Most technology decisions are made on features and price. This post suggests adding a third criterion: values alignment. Not every tool with good features deserves your business—and not every affordable option is a wise choice.

The Values Checklist

Before adding any tool to your stack, evaluate it against these principles:

Privacy Respect

  • Does the tool collect only the data it needs to function?
  • Can you opt out of data collection that isn't essential to the service?
  • Is the privacy policy clear, concise, and honest?
  • Does the tool offer data processing agreements for business use?

Data Portability

  • Can you export all your data in standard formats?
  • Does the tool provide API access for programmatic data retrieval?
  • Can you migrate to a competitor without losing your work?

Transparency

  • Is the tool's pricing model clear and predictable?
  • Does the company communicate changes honestly and with adequate notice?
  • Is there visibility into how the tool uses your data?

Openness

  • Does the tool use open standards and formats?
  • Does it integrate with other tools via standard protocols?
  • Is there an open-source alternative that serves the same purpose?

Sustainability

  • Is the company's business model sustainable (not dependent on venture capital that may run out)?
  • Has the company demonstrated long-term commitment to its current product direction?
  • Are there concerning signs of potential acquisition, pivot, or shutdown?

The Practical Trade-Off

A values-aligned stack may sacrifice some convenience, features, or polish. This is acceptable because the alternative—building your business on a foundation that violates your principles—creates long-term risks that outweigh short-term benefits.

The trade-off framework:

  • Non-negotiable: Privacy respect and data portability (these protect your business)
  • Strongly preferred: Transparency and openness (these reduce risk)
  • Nice to have: Complete open-source purity (this is aspirational; pragmatism is acceptable)

The Recommended Stack

Need Values-Aligned Choice Why
Notes Obsidian Local files, no data collection, full portability
AI (sensitive) Ollama + open models Local processing, full privacy
AI (general) Google AI Studio (paid) Clear terms, API access, data protections
Automation n8n (self-hosted) Full control, open source
Website Astro/Next.js on Vercel Code ownership, standard formats
Email Your domain + portable list Audience ownership
Design Canva (paid) Full export, API access
Project Management Notion Full API, data export, clear terms

The Ongoing Practice

Values-aligned technology selection is not a one-time decision. It's an ongoing practice:

  • Review your stack quarterly for changes in providers' terms or behaviour
  • Monitor news about your tool providers for concerning developments
  • Be willing to migrate when a tool's values alignment deteriorates
  • Support the open-source projects and companies that align with your principles