The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps - Forte Labs

The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps - Forte Labs

Reading is a powerful tool that allows us to delve into the thoughts and perspectives of others. It requires time and effort, but the ability to read is becoming increasingly valuable in a world where attention spans are dwindling. The capability to sit quietly and focus for sustained periods of time is becoming scarce, making those who possess it stand out in a competitive world.

In a study conducted by Google, it was found that increasing the number of search results per page from 10 to 30 only took half a second longer, but caused a 20% drop-off in users. This demonstrates the limited attention span of individuals and the need for concise and easily digestible information. Dr. Roy Baumeister's work on uncompleted tasks further supports this idea, revealing that unfinished tasks occupy mental space and hinder clarity and focus.

One tool that can help combat these challenges is the use of 'Read It Later' apps. These apps, such as Pocket, Evernote, and Task manager, allow users to save articles, blog posts, and other long-form content for later consumption. By doing so, individuals can create a pool of options to choose from, making decisions on what to read based on their own priorities and interests.

Pocket, in particular, has gained significant traction, reaching 20 million users with only a team of 20 people. This demonstrates that the size of a team does not necessarily equate to the scale of impact. Pocket's founder, Nate Weiner, emphasizes the importance of focus and concentration with a smaller team. With fewer people, it becomes easier to prioritize what truly matters and avoid getting caught up in non-essential tasks.

Additionally, a smaller team allows for a more concentrated and defined company culture. Weiner believes that the founder's personality traits heavily influence the culture of a company. By starting with a few key ingredients and allowing them to simmer together, a stronger and more cohesive culture can be developed. This creates a bond and common world view among team members, facilitating collaboration and decision-making.

Pocket's approach to decision-making is centered around simplicity. They constantly ask themselves how they can make things simpler for all involved. By not requiring people to reinvent the wheel, Pocket ensures that their tools and processes are user-friendly and efficient. This mindset prevents unnecessary complexities and encourages the adoption of their products.

Incorporating 'Read It Later' apps into our lives can help us increase our consumption of long-form content, which tends to be more substantive and thought-provoking. These apps also assist in better filtering and organizing the vast amount of information available to us. By utilizing these tools, we can curate our reading list and focus on content that aligns with our interests and goals.