Seth Black

AI, Python, and Startups

Essays, Articles & Guides

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The AI Symphony: Why Orchestrating Specialized Systems Trumps AGI

The pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) may be misguided. Instead of creating a singular, omniscient AI entity, we should focus on orchestrating a symphony of specialized AI systems. This approach leverages current AI capabilities, allows for faster development and deployment, and mitigates ethical concerns associated with AGI. By embracing an AI orchestra rather than a single all-knowing entity, we can create practical, powerful AI tools that tackle complex real-world challenges while complementing human capabilities. read on »

Vibrant infographic illustrating data science and machine learning concepts: stacked number blocks, digital devices, calculators, calendars, and tech icons on blue background. Python programming, algorithm visualization, startup analytics tools, and AI innovation symbolized through modern design elements and interconnected visual metaphors.

The Insane History of Dates in Excel: Quirks, Bugs, and Lessons Learned

Excel's date system is a fascinating journey through software history, from the infamous 1900 leap year bug to AI-assisted features. This post explores how early design decisions, backwards compatibility challenges, and unintended consequences have shaped Excel's quirky date handling, affecting everything from scientific research to international business. It's a tale of persistence, adaptation, and the enduring impact of software choices made decades ago. read on »

Cartoon rocket launching through clouds into starry space, symbolizing startup growth, innovation, and technological advancement in Python programming and machine learning

Startup Death-Flailing: The Final Throes of Failing Ventures

Explore the telltale signs of struggling startups in their final stages, including communication silence, hiring freezes, desperate pivots, extreme cost-cutting, executive departures, and frantic searches for saviors. Learn valuable lessons from these experiences for founders, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem. read on »

Laptop displaying colorful network diagram with interconnected circles and geometric shapes, magnifying glass and coffee cup nearby, illustrating data analysis, machine learning concepts, and Python programming visualization tools

Don't Neglect Your Elders: The Continued Usefulness of Older Machine Learning Models

Explore the continued relevance of older machine learning models in real-world applications. This post discusses the strengths, use cases, and enduring value of classic algorithms like Naive Bayes, linear regression, and SVMs, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right tool for the job in AI and data science. read on »

Colorful abstract 3D composition featuring stacked geometric shapes, clock, plants, and clouds. Surreal digital art with vibrant cubes, cylinders, and spheres. Time management concept for tech startups. Creative Python programming visualization. Machine learning algorithm representation. Innovative design for AI and NLP projects.

Stop Lying about Technical Debt: Redefining the Concept for Startups

Technical debt is a term that has been used to describe a myriad of different things. The most common use of the term is to describe the amount of work that needs to be done to fix a system that has been poorly designed or implemented. read on »

Project Highlight

fiscus
fiscus

I've been investing in real estate since the 2010s and realized that my property investment modeling system could be used by others, so I built it!

Python
Flask
MariaDB
ReactJS
NextJS
AWS
Vercel

Running in Production
Podcasts

I chatted with Nick Janetakis from Running in Production about the software and hardware stack that has been running my website for the last decade...more.

Photography
seth.black

I <3 photography, this is my personal showcase.

Canon EOS 6D
Benro Tripod & Head
Photoshop

The Bluetooth Candle
The Bluetooth Candle

C
Objective-C
Java
Rhino3d
3d Printing
Elbow Grease

Seth & Adriana
Seth & Adriana

Adriana and I got married, so why would I not personally design, draw, develop and code our wedding website?

Python
Django
Nginx
Sqlite
Photoshop
Illustrator

FindMeNoms
FindMeNoms

FindMeNoms is an easy way to "find tasty food around you wherever you are". This is a side project that was born out of my need for an app/website that would remember all of the tasty places that I have eaten at, or would recommend to someone, or have been recommended to me. Basically, Yelp wasn't cutting it, as I'd find myself falling down the rabbit hole of reading one-star reviews and laughing at how crazy people can be instead of actually finding food.

Python
Django
PostgreSQL
Redis
Memcached
Objective-C
Java
JQuery
Javascript
Ionic
Photoshop
Illustrator

Virtual Sales
Virtual Sales

This was a short-lived startup idea. The basic premise was, well, just watch the explainer video.

Python
Pyramid
MySQL
Memcached
RabbitMQ
Twilio
Javascript
JQuery

ADAM.WEB
ADAM.WEB

Document management for schools, doctor's offices, and pretty much anyone else who would give us money. Unfortunately it didn't work out too well. I did get a really cool logo out of it, though.

PHP
Nginx
PostgreSQL
JQuery
Javascript

WebWorx
WebWorx

My very first startup: web development, web hosting and an ISP. This is the very first time I got to work with my friend Darrel. He designed our sites, logos, business cards and even mousepads! No joke.

PHP
Nginx
MySQL
JQuery
Javascript