Praise And Optimism For Shopify

On January 11, 2026, I argued that Shopify radically lowered the barrier to starting a business, shifting commerce from gatekeeper control to participation by anyone with initiative. I described the result as an immense abundance that many people still do not see; I did not specify which barriers changed or what abundance refers to.

I have never been more excited and optimistic about Shopify, despite what others are saying. I did not specify what informs this optimism or what others were saying. This post was dated October 20, 2025.

On October 23, 2025, I described commerce as a way for people to gain wealth and status since some of the earliest civilizations, and Shopify as where modern day merchants are stacking their coins. This frames Shopify as a contemporary place for merchants to pursue wealth through commerce.

On October 26, 2025, I called Shopify such a powerful tool for business, without specifying which capabilities I had in mind.

On January 10, 2026, I called Shopify “goated,” expressing appreciation without explaining what specifically prompted the praise.

I have expressed optimism about Shopify, my own activity on the platform, and the possibilities for people starting independent brands.

On January 4, 2025, I wrote, “Building on Shopify.” I also said, “This year is gonna be epic.” I did not specify what I was building or what made me optimistic.

On April 1, 2025, @Shopify told @ariesnotebook they had good taste, and I replied, “Yes I do 😎”.

On April 14, 2025, I predicted that content from Chinese suppliers showing how cheaply high-quality items from famous brands could be produced would inspire many people to start their own brands. I called those aspiring founders “rebels” and said Shopify would arm them; I did not explain what that would mean in practice.

Later on April 14, 2025, I replied to that claim by asking @Shopify, @tobi, and @harleyf what they thought. The captured reply does not state my own view on the claims or include their answers.