Read the original at Lenny’s Newsletter ↗lennysnewsletter.com · subscriber post
By Lenny Rachitsky · lennysnewsletter.com · @lennysan on X · YouTube · LinkedIn
Two former Reddit leaders outline a four-step framework for building products with a vocal, opinionated user base: measuring trust, listening to representative voices, moving debate into private advisory councils, and acting on feedback selectively. They argue that asking for feedback you won't act on erodes trust faster than never asking at all.
Subscriber post — summary only01Key takeaways
- Measure a 'Trust Vault' through periodic surveys, and let low trust scores inform launch timing.
- Weigh feedback by both breadth (share of users) and depth (influence and intensity), not volume alone.
- Move nuanced product debates into a private advisory council rather than public threads.
- Cycle advisory council members on roughly 12-month tenures to avoid blind spots and stale candor.
- Only ask for feedback you intend to consider, and explain clearly when and why you say no.
“Ask for feedback only if you’ll consider it.”Evan Hamilton and Tyler Swartz · Lenny’s Newsletter
“Just because someone is loud doesn’t mean you should act on their complaints.”Evan Hamilton and Tyler Swartz · Lenny’s Newsletter
02Frameworks mentioned
Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.