Episode summary

When I choose a digital or tech service, I look for a company with a clear focus that aligns with mine. For each option, ask yourself: what’s the one thing this company does really well?

Take Gmail, the most widely used email provider. If you ask what Google’s "one thing" is, some people might say email - but I’d argue most would say "search." For me, I see it as building the internet by means of an advertising economy. A great thing in many ways, but does nothing to make me think they are going to be the best email provider.

That’s why I prefer companies with a single, obvious focus. It’s a simple principle, but it’s guided me well. It's no coincidence that most of my favorite security tools share this trait: Fastmail, 1Password, Little Snitch, Syncthing, and Signal.

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