The Power of Curators and the Potential of Large Language Models (LLMs)

The Power of Curators and the Potential of Large Language Models (LLMs)

Introduction:
In the digital age, where information is abundant and attention is scarce, the role of curators has become increasingly crucial. As consumers, we are faced with an overwhelming flood of information, making it impossible to absorb everything. This is where curators step in. They help us sift through the noise and find the content that truly matters to us. In a world where content is no longer scarce, attention is the real commodity. Curators are the new creators, and we are willing to pay for their expertise in navigating the vast sea of information.

The Rise of Curators:
The concept of curating content is not new, but it has gained significance in the age of new media. With social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter enabling users to share more and more information over time (Zuckerberg's Law), it has become increasingly challenging to separate signal from noise. This is where curators come in. They act as filters, helping us find the most valuable and relevant content in a sea of information.

Curators as Market Creators:
The success of platforms like The Browser, which monetize curated content, proves that consumers are willing to pay for curation. When content is curated well, consumers are more than happy to pay someone with good taste to help them navigate the vast amount of information available. This opens up a new market for creators as curators. Brands and individual influencers who excel at curating content can build a loyal following by providing value through their curation services.

Curation as a Service:
Content curation not only saves consumers time but also offers them the opportunity to learn new skills. By curating content around a particular subject or vertical, curators can build a sense of community among their audience. This community-building aspect keeps consumers coming back for more curated content, creating a loyal and engaged following. Curation, in a way, becomes its own form of intertextuality, shaping the meaning of a text through another text.

The Potential of Large Language Models (LLMs):
In the realm of artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) have gained significant attention. However, the availability of language-aligned datasets has become a bottleneck for AI progress in various areas. The training of LLMs requires relevant and sufficient data, which is not always readily available. Generating enough training data for specific applications of LLMs, such as predicting software actions or answering healthcare questions, remains a challenge.

Considerations for LLM Applications:
When considering the use of LLMs for applications, several factors need to be taken into account. The strength of the data moat, or the availability of relevant and high-quality data, plays a crucial role in the success of an LLM application. Additionally, the feasibility of the application, as proven by larger companies, provides valuable insights. Moreover, the cost and dependency on large companies like OpenAI, who provide LLM APIs, should be considered, as it can impact pricing and product service level agreements (SLAs).

The Future of LLM Infrastructure:
For LLM applications that do not own the model themselves, the long-term outcome of LLM infrastructure is a significant consideration. Will the market be commoditized with multiple providers offering similar models, or will a single company with cutting-edge technology and resources become the gatekeeper? This uncertainty raises questions about the sustainability and long-term viability of LLM applications that rely on external infrastructure.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the role of curators: As consumers, we should recognize the value of curated content and be willing to pay for the expertise of curators who help us navigate the vast amount of information available.

2. Foster a sense of community: As curators, focus on building a sense of community among your audience. Engage with them, provide value, and create a loyal following that appreciates your curation services.

3. Assess the feasibility and long-term viability: When considering the use of LLMs for applications, thoroughly evaluate the availability of relevant data, the feasibility of the application, and the long-term consequences of relying on external infrastructure.

Conclusion:
In an era of information overload, curators have emerged as the new creators. Through their expertise in filtering and selecting content, they help us navigate the vast sea of information. Additionally, the potential of large language models (LLMs) opens up new possibilities in various fields. However, the availability of relevant data and the long-term viability of LLM infrastructure pose challenges that need to be addressed. By embracing the power of curators and carefully considering the applications of LLMs, we can navigate the digital landscape more effectively and make the most of the wealth of information at our fingertips.