3 ms·

As the knowledge graph gets bigger, we're definitely going to have to find better ways to present it. The challenge is that most people don't want to see the wh

by mizzao 4y ago

As the knowledge graph gets bigger, we're definitely going to have to find better ways to present it. The challenge is that most people don't want to see the whole knowledge graph, they want an extremely simple experience. Do you think your perspective represents something that would appeal to the mass market? Here's the technical approach we're taking with the goal of taking a very hairy knowledge graph and turning it into a remarkably simple, even magical, user experience: https://parsnip.substack.com/p/a-new-hope https://parsnip.substack.com/p/a-new-hope

blindseer 4y ago
I think the knowledge graph in this case is mostly derived from first principles, e.g. understand roasting, searing, broiling etc and you can apply that to any vegetable or meat. Ideally one would be able to learn language with the same kind of etymological study, however I put it to you that is FAR more complex and boring and doesn't have more fact / science based rules than cooking does. Also, cooking is a very personal / familial / cultural experience. Recipes can be passed down a single family, whereas language is much more broad. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the knowledge graph for cooking is smaller and more personal, and is better served as a personalized note taking system as opposed to a gamified interface to a public database. For example, if I would prefer recipes with eggs and potatoes as opposed to recipes with spinach and mushrooms, I should be able to cater my knowledge graph to learning more about recipes that use those ingredients (ideally with some balance in nutrients).
- mizzao 4y ago
  I think you're predicting some interesting future technical problems with Parsnip, which is to build a personalized user-specific knowledge graph that is simultaneously overlaid across generalized common knowledge elements. One thing at a time, though! This is just an MVP.
lief79 4y ago
People have different learning styles. If you can come up with a gentle introduction, while still allowing deep dives in the specific areas, you'll boost your potential customer/referral base. HN is going to tend to attract more of the individuals who prefer the deep dives. As always, the trick is finding that first customer base, and figuring out how you can grow with them to keep them, and get them to spread the word.
- mizzao 4y ago
  Bingo! Here's some of that first customer base: https://www.reddit.com/r/cookingforbeginners/comments/vbgqq6/parsnip_duolingo_for_cooking_is_in_the_wild_help/ https://www.reddit.com/r/cookingforbeginners/comments/vbgqq6...

by mizzao 4y ago

blindseer 4y ago

I think the knowledge graph in this case is mostly derived from first principles, e.g. understand roasting, searing, broiling etc and you can apply that to any vegetable or meat. Ideally one would be able to learn language with the same kind of etymological study, however I put it to you that is FAR more complex and boring and doesn't have more fact / science based rules than cooking does. Also, cooking is a very personal / familial / cultural experience. Recipes can be passed down a single family, whereas language is much more broad. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the knowledge graph for cooking is smaller and more personal, and is better served as a personalized note taking system as opposed to a gamified interface to a public database. For example, if I would prefer recipes with eggs and potatoes as opposed to recipes with spinach and mushrooms, I should be able to cater my knowledge graph to learning more about recipes that use those ingredients (ideally with some balance in nutrients).

mizzao 4y ago
I think you're predicting some interesting future technical problems with Parsnip, which is to build a personalized user-specific knowledge graph that is simultaneously overlaid across generalized common knowledge elements. One thing at a time, though! This is just an MVP.

lief79 4y ago

People have different learning styles. If you can come up with a gentle introduction, while still allowing deep dives in the specific areas, you'll boost your potential customer/referral base. HN is going to tend to attract more of the individuals who prefer the deep dives. As always, the trick is finding that first customer base, and figuring out how you can grow with them to keep them, and get them to spread the word.

mizzao 4y ago
Bingo! Here's some of that first customer base: https://www.reddit.com/r/cookingforbeginners/comments/vbgqq6/parsnip_duolingo_for_cooking_is_in_the_wild_help/ https://www.reddit.com/r/cookingforbeginners/comments/vbgqq6...