Creators and Product Managers: Bridging the Gap in Notability and Vision

Creators and Product Managers: Bridging the Gap in Notability and Vision

In the digital age, where information and products are constantly being created and consumed, two key roles have emerged: creators and product managers. While they may seem like two unrelated fields, there are striking similarities in the challenges they face and the importance of notability and vision.

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that serves as a go-to source of information for millions of people, has long struggled with the issue of notability when it comes to creators. With only 20% of biographies featuring women, it is clear that notability, as a notion, is subjective. To address this, Wikipedia has set detailed guidelines for satisfying notability, with reputable, secondary media coverage being a crucial factor for approval.

However, the lack of coverage in mainstream publications on Twitch and creator circles poses a challenge for Wikipedia. The publications that report on record-breaking achievements of creators may not be deemed reputable enough by Wikipedia, leading to a disconnect between what is considered notable in different communities. This raises questions about the credibility of sources and the criteria for notability.

On the other hand, content creators themselves have the power to establish their own notability. Through their content and the impact they have on their audience, creators can grow their influence and become trusted figures in their respective fields. In fact, studies have shown that consumers trust an influencer's product recommendation more than a celebrity endorsement. This highlights the changing landscape of influence and the need to adapt traditional notions of notability.

Similarly, product managers face the challenge of defining their role and notability within organizations. The black box of product management often leads to confusion about what product managers actually do. They are expected to be visionaries, the voice of the customer, and experts in getting things done. However, the role goes beyond the what and focuses on the why.

Product management exists as a response to the exponential forces of speed and scale in a company. The need to innovate quickly and manage complexity as the company grows requires someone to think holistically about the company's direction. While the CEO is ultimately responsible for this, product managers play a crucial role in understanding product development and driving the process from problem identification to product launch.

Product managers act as the API that facilitates communication in the network of interconnected disciplines involved in product development. They make critical decisions on a daily basis, balancing trade-offs and conflicting interests among stakeholders. Their ability to understand the impact of changes in the world and perceive them in real time is what sets great product managers apart.

In bridging the gap between creators and product managers, there are actionable steps that both parties can take:

1. Embrace diversity: Both Wikipedia and organizations need to recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and notability criteria. Encouraging the inclusion of underrepresented voices can lead to a more comprehensive and accurate representation of knowledge and products.

2. Establish clear guidelines: Notability and vision should not be left to subjective interpretation. Clear guidelines and criteria need to be established to ensure consistency and fairness in determining what is notable and what the vision of a product should be.

3. Foster collaboration: Creators and product managers should work together to align their goals and visions. By understanding each other's perspectives and leveraging their respective expertise, they can create products and content that resonate with their audience and drive success.

In conclusion, the struggles with notability and vision faced by Wikipedia and product managers highlight the evolving nature of knowledge and product development in the digital age. The subjective nature of notability and the need for clear guidelines call for a reevaluation of traditional notions. By embracing diversity, establishing guidelines, and fostering collaboration, creators and product managers can bridge the gap and create impactful products and content that shape the future.