The Art of Real-Time Curating: Unleashing the Power of Google Search

The Art of Real-Time Curating: Unleashing the Power of Google Search

Introduction:
In the digital age, Google Search has become an integral part of our lives. It offers a wealth of information at our fingertips, making it challenging to imagine a world without it. However, behind the scenes, Google's primary objective is to prioritize its own search results and ad revenue. This article delves into the concept of beating Google Search by exploring the potential of real-time curation and the needs of curators in an evolving digital landscape.

The Power of Open Source Distribution:
One of the key aspects of Google's dominance is its control over Chrome/Chromium, which serves as a distribution channel for Google Search. While it may seem like Google has the user in mind, the reality is that it prioritizes its own interests. Open source platforms, on the other hand, thrive when value aligns with the end-user. A prime example of this is Google Images, which has not seen significant innovation in the past decade. Competitors like Pinterest have leveraged this gap and disrupted the image search market. The absence of ads on Image Search created an opportunity for disruption. This highlights the potential for future disruptions in areas such as voice search or augmented/virtual reality.

Google's Strengths and Value:
Despite its flaws, Google Search remains highly valuable. Erik Brynjolfsson, a researcher at Stanford, conducted a study revealing that the average user would require compensation of $17,000 to give up search engines for a year. This underscores the immense value users place on search. Google's average revenue per user (ARPU) for search is also remarkably high, estimated to range from $100 to $250 per year. The question arises: would users be willing to pay such a significant amount for search? Any alternative search engine would need to generate a higher ARPU or adopt a radically different business model to compete effectively.

The Seven Needs of Real-Time Curators:
Real-time curators play a vital role in sifting through the vast amount of information available and presenting it in a meaningful way. However, existing tools and platforms like Google Buzz, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr do not provide curators with the necessary tools to efficiently carry out their work. To address this, curators have seven key needs:

1. Bundling: Real-time curators require the ability to bundle information from various sources. Cross-platform bundling would enable curators to extract valuable atoms from real-time streams and organize them into sub-bundles, enhancing the effectiveness of their curation efforts.

2. Reordering: Curators need the freedom to reorder information within their curated content. This flexibility allows them to present information in a logical and coherent manner.

3. Distribution: Curation tools should empower curators to distribute their bundles effectively. The ability to preview and manipulate how a bundle will be distributed across different platforms and audiences is crucial for reaching the right audience.

4. Editorializing: Curators should have the means to add their own insights and commentary to curated content. This adds value to the information and provides a unique perspective for the audience.

5. Updating: Real-time curators need the capability to update their bundles as new information becomes available. The ability to keep their curated content fresh and relevant is essential for maintaining audience engagement.

6. Participation Widgets: Curators can benefit from incorporating participation widgets into their curated content. These widgets facilitate audience interaction and engagement, allowing for a more immersive experience.

7. Audience Tracking: A new system is required to enable real-time curators to track their audience's engagement and feedback. This would provide valuable insights into the impact and effectiveness of their curation efforts.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace Cross-Platform Tools: Although building cross-platform tools presents challenges, it is essential for effective real-time curation. Curators should explore and adopt tools that enable seamless bundling, reordering, and distribution of curated content across multiple platforms.

2. Overcome Fear of Platform Vendors: Curators should not shy away from leveraging platform vendors' capabilities. By engaging with these vendors and expressing their needs, curators can drive the development of tools that cater specifically to their requirements.

3. Expand the User Base: The perception that real-time curation tools are only for professionals or "weirdos" limits their potential. Curators should actively promote the benefits and value of real-time curation to a broader audience, encouraging wider adoption and innovation in the field.

Conclusion:
While Google Search holds a dominant position in the digital landscape, real-time curation presents a compelling alternative. By addressing the needs of curators and embracing the power of open source distribution, it is possible to challenge Google's monopoly. The seven needs of real-time curators provide a roadmap for developers and curators to create tools and platforms that empower curators and enhance the information ecosystem. By embracing cross-platform tools, overcoming fear of platform vendors, and expanding the user base, real-time curators can unlock the full potential of their craft. The future of information curation lies in the hands of those who dare to disrupt the status quo.