The article shows how Cursor achieved rapid growth by forking VS Code’s open-source code, preserving every user’s settings and extensions so there’s zero switching cost. It argues that instead of forcing users to jump to a new tool, you can “inherit” their staying value by building on the exact platform they already use. This approach lets you slip in a deeper advantage where the incumbent can’t follow without breaking their ecosystem.

This article lays out two guiding principles for PMMs: safeguard your unique skills (storytelling, judgment, strategic thinking, and stakeholder influence) and protect your cognitive abilities by using AI as a second step. It then offers a practical three-tier framework—execution, thinking, and scaling workflows—and advice on selecting high-impact use cases based on how you actually spend your time.