A Guide to Curation in Community: Connecting the Dots

A Guide to Curation in Community: Connecting the Dots

In the world of online communities, curation plays a vital role. Not only does it provide value for members by giving them access to trusted and vetted information quickly, but it also allows community builders to deepen their understanding of the community they serve. The act of curation is a powerful tool for community builders, as it helps them stay aware of trends and provide valuable information to their community.

Before diving into the process of curation, it's important for community builders to conduct thorough research on the ecosystem they are entering. This includes getting to know their members, understanding the conversations they're having, and identifying the content they're sharing. This initial discovery phase sets the foundation for effective curation.

Once the research is complete, community builders must determine the value of the content they come across. Not everything is worth saving, so it's essential to be selective and only capture what is truly valuable. By curating valuable content, community builders ensure that they never run out of interesting questions to ask, content to write, or events to create.

While tags and categories can help with organization, it's important not to go overboard. Too many tags can lead to chaos and counterproductivity. Instead, community builders should focus on connecting the dots and finding common points within the curated content. The power of curation lies in the ability to connect seemingly unrelated pieces of information and provide a cohesive experience for community members.

One example of successful curation is seen in the rise of TikTok, a video app that managed to surpass its competitors in the U.S. market. TikTok's algorithm, which focuses on both exploit and explore, played a significant role in its success. The algorithm not only gave users more of what they liked but also introduced them to new content that they might find interesting.

TikTok's algorithm acts as a rapid, efficient market maker, connecting videos with the audiences they're destined to delight. Unlike traditional social networks, TikTok doesn't rely on a follower graph. Instead, it focuses on building an interest graph based on users' consumption patterns. This passive personalization through consumption allows TikTok to provide an endless stream of personalized entertainment.

The success of TikTok's algorithm highlights the importance of finding ways to help different subcultures within a community find each other and branch off into their own spaces. By creating an environment where users can easily connect and share their interests, community builders can foster the growth and diversity of their community.

In conclusion, curation is a powerful tool for community builders. It allows them to provide value to their members while deepening their understanding of the community they serve. To effectively curate, community builders must conduct thorough research, determine the value of content, and focus on connecting the dots. By incorporating the principles of successful curation, community builders can create thriving and engaging communities.

Actionable advice:

1. Conduct thorough research on your community ecosystem before diving into curation. Understand your members, their conversations, and the content they share.
2. Be selective in what you curate. Only save content that is truly valuable and aligns with the interests of your community.
3. Focus on connecting the dots and finding common points within the curated content. Don't get overwhelmed with tags and categories. Instead, create a cohesive experience for your community by highlighting the relationships between different pieces of information.

Remember, curation is not just about providing value to your members; it's also an opportunity for you to learn and understand your community better. Embrace the power of curation and watch your community thrive.