Back of the Envelope

On My Mind: Experts in LLM Backrooms

Plus, a framework about thermostats

22 hrs ago • Alana

March 2026

On My Mind: Costs of Replication

Plus, framework for different ways to be contrarian

Mar 31 • Alana

1

On My Mind: Startups that Look Like Funds

Plus, a framework for answering questions about competition

Mar 17 • Alana

3

On My Mind: Exposure to Private Assets

Plus, a framework for building slides and some good book recs

Mar 3 • Alana

3

1

February 2026

On My Mind: Crypto M&A, Why Blank Slates Can be Bad, and In-Person Effort in the Age of AI

A selection of half-baked ideas I’m exploring for long-form essays combined with recommendations of great content I recently consumed.

Feb 24 • Alana

6

2

January 2026

27 Pieces of Advice for My Younger Self

In celebration of my 27th birthday, I'm sharing 27 pieces of advice to my younger self.

Jan 21 • Alana

3

1

Avoiding Unforced Errors

I started working on this essay shortly after watching Roger Federer’s 2024 Dartmouth commencement address. In it, he compares many aspects of tennis to…

Jan 2 • Alana

3

November 2025

My 2025 Crypto Trends Report

Find the full Crypto Trends Report here: https://docsend.com/v/sfvqr/cryptotrends

Nov 18, 2025 • Alana

3

2

October 2025

The Real Alt Season is in Crypto Equities

There have been a lot of questions as to whether we’ll have an alt season in crypto this cycle.

Oct 7, 2025 • Alana

4

July 2025

An Update on Robinhood (6 months later)

The company's pursuits in crypto, investing, and broader financial services

Jul 2, 2025 • Alana

1

June 2025

Vibe Coding Platforms are AI-Native Social Media

Vibe coding platforms are emergent, AI-native social media networks.

Jun 23, 2025 • Alana

4

1

1

May 2025