People are too soft on multi-million (or billion) dollar companies that build the tools they use to make their living on the internet. So often, I see talented, well-meaning, creative pros rush to the defense of “poor and helpless” tech giants seeking to maximize profits at the expense of users. It’s just bananas.

I think it stems from people’s affinity for a specific community or the desire to be seen as a bonafide expert on a platform — which clouds their ability to see things clearly and share critical feedback publicly when the time is right. It’s partially why I’m somewhat of a platform nomad: Always experimenting and learning how to use multiple so that if one, one day, decides to pull the plug, raise fees, or do something unethical… it’s no big deal to switch.

Not that startups really care what loud people on the internet say they should do, but… I find personal satisfaction in being honest and fair about all tools I use (even the ones I like) whenever they try and pull greedy BS.

Don’t be a martyr for a brand that sees you as a tiny blip on a spreadsheet.