Last month, Karo (Product with Attitude) published an article spotlighting emerging voices in the product development and management space. It’s a wonderful resource if you’re interested in building with AI, whether you’re a vibe coder or a trained developer.
Since I was curious what all these folks have been writing lately, and I needed to test my StackDigest tool, I used the authors listed on the Emerging Product Voices GitHub page, except for myself, and created a collection called August Product People.
Then I used this collection to create a digest showing everything that everyone on this list has published over the past week. It scored the articles based on engagement (likes + comments as of the time I ran the digest) and length, summarized the top 10, and then categorized and listed everything else.
To help surface articles from creators with smaller followings, I’m thinking about adding a Wild Card feature that can be toggled to include a few randomly selected stories in any given digest. 🤔
Enjoy the roundup! 🎉 And, if you notice something off about the summaries, think an article may be missing, or have feedback on this reading list, please send me a DM.
Featured articles
How you can build Substack Notes scheduler with n8n
Jakub Slys 🎖️• slys.dev • Sep 15
3,057 words
34 comments
76 likes
The article describes how the author automated his Substack Notes publishing process using n8n, a no-code automation tool, to eliminate the daily stress of manually posting notes. By creating a workflow that pulls draft notes from a Google Sheets document and publishes them automatically on a schedule, he solved the problem of inconsistent and forgotten social media updates.
Motivation: The author was tired of manually posting Substack Notes and wanted a system that could publish notes automatically without daily intervention
Tools: Used n8n (an open-source automation platform) and Google Sheets to create a scheduling workflow
Workflow Goal: Develop an automated process that selects a random draft note, publishes it to Substack, and marks it as used to prevent duplicate posts
Personal Benefit: Eliminated the daily stress of remembering to post notes and enabled batch writing of content in advance
The Essential Software Engineering Practices Every AI Builder Needs to Know
Jenny Ouyang • Build to Launch • Sep 17
2,788 words
18 comments
63 likes
AI builders must recognize the inherent optimization bias in AI-generated code, which prioritizes immediate functionality over long-term system reliability. Understanding this tendency is crucial for creating robust and maintainable software solutions that go beyond surface-level code generation.
Optimization Bias: AI tends to optimize for immediate prompt completion rather than considering broader system architecture and long-term integration
System Limitations: AI lacks understanding of real-world consequences and cannot anticipate complex interactions between different code components
Predictable Failures: Common issues include ignoring system-wide architecture, assuming perfect conditions, and prioritizing individual features over holistic integration
Developer Responsibility: Programmers must guide AI by applying traditional software engineering principles to mitigate potential system-wide breakdowns
Vibecoding, But Smarter: The PRD Prompt That Audits Itself For Hallucinations and Failure Modes
Karo (Product with Attitude) • Product with Attitude • Sep 17
1,970 words
31 comments
97 likes
In the world of vibecoding, creating a Product Requirements Document (PRD) is crucial for transforming AI experiments into viable products. A well-crafted PRD serves as a blueprint that aligns user needs, business goals, and technical constraints into a clear, actionable document that guides the development process.
Purpose: A PRD outlines what you're building, why it matters, who it's for, and how you'll measure success
Structure: Focuses on clarity, brevity, and testability to ensure AI understands and executes the product vision
Evolution: Developed through 15 iterations to create a prompt that is lean enough for AI to parse and structured enough to prevent misinterpretation
Key Benefits: Prevents wasted time and resources by providing a precise roadmap for product development
How To Build an AI Agent in less than 4 hours
Ashwin Francis • Cash & Cache • Sep 15
2,302 words
36 comments
51 likes
Building an AI agent for automated research can dramatically streamline content creation and newsletter production by creating a custom workflow that intelligently sources, filters, and prioritizes relevant news developments. By leveraging automation tools and AI technologies, researchers can save significant time and reduce manual information gathering processes.
Tool Selection: Utilized Make.com for workflow automation due to its beginner-friendly interface and cost-effective features
Research Objectives: Create an independent AI analyst capable of finding, prioritizing, and reporting news developments matching specific content strategies
Workflow Components: Develop a systematic process including topic import, news extraction, formatting, prioritization, and daily reporting
Key Features: Automate research from top-tier sources while maintaining customization and relevance to specific newsletter requirements
I Built a Socratic AI That Questions Every Decision I Make (Here's What I Learned)
Wyndo • The AI Maker • Sep 16
1,845 words
43 comments
79 likes
The author discovered that constantly trying to keep up with every AI tool and news release was counterproductive, leading to information overload and missed opportunities for meaningful work. By transforming AI into a Socratic questioning tool, he learned to challenge his own assumptions and focus on what truly matters for his newsletter's mission.
Information Overload: Constantly tracking AI developments was preventing deep, meaningful work and creating unnecessary stress
Socratic Approach: Using AI to question assumptions instead of seeking immediate solutions revealed underlying cognitive patterns
Shift in Perspective: Recognizing the need to focus on practical implementation frameworks rather than surface-level AI news
Core Insight: Socratic AI helps uncover the real problem, unlike standard AI that often provides solutions without understanding the fundamental issue
Trust Over Conversions: How He Turned 90% Rejections Into a $10k Creator Tool
Jenny Ouyang • Build to Launch • Sep 19
2,339 words
16 comments
40 likes
A persistent creator transformed years of product failures into a successful AI tool by focusing on building genuine relationships and solving real user problems. By listening closely to potential customers and iterating through numerous concepts, he developed WriteStack, an AI-powered notes and writing assistant that generated $10,000 in seven months.
Product Evolution: Started as a Substack-like AI post editor and pivoted to a notes-focused tool after realizing creators' actual needs
Development Timeline: Spent 7 months building the product, going through hundreds of iterations
Core Strategy: Prioritized understanding user pain points over chasing features or one-time solutions
Initial Challenge: Overcame nearly 20 previous product attempts before finding the right market fit
Vibecoding, Spec-driven, And The New AI Development Lexicon: A Definitive Guide for Modern Product Builders
Karo (Product with Attitude) • Product with Attitude • Sep 22
2,105 words
10 comments
33 likes
The article explores emerging AI coding methodologies, focusing on how developers interact with AI tools to generate code. These approaches - including vibecoding, spec-driven development, and context engineering - represent different strategies for leveraging AI in software development, each with unique strengths and potential pitfalls.
Vibecoding: A rapid, low-friction approach where developers give high-level prompts to AI and quickly ship code with minimal review, best suited for prototypes and experimental projects
Spec-Driven Development: A more structured method where detailed specifications, features, constraints, and edge cases are provided to the AI, ensuring more precise and intentional code generation
AI Coding Methods: Different techniques range from hands-off "good enough" approaches to highly controlled, specification-guided workflows
Key Consideration: The approach chosen significantly impacts code quality, with each method presenting trade-offs between speed, precision, and potential technical debt
The Startup AI Tech Stack
Ollie Forsyth • NEW ECONOMIES • Sep 22
2,282 words
7 comments
32 likes
Startups are increasingly leveraging AI tools to transform their tech stack, enabling more efficient operations across multiple business functions. The emerging landscape of AI technologies offers innovative solutions that can dramatically improve productivity, creativity, and operational performance. These tools span various categories and can be strategically integrated to enhance different aspects of a startup's workflow.
Marketing: AI-powered platforms like The Prompting Company and Opus Clips help startups enhance visibility, create viral content, and expand their reach through automated and intelligent marketing strategies.
Development: Tools such as Windsurf, Traderoot, and Keystone provide AI-driven coding assistance, bug fixing, and development acceleration, enabling developers to work more efficiently and effectively.
Productivity: AI agents and platforms are emerging across areas like team collaboration, content generation, and workflow automation, helping startups optimize their internal processes and reduce manual work.
Specialized Functions: Innovative AI solutions now exist for specific needs like legal compliance, HR management, design, customer support, and fundraising, offering targeted technological support for startup growth.
Spotlight: Orel Zilberman & the Substack Growth Engine
Jeremy Camilloni • whatisthat.ai | AI Tool Report • Sep 15
1,948 words
13 comments
32 likes
Orel Zilberman left his six-figure job to build WriteStack, a tool designed to help Substack writers grow their audience more effectively. After 600 days of failures and challenges, he created an AI-powered platform that simplifies content creation and scheduling for writers. WriteStack addresses the common struggle of maintaining a consistent online presence and engagement.
Product Origin: Inspired by a collaboration attempt with Tibo Lucas that didn't work out, Zilberman identified a gap in the Substack Notes market
Core Functionality: Generates personalized AI-drafted Notes, enables scheduling, and provides performance analytics
Business Model: Currently running at 1.6k Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) with no investors or team
Key Value Proposition: Helps writers overcome content creation barriers by streamlining Note generation and tracking audience engagement
I Built a Tool to Prove the ‘Prompts Aren’t Valuable’ Myth Wrong
Daria Cupareanu • AI blew my mind • Sep 18
1,709 words
22 comments
45 likes
Mastering AI prompting is a skill that requires deliberate practice and understanding, not just technical knowledge. The key is learning how to translate complex thoughts into clear, structured instructions that AI can effectively interpret and act upon.
Prompt Quality: Most ineffective AI interactions stem from vague, unstructured prompts that lack clear context and direction
Learning Curve: Developing strong prompting skills involves carefully studying successful techniques and systematically testing different approaches
Performance Gap: The difference in AI output is often not about the technology, but about the user's ability to guide the model effectively
Practical Impact: Skilled prompting can transform AI from a frustrating tool to a powerful resource for creating high-quality strategies, workflows, and content
Additional Reading
AI & Machine Learning (9 articles)
Why 20 Years of Experience Makes AI Actually Useful
James Presbitero • Write10x • Sep 18
1,708 words • 8 comments • 33 likesAhead with AI #2: Research on autopilot, AI video briefs, and smarter prompts
Daria Cupareanu • AI blew my mind • Sep 21
1,441 words • 10 comments • 36 likesHow Founders Can Scale Their Conviction Beyond Themselves
James Presbitero • Write10x • Sep 15
2,012 words • 7 comments • 22 likesRobert Drehmann • Robert Drehmann • Sep 16
932 words • 11 comments • 28 likesWhen AI Sounds Certain, Ask for Doubt
Sam Illingworth • Slow AI • Sep 16
760 words • 29 comments • 44 likesThe shadow fishermen of marketing
Mia Kiraki • ROBOTS ATE MY HOMEWORK • Sep 17
1,658 words • 6 comments • 16 likesML for SWEs 67: No, there won't be a 3-day work week
Logan Thorneloe • Machine Learning for Software Engineers • Sep 17
2,375 words • 0 comments • 12 likesWhat If You Started Talking to AI Instead of Typing?
Ashwin Francis • Cash & Cache • Sep 22
1,936 words • 2 comments • 9 likesRoi Ezra • AI For Humanity • Sep 22
1,306 words • 0 comments • 2 likes
Career & Leadership (4 articles)
Are You Developing the Most In-Demand Skills of the AI Revolution?
Joel Salinas • Leadership in Change • Sep 15
Score: 0.771 • 1,595 words • 17 comments • 46 likesStop Managing AI Tools and Start Leading Beyond Automation
Joel Salinas • Leadership in Change • Sep 18
Score: 0.728 • 1,549 words • 4 comments • 38 likesUse AI to 10x Your Impact Without Hiring
Joel Salinas • Leadership in Change • Sep 22
2,298 words • 6 comments • 15 likesThought Experiment - Mental Model: What If?
Michał Poczwardowski • Perspectiveship • Sep 18
913 words • 4 comments • 16 likes
Creator Economy (2 articles)
No Clicks?...Here is the Framework that worked for me!
Sharyph • The Digital Creator • Sep 22
996 words • 10 comments • 12 likesNo Clicks?...Here is the Framework that worked for me!
Sharyph • The Digital Creator • Sep 22
996 words • 10 comments • 12 likes
Data & Analytics (1 articles)
Why Your Data Science Degree Won’t Get You Promoted (and What Will)
Andres Vourakis • To Be a Data Scientist • Sep 18
778 words • 4 comments • 21 likes
Design (4 articles)
🐴 Web Development 101 for AI Builders: Concepts Explained
Xinran Ma • Design with AI • Sep 22
Score: 0.639 • 2,163 words • 2 comments • 13 likesDesigning Your Job Hunt with AI: How to Stand Out Without Burning Out
Vadym Grin • Eidos Design • Sep 19
807 words • 0 comments • 4 likesEidos Design. Volume XVI: Designing for Stillness in an Overstimulated World
Vadym Grin • Eidos Design • Sep 15
2,025 words • 0 comments • 4 likesVadym Grin • Eidos Design • Sep 18
155 words • 0 comments • 1 likes
Entertainment (2 articles)
The Problem With Nicheing down
@mindset&mythos • @mindset&mythos • Sep 19
718 words • 30 comments • 8 likesCinematic Storytelling: Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)
@mindset&mythos • @mindset&mythos • Sep 17
209 words • 0 comments • 7 likes
Entrepreneurship (9 articles)
📖 The Founder’s Guide to Understanding Investors
Chris Tottman • The Founders Corner® • Sep 18
Score: 0.716 • 1,473 words • 14 comments • 28 likesBen Horowitz's $46B of Hard Truths🔥, AI Will Not Make You Rich🤖, The Great IPO Awakening📈
Ruben Dominguez • The Founders Corner® • Sep 21
1,166 words • 0 comments • 28 likesPart 1: When 89% NRR & A Churn Issue Still Wins
Chris Tottman • The Founders Corner® • Sep 17
1,178 words • 3 comments • 49 likesHow to Turn One Service Into a Product You Can Sell 100 Times
Marilyn Wo • VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • Sep 22
1,810 words • 0 comments • 2 likesWhy Scope Creep Kills Your Profit (And How to Stop It)
Marilyn Wo • VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • Sep 15
Score: 0.471 • 1,468 words • 4 comments • 4 likesHow Solopreneurs Can Package and Deliver Knowledge: From $10 E-Books to $1,000 Coaching (and Beyond)
Anfernee • The Solopreneur Code • Sep 21
1,382 words • 0 comments • 17 likesWhy Gratitude Is Keeping You Small
Nathan Rodgers • Unscaled Solopreneur • Sep 19
799 words • 0 comments • 0 likesI shipped a Video Review Feature for Proudwork 👀
Kenny - Your Freelance Friend • The Juggle Is Real with Kenny Tjay • Sep 21
378 words • 1 comments • 3 likesThis week in Proudwork + DEMO VID live
Kenny - Your Freelance Friend • The Juggle Is Real with Kenny Tjay • Sep 16
417 words • 1 comments • 2 likes
News (1 article)
Raghav Mehra • Cash & Cache • Sep 19
846 words • 2 comments • 17 likes
Philosophy (2 articles)
Show and Tell: Brigitte Macron’s Womb on Trial
IS IT PROPAGANDA?® • IS IT PROPAGANDA?® • Sep 21
561 words • 9 comments • 16 likesIS IT PROPAGANDA?® • IS IT PROPAGANDA?® • Sep 22
1,297 words • 4 comments • 7 likes
Product Management (11 articles)
Pragati Sinha • Proof Sprint • Sep 18
753 words • 0 comments • 1 likesWhy Listening to Agents Improves Customer Experience
Jon Harris • The Experience Stack • Sep 17
573 words • 0 comments • 1 likes
From Drowning in Documentation to AI-Powered PM
Elena Calvillo • Product Release Notes • Sep 18
1,923 words • 5 comments • 22 likesSkip-Level Without a Safety Net
Amy Mitchell • Product Management IRL • Sep 16
905 words • 2 comments • 12 likesWhat I heard about AI and prototyping at INDUSTRY 2025
Kent J McDonald • InsideProduct • Sep 18
812 words • 0 comments • 2 likes
Why I’m Building a Journaling App Even Though There Are Hundreds
Katrina Watson • Katrina's Newsletter • Sep 18
681 words • 3 comments • 7 likesFrom AI Bag Holders to Market Makers. A VC Guide to Saving Start-Up Investments
Tim Daines • The Product AI Agent • Sep 17
1,321 words • 0 comments • 1 likesHow I created a landing page for my upcoming app
Daniel • Learning by Building • Sep 15
592 words • 2 comments • 5 likes
The Rise of Vibe Engineering: Free Courses, Guides, and Resources
Paweł Huryn • The Product Compass • Sep 19
428 words • 3 comments • 47 likesBe part of the 12% of Companies who Go-to-Market and Scale AI, Successfully
Tim Daines • The Product AI Agent • Sep 15
1,240 words • 1 comments • 2 likesThe 87% AI Club: How to TOTALLY screw-up your AI Go-To-Market strategy
Tim Daines • The Product AI Agent • Sep 16
1,478 words • 0 comments • 0 likes
Technology (5 articles)
The Pre-Sell Effect: Win Clients Before You Say a Word
Farida Khalaf • Lights On by Farida • Sep 19
1,255 words • 1 comments • 9 likesKacper Wojaczek • Scramble IT • Sep 22
Score: 0.240 • 416 words • 2 comments • 4 likesThe Unspoken Pact: Why Your Best Followers Aren't Counting
Farida Khalaf • Lights On by Farida • Sep 22
1,212 words • 0 comments • 5 likesYour Engineers Are Good Inside
Kacper Wojaczek • Scramble IT • Sep 21
Score: 0.080 • 51 words • 0 comments • 2 likesThe Pre-Sell Effect: Win Clients Before You Say a Word
Farida Khalaf • Lights On by Farida • Sep 19
Score: 0.476 • 1,255 words • 1 comments • 9 likesA Beginner's Guide to Understanding AI
Esha Pathak • TechStack • Sep 17
1,052 words • 0 comments • 6 likes
User Experience (UX) (9 articles)
🔮 #BlessingSeries Issue 14 – Gesture-Driven UX: The Future of Interaction Beyond Clicks
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 17
962 words • 5 comments • 13 likesAI Workflow: Build Fast. Test Faster.
Ileana • UX + AI • Sep 15
1,976 words • 4 comments • 12 likesAI Explained: The Basics You Need to Know
Ileana • UX + AI • Sep 22
1,386 words • 4 comments • 5 likesDesigning UX for AI-Augmented Creativity Tools
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 18
1,650 words • 3 comments • 5 likesEmotion Detection in UX: Using Sentiment for Smarter Feedback
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 16
1,570 words • 3 comments • 4 likesEthical Personalization: User-Controlled Content Filtering
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 15
871 words • 3 comments • 3 likesData Visualization for Everyday Users: Clarity Over Complexity
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 19
809 words • 0 comments • 1 likesTemporal Design: UX That Adapts Over Time and Use Patterns
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 21
1,169 words • 0 comments • 0 likesUX in Automated Customer Support: Building Empathy in Bots
Blessing Okpala, PhD • Designing With Blessing • Sep 20
1,109 words • 0 comments • 0 likes
Achievement Unlocked 💪💪. Great list, keep up the great work
This tool is an absolute godsend.
When I first started out I was rash enough to accept suggested subscriptions most of which have to relevance to my world and my inbox was choking.
Stackdigest allowed me to clean up easily.
Great app well done!