Episode 289: Craig Mod

Digital technology has fundamentally altered the landscape of reading, yet the promise of a utopian digital reading experience remains largely unfulfilled. While early innovations like e-ink and tablets offered potential for deeper engagement, the industry’s reliance on advertising-driven models has prioritized attention-grabbing algorithms over meaningful content. Digital reading platforms often fail to replicate the respect for the reader and the meticulous craft found in physical book design, instead creating environments that discourage sustained focus. Despite these challenges, well-crafted, independent text retains significant power to foster genuine connection and critical thought. Craig Mod, a writer and designer with a background in both indie publishing and Silicon Valley, highlights the necessity of reclaiming control over attention, arguing that the most sustainable and impactful work emerges from prioritizing human-centric design and craft over the pursuit of massive, venture-backed scale.