of a candle with the thrill of uncovering a hidden treasure. These candles are designed with a special surprise embedded within the wax, such as jewellery, cash, or small trinkets, which reveal themselves as the candle burns. Selecting the perfect surprise gift candle can be a fun and thoughtful process. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or even yourself, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the ideal surprise gift candle.
1. Consider the Recipient’s Preferences
When choosing a surprise gift candle, the most crucial factor is to consider the recipient’s preferences. This ensures that the gift is thoughtful and personalized, making it more meaningful. Here are a few key aspects to consider:
Fragrance Preferences: Some people love floral scents like lavender or rose, while others might prefer something more earthy like sandalwood or cedar. Take note of the recipient's favourite scents. If you’re unsure, opt for popular, universally loved fragrances like vanilla or citrus.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Make sure the recipient does not have any allergies or sensitivities to certain scents or materials. Some individuals might be sensitive to strong fragrances or specific essential oils. In such cases, consider a lightly scented or unscented candle.
Aesthetic Taste: The design of the candle also matters. Some candles come in sleek, minimalist jars, while others have ornate, decorative containers. Consider the recipient’s home decor style to choose a candle that complements their space.
2. Determine the Type of Surprise Inside
Surprise gift candles can contain a wide range of hidden treasures. The type of surprise inside can significantly impact the overall experience and satisfaction with the gift. Here are some common surprises found in these candles:
Jewellery: Many surprise gift candles contain a piece of jewellery, such as a ring, necklace, or bracelet. These candles are often labelled by jewellery type, and some even allow you to select the size, especially for rings. Check the jewellery material to ensure it’s suitable for the recipient, especially if they have metal allergies.
Cash or Gift Cards: Some candles hide a cash prize or a gift card inside, which can range from a few dollars to a more substantial amount. This type of surprise adds an element of excitement and can be especially appealing if you’re unsure of the recipient’s jewellery style.
Small Trinkets or Collectibles: For those who enjoy quirky or unique items, some candles contain small figurines, crystals, or other collectable items. These are great for collectors or anyone who appreciates small, thoughtful surprises.
Personalized Surprises: Some companies offer customization options where you can select a personalized message or a specific type of item to be hidden inside the candle. This can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the gift.
3. Check the Quality of the Candle
The quality of the candle itself is just as important as the surprise inside. A high-quality candle ensures a pleasant burn experience and maximizes enjoyment. Here’s what to look for:
Wax Type: Candles are made from various types of wax, including soy, beeswax, paraffin, and coconut. Soy and beeswax are natural and generally considered safer and cleaner-burning, with less soot production. Paraffin is more affordable but may produce more soot. Choose a wax type based on the recipient’s preference and potential environmental concerns.
Wick Material: The wick affects how the candle burns. Cotton wicks are common and offer a clean, even burn. Some wicks are coated with a small amount of wax or essential oils to help them burn better. Avoid wicks with metal cores, as they can release harmful substances when burned.
Burn Time: The burn time of a candle indicates how long it will last. A longer burn time means more enjoyment for the recipient. Check the estimated burn time, which should be clearly stated on the packaging.
Fragrance Quality: High-quality candles use premium fragrance oils or essential oils to create a pleasing scent throw. A good surprise gift candle should offer a balanced fragrance that is noticeable but not overwhelming.
4. Consider the Candle’s Presentation and Packaging
The packaging and presentation of the candle can enhance the overall gifting experience. A beautifully packaged candle can make a lasting impression and add to the excitement of discovering the surprise inside.
Gift-Ready Packaging: Many surprise gift candles come in elegant, gift-ready packaging, complete with a box, tissue paper, or ribbon. This can save you time on wrapping and make the gift feel extra special.
Reusable Containers: Consider candles that come in containers that can be reused after the candle has burned down. Jars made of glass, ceramic, or tin can serve as decorative pieces, storage containers, or even plant pots. Reusable containers add an eco-friendly touch to your gift.
Instructions Included: Some candles require special instructions for uncovering the surprise safely. Ensure the candle comes with clear instructions, particularly if the surprise is embedded deep within the wax.
5. Evaluate the Safety Features
Safety should always be a priority when choosing any candle. Ensure the candle is safe to use and that the surprise inside does not pose any risks.
Non-Toxic Ingredients: Verify that the candle is made with non-toxic ingredients, particularly if the recipient has pets or small children. Avoid candles with harmful chemicals like phthalates or lead.
Surprise Location: Check where the surprise is placed within the candle. It should be positioned to ensure it doesn’t catch fire or cause the candle to burn unevenly. Most reputable companies ensure the surprise is safely embedded and won’t pose a hazard as the candle burns.
Burning Instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s burning instructions, including recommended burn time and safety precautions. This ensures the candle burns properly and reduces the risk of accidents.
6. Think About the Occasion
The occasion for which you’re buying the candle can also influence your choice. Different occasions call for different styles and surprises.
Birthdays: For birthdays, consider a candle with a more celebratory or personalized surprise, such as birthstone jewellery or a special message.
Holidays: Holiday-themed candles with seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon, or peppermint can be a great choice. Some candles even come with holiday-themed surprises, such as ornaments or festive charms.
Anniversaries: For anniversaries, a candle with a romantic scent like rose or vanilla, combined with a piece of jewellery or a personalized message, can make a thoughtful gift.
Thank You or Appreciation Gifts: For showing appreciation or gratitude, a candle with a soothing scent and a simple, elegant design can convey a heartfelt message.
7. Research and Read Reviews
Before purchasing a surprise gift candle, it’s wise to do some research and read reviews from other customers. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of the candle, the accuracy of the scent description, the excitement of the surprise, and overall customer satisfaction. Look for candles with high ratings and positive feedback regarding both the candle and the surprise inside.
8. Consider the Price and Value
Surprise gift candles come in a range of prices, depending on factors like the quality of the candle, the type of surprise inside, and the brand. Determine your budget beforehand and consider the value of what you’re getting for the price.
Higher Price Points: More expensive candles may offer higher-quality materials, a more luxurious surprise, or a longer burn time. They might also come from well-known brands with a reputation for quality.
Affordable Options: There are also many affordable surprise gift candles that still provide a delightful experience. Look for options that offer a good balance of quality and price.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect surprise gift candle involves a blend of thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and an understanding of the recipient’s preferences. By considering factors like fragrance, the type of surprise, quality, presentation, and safety, you can find a candle that not only delights but also creates a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because a well-chosen surprise gift candle can light up someone’s day in more ways than one.
HowTo: Delete Your Data & Account
To delete your data and account forever from ShowNotes, go to your profile page and find the section at the bottom that shows:
Choose Delete Me and confirm that you want to delete everything. Once confirmed, the data is deleted from our system.