A data-driven analysis of the ACX/SSC comment section quality over time reveals historical peaks and valleys, with recent signs of improvement after previous declines in 2016 and 2021. Longer summary

This review analyzes the quality of the Astral Codex Ten (ACX) comment section over time, comparing it to its predecessor Slate Star Codex (SSC). Through detailed data analysis of 1.8M comments across 2,460 posts, the author identifies two major changes in comment quality - one in 2016 and another during the 2021 transition to ACX. The analysis looks at four key metrics: depth of engagement, freedom of intellectual engagement, politeness, and complexity of thought. While the data shows a decline after these turning points, recent trends suggest the comment section may be recovering. The author explores several hypotheses for the 2016 decline, including changes in post frequency and the impact of Trump's rise on discussion norms. Shorter summary

Scott makes his annual pitch for paid subscriptions to Astral Codex Ten, detailing benefits, showing subscription trends, and listing past subscriber-only content while unlocking two posts as previews. Longer summary

Scott announces his annual subscription drive for Astral Codex Ten, showing subscription trends since the blog's start and listing the subscriber-only posts from the past year. The post explains the benefits of subscribing ($10/month or $2.50 for students/hardship cases), shows how subscriptions peaked early then declined, and lists all twelve subscriber-only posts from the previous year. Scott emphasizes he's financially comfortable but would like to do better than break-even, and unlocks two old subscriber-only posts as a preview. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander analyzes bizarre and amusing search terms that led people to his blog, revealing unexpected insights into internet users' interests and concerns. Longer summary

Scott Alexander humorously examines the search terms that have led people to his blog, Slate Star Codex. He categorizes these terms into various amusing groups, including people searching for information about incest, polyamory critics, time travelers, political manifestos, students trying to cheat on homework, and people interested in albino black people. The post highlights the often bizarre, sometimes concerning, and frequently hilarious nature of internet searches, providing insight into the diverse and unexpected interests of online users. Scott uses this data to reflect on how these searches can provide a window into people's real thoughts and concerns, often differing greatly from what we might expect. Shorter summary