When life gives you LLMs... (Changelog & Friends #91)
May 2, 2025
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Zeno Rocha, co-founder of Resend and design aficionado, returns to discuss intriguing trends in technology. He tackles the intricacies of email etiquette and the complexities of AI-driven SEO strategies, emphasizing the need for engaging content. Rocha also dives into the quirky world of email rendering challenges influenced by tech giants. To top it off, he shares thoughts on the new SLATE Auto, exploring its innovative yet skeptical implications for the future of transportation. Expect a blend of tech insights and humorous anecdotes!
Heroku's upcoming FUR version emphasizes a shift to open standards and cloud-native architecture for enhanced developer experience and ecosystem integration.
Zeno Rocha stresses the importance of personal branding and social media engagement for founders to establish authority and connect with audiences in a competitive tech landscape.
The podcast addresses email marketing challenges, highlighting new strategies and tools for improving deliverability and user engagement in a spam-filled environment.
Deep dives
Next Generation Heroku and Open Standards
The next generation of Heroku, known as FUR, emphasizes a transition towards open standards and cloud-native architecture. This evolution is driven by significant changes in the tech industry over the last several years, particularly around the acceptance of the twelve-factor app methodology. The shift aims to integrate Heroku more effectively within the broader ecosystem, moving away from being an isolated platform. By embracing these modern practices, Heroku seeks to enhance developer experience while retaining the flexibility and power that users need.
.NET Support in FUR
The upcoming Heroku FUR release includes first-class support for the .NET framework, which has evolved significantly to become cross-platform and open-source. This support has been in high demand from users, many of whom have been successfully running .NET applications on Heroku for quite some time through various build packs. The focus now is on providing dedicated support and documentation for .NET, akin to existing resources for other programming languages on the platform. This transition signifies a strategic commitment to expanding language support and enhancing the overall user experience.
Zeno Rocha's Insights on Marketing and Branding
Zeno Rocha discusses the importance of personal branding and social media presence in today's tech landscape. He emphasizes that regular posting and engaging with audiences can influence perception and establish authority in the industry. Drawing from his personal experiences, Zeno reflects on how effective branding and consistent communication can differentiate a startup amid fierce competition. This sheds light on the evolving nature of marketing, where being visible and relatable is as crucial as the product itself.
The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
The conversation highlights how founders and startups are increasingly expected to engage with audiences through social media as a part of their business strategy. This necessity is mirrored in examples from various industries, where companies leverage platforms to create a sense of community and promote transparency. The dialogue touches on the fear that an overload of marketing can detract from genuine human connections but acknowledges the need for a balanced approach in communication. It's clear that content strategy is becoming integral not just for product advertising but for forging stronger bonds with customers.
Email Marketing Challenges and Strategies
The podcast delves into the challenges of email marketing, particularly regarding deliverability and maintaining engagement. New tools and strategies are emerging to address issues such as unsolicited emails and the rising importance of personalization. Conversations turn to various platforms that help streamline processes, while also highlighting the ongoing battle against spam and the quest for effective communication. The focus is on finding ways to enhance user experience while navigating the complexities of email as a marketing tool.
Innovations in Electric Vehicles
A discussion around a new electric pickup truck, Slate, introduces innovations aimed at affordability and modularity, appealing particularly to a younger audience. Highlighting its low price point of under $20,000, the vehicle is designed to be customizable, allowing for various upgrades and personal touches. The focus on simplicity is evident in features such as non-powered windows and a bare-bones design, emphasizing practicality over luxury. This approach may resonate with consumers looking for cost-effective, practical solutions amidst rising costs in the automotive industry.
Our old friend, Zeno Rocha, returns to discuss email etiquette, the strange new world of AI SEO, the coming LLM enshittification, and SLATE Auto – the just-announced $20k modular EV truck.
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Sponsors:
Heroku – The Next Generation of Heroku “Fir” is coming soon — Fir is built on a foundation of cloud native technologies and open source standards, ensuring portability, interoperability, and a vibrant ecosystem for your applications. Cloud Native for everyone, for the next decade and beyond.
Depot – 10x faster builds? Yes please. Build faster. Waste less time. Accelerate Docker image builds, and GitHub Actions workflows. Easily integrate with your existing CI provider and dev workflows to save hours of build time.
