The essay argues that successful startups should focus on making something people want rather than initially worrying about monetization, which paradoxically makes them resemble charities. This benevolent approach works because it improves morale, attracts help from others, and provides clear decision-making guidance. Examples like Google, Craigslist, and Microsoft in its early days demonstrate that being good to users is both morally sound and strategically effective for long-term success.

• •Making something people want without initially focusing on profits creates businesses that resemble charities, and this approach often leads to success
• •Benevolence improves startup morale, makes others want to help, and serves as a reliable decision-making compass
• •Companies that start by being good to users (like early Google and Microsoft) tend to grow successfully, while those that become exploitative later tend to stagnate
• •Being genuinely helpful to users is a stateless algorithm that works at scale and attracts the best talent
• •The strategy of doing whatever is best for users provides clear guidance through complex decisions and convinces investors through demonstrated growth

Y Combinator, Craigslist, Patrick O'Brian, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Paul Buchheit, Blogger, Evan Williams, Chatterous, Octopart, Digi-Key, Berkeley, Trevor Blackwell, Jessica Livingston, Robert Morris