One of the longest-running debates between Matthew Goldman and me is over how complicated auth really is. My new rule is to start with a simple implementation, limiting it to username and password, and layer from there. Add things like passkeys or social login when they actually solve a problem, not just because they sound cool or create less friction. Matthew just wrote a breakdown of why authentication sucks, how it’s evolved, and what to do about it. Highly recommend it:
In ProductFTW #46, Matthew Goldman waxes nostalgic for the early days of the internet while discussing authentication, how it's the first thing you build, and how nobody likes it. Bonus photo of young Matthew! #productftw #authentication #painpoint #productmanagement
