"Relentlessly Resourceful: Building Matter and Revolutionizing Content Discovery"

"Relentlessly Resourceful: Building Matter and Revolutionizing Content Discovery"

In the world of startups, success often hinges on the ability to be relentlessly resourceful. This term describes individuals who possess an unwavering determination to find solutions and overcome obstacles. While some people may naturally embody this trait, others may need to cultivate it. The pool of potential founders is limited by those who possess this quality. If you're considering starting a startup, ask yourself if you are relentlessly resourceful. Similarly, if you're looking for a co-founder, prioritize finding someone who shares this trait.

One example of relentless resourcefulness can be seen in the story of Ben Springwater and Robert Mackenzie, the creators of Matter. Ben and Rob met while working at Nextdoor and bonded over their shared love for reading and their frustration with the limitations of existing content consumption and discovery apps. They recognized that the previous generation of apps focused on the "where" rather than the "who" when it came to content. RSS feeds were the primary mechanism for content consumption, but they lacked the ability to provide social context and personalized recommendations.

With this insight, Ben and Rob set out to create Matter, a platform that would revolutionize how we read and what we read. They built a network of readers who could curate content and provide social context around their recommendations. To validate their idea, they launched a roundup newsletter featuring content recommendations from public thinkers on Twitter. This test revealed that some of the best content on the internet was not written recently, highlighting the importance of curating high-quality recommendations.

One of Matter's key features is the highly-curated recommendations feed, which resonated with power readers who save more content than they can consume. By following authors across the web instead of publications, users can access a diverse range of content that challenges their worldviews and expands their interests. The social graph of highlights allows users to discover what people they admire find interesting, further enhancing the quality and relevance of their content consumption.

Measuring the quality of content is a complex task, but Matter aims to surface insightful pieces from obscure sources that are tangential to users' core interests. By challenging users' perspectives and introducing them to new ideas, Matter aims to improve their content filters and information diets. This focus on discovery and serendipity sets Matter apart from traditional content consumption platforms.

In their quest to build Matter, Ben and Rob found early adopters within three large online communities: the Interintellect, Progress Studies, and the Long Now Foundation. By partnering with community leaders, they were able to offer their members early access to valuable content and the opportunity to shape the product and recommendations engine. This collaborative approach not only benefited Matter but also provided added value to the communities involved.

Before concluding, let's highlight three actionable pieces of advice based on the story of Matter:

1. Cultivate relentless resourcefulness: Whether you're starting a startup or embarking on any ambitious endeavor, cultivate the ability to be relentlessly resourceful. This trait will help you overcome challenges and find creative solutions.

2. Prioritize social context in content consumption: The "who" is just as important as the "where" when it comes to content. Seek platforms that emphasize social context and personalized recommendations, allowing you to discover content that challenges your worldview and expands your interests.

3. Collaborate with communities: Engage with online communities that align with your interests and values. By partnering with community leaders, you can gain valuable insights, early adopters, and co-creators who will help shape your product or idea.

In conclusion, the story of Matter exemplifies the power of relentless resourcefulness in building a platform that revolutionizes content discovery. By prioritizing social context, personalized recommendations, and collaboration with communities, Matter aims to challenge users' perspectives and introduce them to insightful content from diverse sources. As we navigate the ever-expanding digital landscape, let us embrace the ethos of being relentlessly resourceful to unlock new possibilities and shape the future of content consumption.