Ev Williams on Crafting Impactful Internet Products

The Legacy of Blogger and Early Internet Platforms

Ev Williams, co-founder of Twitter and creator of Blogger, reflects on the 25th anniversary of Blogger - one of the internet's longest-running platforms that revolutionized online publishing. Williams expresses appreciation for having been involved in projects with such longevity in the fast-paced digital world. He attributes Blogger's enduring success to it being the right idea at the right time, as well as forming key relationships that allowed the platform to continue even after he was no longer directly involved.

Williams recounts how Google acquired Blogger in 2003, which was a pivotal decision in ensuring its long-term stability and growth. At the time, Google was still primarily known as a search company, so the acquisition of a blogging platform was somewhat unexpected. However, the relationships Williams had formed, particularly through investor Tim O'Reilly, played a crucial role in facilitating the deal. This highlights a recurring theme in Williams' career - the importance of long-term relationships in tech entrepreneurship.

The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact

As the conversation shifts to the broader impact of social media, Williams acknowledges the idealism that characterized the early days of the internet. There was a prevailing belief that the internet would be a transformative force for good, bringing transparency, openness, and connectedness to society. However, looking back from the vantage point of 2025, Williams recognizes that the reality has been far more complex.

He reflects on how social media platforms, including Twitter, have fundamentally reshaped global communication, politics, and culture - often in ways that were not initially anticipated. Williams notes that while there were many positive aspects to this transformation, there have also been significant challenges and unintended consequences.

Williams emphasizes that the impact of the internet and social media is still not fully understood, given the relatively short time frame in which these technologies have become ubiquitous. He advocates for a nuanced view that acknowledges both the benefits and drawbacks of these platforms, rather than a simplistic good-or-bad narrative.

Balancing Creativity, Metrics, and Long-Term Value in Tech Companies

One of the key challenges Williams identifies in running tech companies is balancing the creative process with the pressure to "make the numbers go up." He argues that the value creation in consumer tech products is fundamentally a creative process, but once a company achieves some success, it often shifts to treating product development more like an engineering or scientific process driven primarily by metrics.

Williams shares insights from his experiences at various companies, including Medium, where he struggled with this balance. He references the book "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned" to illustrate how rigid goal-setting and planning can actually hinder innovation and the creation of truly extraordinary products.

He gives examples of how excessive focus on short-term metrics can lead to decisions that ultimately harm the product and user experience. For instance, he recounts how Medium implemented an intrusive sign-in modal that boosted immediate metrics but damaged user sentiment and trust in the long run.

The Importance of Empowering "Torchbearers" in Organizations

Williams discusses the concept of "torchbearers" within organizations - individuals who deeply understand and believe in the company's mission and values. These people often work at various levels of the organization and consistently advocate for decisions that align with the company's long-term vision, even when those decisions may not optimize short-term metrics.

He argues that leaders should focus on empowering these torchbearers by creating a strong culture and governance structures that allow them to effectively defend the company's mission against short-term pressures. This approach, while requiring more effort from leadership, ultimately leads to better long-term outcomes and value creation.

Lessons for Future Tech Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on his experiences, Williams offers several key insights for aspiring tech entrepreneurs:

1. Focus on human desires: Williams shares his formula for building successful internet companies - identify a long-standing human desire and make it easier to achieve. This simple yet powerful approach has been the foundation of many successful tech ventures.

2. Embrace complexity: While it's tempting to view technology's impact in black and white terms, Williams emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nuanced and often unpredictable effects of new technologies on society.

3. Maintain optimism: Despite the challenges and complexities, Williams chooses to remain optimistic about the future of technology and its potential to improve people's lives. He sees this optimism not as naivety, but as a conscious choice to work towards a better future.

4. Value long-term relationships: Throughout his career, Williams has found that forming and maintaining strong personal relationships has been crucial for long-term success in the tech industry.

5. Balance data with intuition: While data and metrics are important, Williams cautions against relying on them exclusively. He advocates for maintaining a balance between data-driven decision making and trusting creative intuition, especially in the early stages of product development.

The Future of Social Technology

Williams concludes by discussing his latest venture, Mosy, which aims to create a truly social network focused on facilitating real-life connections rather than content sharing. This project reflects his ongoing commitment to using technology to fulfill genuine human needs and desires.

He expresses cautious optimism about the future of the internet and technology, acknowledging the complexities and challenges while still believing in the potential for positive impact. Williams emphasizes the importance of continuing to work towards making that optimistic future a reality, even in the face of current challenges.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, Williams' insights offer valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to create meaningful, impactful products while navigating the complex landscape of modern technology and business.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzi7xNRzzQs