The Future of Search: Imitate, then Innovate

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Hatched by Glasp

Aug 31, 2023

4 min read

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The Future of Search: Imitate, then Innovate

Curiosity is a natural desire that drives us to know or learn something. It is a sustained desire that we have inherently. People have the nature of loss aversion. We don’t want to waste the time we have spent. That may be why people curate. Curate what you have searched for, and search in the future from the curated bucket. This is what I'm doing. The future of search may be vertical through high-quality curated buckets, in-cura-net, that makes the most use of interest graph and social graph.

In the world of search, there are two key aspects to consider: missing content search vs. recommendation and the importance of category and vertical. While generic search from the internet can provide a wide range of information, it often lacks the specific details and curated content that users are looking for. By curating important parts of the information and creating a curated bucket, users can ensure that they have access to the most relevant and useful content when searching in the future.

When it comes to curating information, the quality and scope of the bucket are crucial. The quality can be maintained by using social accountability associated with public aspects. Public highlights allow users to share the most important parts of the information they have curated, ensuring that the curated bucket remains high-quality and relevant. This combination of social accountability and specific important parts can help ensure the quality of the curated bucket.

Furthermore, when searching for something, it may be more effective to separate the scope into vertical or narrow it down. The scope is directly related to the signal-noise ratio, and by narrowing down the search to a specific category or vertical, users can increase the relevance and accuracy of the search results.

Interestingly, the word "curate" and "curious" are derived from the same Latin word, "cura" meaning care. This connection suggests that the act of curating information is closely tied to our inherent curiosity. In the case of "In-cura-net," users can use an interest graph and social graph to search for information, further enhancing the connection between curation and curiosity.

Now, let's shift our focus to the concept of imitating before innovating. Many successful individuals and creators have embraced the idea that imitating others can actually lead to discovering our unique style and ideas. Conan O'Brien once said, "It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique." By imitating and studying the work of others, we can gain inspiration and insights that can help shape our own creative journey.

One common misconception is the fear of tainting our minds with influence. Some people avoid studying the work of others in a blind pursuit of originality. However, by standing on the shoulders of those who came before us and imitating their work, we can build upon their ideas and discover our own unique voice.

Another misconception is the fetishization of originality. In academia, there is often a focus on doing something different from those who came before us. However, true originality can come from a deep understanding and study of the past. Einstein's groundbreaking theory of general relativity, for example, was built upon the ideas of classical physicists. By imitating and learning from the best practices of the past, we can innovate when the time is right.

The fear of plagiarism has also hindered our ability to embrace imitation. While stealing other people's work without giving credit is obviously wrong, mirroring the style or values of a writer we admire should be praised and promoted. Imitation helps us discover our taste and creative personalities, allowing us to develop our own unique style.

The concept of imitation extends beyond the realm of art. It can be applied to various skills and domains. For example, in writing, reading a lot of good writing can help us develop an intuition for quality writing. Observing the techniques and styles of others allows us to learn and improve our own skills.

However, it is important to note that imitation doesn't mean becoming a carbon copy of someone else. It is about finding inspiration and learning from others while still maintaining our own individuality. By combining near imitations with far ones, we can create something truly original. Stripe, a successful company, is an example of this approach. Its founder believes in imitating best practices but also embraces innovation when necessary.

In conclusion, the future of search lies in the combination of curation and curiosity. By curating important information and creating high-quality curated buckets, users can enhance their search experience. Additionally, embracing imitation before innovation can lead to unique ideas and styles. By studying the work of others and imitating their techniques, we can discover our own creative voice.

Three actionable advice to take away from this article are:

  • 1. Start curating important information and creating your own curated bucket for future searches.
  • 2. Embrace imitation and study the work of others in your field to gain inspiration and insights.
  • 3. Combine near imitations with far ones to create something truly original.

By incorporating these practices into our search and creative processes, we can unlock new possibilities and improve our overall experience. The future of search and innovation is within our grasp if we are willing to embrace the power of curation, curiosity, and imitation.

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