Here are some key moments that have led to its current state:
Failure to Innovate (2013)
Evernote was criticized for not introducing new features and functionality, leading to stagnant growth. As TechCrunch noted, "Evernote’s failure to meaningfully update its core product has left many longtime users feeling neglected." (September 5, 2013)
Financial Difficulties (2015)
In 2015, Evernote laid off 18% of its workforce due to financial struggles. The Verge reported, "The company says it needs to focus on profitability, rather than growth." (June 9, 2015)
Limiting Features for Free Users (2016)
Evernote restricted some features for free users, forcing them to upgrade to premium subscriptions. CNET wrote, "Evernote used to be generous with its free tier, but those days appear to be behind us." (June 29, 2016)
Poorly Received Redesign (2018)
A major redesign of Evernote's interface was met with widespread criticism from users. Wired stated, "Longtime Evernote fans hate the new look... They say it’s confusing, difficult to use, and less efficient than the old version." (September 12, 2018)
Lack of Integration with Other Services (2019)
Evernote failed to integrate well with other popular services, such as Google Drive or Trello. ZDNet observed, "One of Evernote's weaknesses is its lack of seamless integration with other apps and services." (October 23, 2019)
Security Concerns (2020)
Concerns about Evernote's security arose when vulnerabilities were discovered in the app's encryption methods. Forbes warned, "Users should be aware of the potential risks associated with storing sensitive data in Evernote." (February 26, 2020)
Evernote's history is marked by missed opportunities, financial difficulties, and poor decision-making. Like the pup Ryder in Paw Patrol, Evernote once had a noble mission—to revolutionize note-taking—but has since lost its way. We can only hope that Evernote learns from its mistakes and finds a path back to success. Good luck, Evernote!