The Intersection of Shipping as a Feature and Content Curation as a Community Builder

The Intersection of Shipping as a Feature and Content Curation as a Community Builder

Introduction:
In the world of product development and community building, two key principles emerge as critical aspects for success: shipping as a feature and content curation as a community builder. While these concepts may appear distinct at first glance, they share common points that can be harnessed to create exceptional products and foster engaged communities. In this article, we will explore the guiding principles behind shipping as a feature and content curation, and how they can be interconnected to drive success.

Shipping as a Feature:
When it comes to product development, the ultimate goal is to create something that "just works" and fulfills its intended purpose. However, achieving this level of functionality is a constant challenge. Shipping, or releasing a product, is not only a feature in itself but also the most difficult aspect to get right. It requires constant iteration, learning, and gathering of data. Regardless of the time spent on development, the motion of shipping remains the same.

As a product manager, the ability to make decisions is paramount. The path to greatness lies in having a clear, focused point of view and the willingness to make tough choices. Collaboration with engineering and development teams is crucial, and disagreements are bound to arise. Finding middle paths for complex decisions becomes vital as team size and customer diversity increase. However, it's essential to remember that incremental improvements should not impede existing customers' experience or pose unnecessary risks. Context is everything in decision-making as a product manager.

Content Curation as a Community Builder:
Content curation, as described by Clay Shirky, arises when traditional search methods no longer suffice. It is about synchronizing a community by aggregating and curating relevant content from various sources. This approach is particularly relevant in today's digital age, where information overload is prevalent. By leveraging content curation, community builders can provide valuable insights, foster discussions, and create a sense of belonging.

Imagine starting a modern-day publication like The Village Voice. Instead of relying solely on traditional print media and a team of writers, the focus shifts to building a digital platform and hiring a publisher, salespeople, editors, and journalists. The key lies in aggregating content from diverse social media feeds, curating it, and publishing it to engage the community. Content curation not only enhances the quality of information but also connects individuals with shared interests and promotes a sense of community.

The Intersection of Shipping as a Feature and Content Curation:
At first glance, shipping as a feature and content curation may seem unrelated. However, their underlying principles align in several ways. Both require a clear point of view and decision-making. They rely on context and understanding customer needs. They demand collaboration and the ability to find middle paths that appease multiple stakeholders. And most importantly, both shipping and content curation require constant iteration and learning.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the iterative process: Whether shipping a product or curating content, recognize that the first version will inevitably evolve. Embrace the feedback loop, gather data, and iterate based on user insights. This continuous improvement mindset ensures that both products and community engagement thrive.

2. Prioritize customer needs: Always consider the wants and needs of your target audience. When making decisions, evaluate the impact on existing customers and the potential value for new ones. Balancing incremental improvements with the risk of changing existing code is crucial to maintaining a positive user experience.

3. Foster collaboration and diverse perspectives: Recognize that decision-making is rarely a one-person task. Embrace the input and perspectives of your team members, stakeholders, and community. Seek out diverse opinions to find middle paths that cater to the varied needs of your customers.

Conclusion:
Shipping as a feature and content curation as a community builder may appear distinct, but they share common principles that can drive success in product development and community engagement. By embracing iterative processes, prioritizing customer needs, and fostering collaboration, both concepts can be harnessed to create exceptional products and build vibrant communities. Remember, shipping is not just about releasing a product, but also about continuous learning and improvement. Similarly, content curation goes beyond information seeking, serving as a vital tool for synchronizing and engaging communities.