Changelog & Friends The GitHub problem (and other predictions)
Jan 14, 2026
Joining the discussion is Mat Ryer, a seasoned software engineer known for his contributions to Go and open source projects. He brings a humorous touch as they dive into Microsoft’s grip on GitHub and its impact on the open-source community. The conversation also highlights Tom Tunguz’s intriguing predictions for 2026, from agent-first design to the future use of AI in business. Mat's spontaneous musical talents add a fun twist as they reflect on AI's responsibilities and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rob Pike’s Christmas AI Email
- Rob Pike received a heartfelt AI-generated email on Christmas morning and publicly reacted with anger.
- The hosts debated the meaning and impact of AI sending emotional messages to humans.
GitHub’s Monoculture Risk
- GitHub's dominance creates a monoculture that makes alternatives invisible and risky when policy or pricing changes occur.
- Charging for self-hosted runners illustrated how platform control can trigger broad community revolt and trust issues.
Engage Community Before Platform Changes
- When changing platform pricing or features, involve the community early and host open discussions before rollout.
- Avoid surprise announcements during low-attention periods like mid-December to reduce backlash.