About MattCASmith

Thanks for stopping by! I'm Matt, a former journalist working in cyber security. I write a weekly blog about how we build and live with technology, as well as a monthly newsletter.

I try to cut past the hype and hysteria that dominates mainstream tech writing, and am passionate about people and companies who care deeply about what they do and produce quality even when nobody's watching.

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New to the blog? Start here

There are many posts on this site that I'm proud of, but none of them captures my personal philosophy as well as this essay on caring about your work and doing things right, even when there's no direct pressure to do so.

Care about what you do — even when nobody's watching

Care about what you do — even when nobody's watching

My blog's central thesis, about the mindset required for fair business and a better world

My writing spans tech, business, design, and more – the full archives are always open for business if you'd prefer to read something else.


Field Notes newsletter

I write a monthly newsletter called Field Notes, which is more personal than the main blog. It's like a peek behind the scenes, with thoughts, fragments, and ideas that don't make it into posts. You can subscribe below.

📓 Field Notes is my monthly newsletter with personal observations, things I'm reading and watching, and ideas that didn't make it to the blog – delivered to your inbox once a month, no more.

If the description above isn't enough to convince you, here are some of the best Field Notes editions to grace subscribers' inboxes in recent months.

Field Notes 13 // Hotel life, Waymo, and the World Cup

Field Notes 13 // Hotel life, Waymo, and the World Cup

An edition about doing things right, even in difficult conditions like the Austin summer heat

Field Notes 12 // Heatwaves, agency, and the Kindle

Field Notes 12 // Heatwaves, agency, and the Kindle

Surviving the endurance test of multiple UK heatwaves, and finding your most valuable work

Field Notes 11 // Trailblazers, Totoro, and dolls' houses

Field Notes 11 // Trailblazers, Totoro, and dolls' houses

Craft, care, and refusing to cut corners – from a Studio Ghibli show to a royal dolls' house


How can I get in touch?

I'm always open to feedback, recommendations, and connections. If you have something to share, feel free to reach out on X, Bluesky or via email.

📓

Field Notes newsletter

Personal observations, things I'm reading and watching, and ideas that didn't make it to the blog – delivered
to your inbox once a month, no more.

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