Curators Are the New Creators — Mirror: The Rise of Curation in the Digital Age

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 30, 2023

4 min read

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Curators Are the New Creators — Mirror: The Rise of Curation in the Digital Age

In today's digital age, the proliferation of content has reached unprecedented levels. With an overwhelming flood of information available at our fingertips, the real scarcity has shifted from content to attention. It has become increasingly difficult to absorb everything, and as a result, people are seeking out curators to help them navigate through this vast landscape of media.

Curation, in its essence, is the act of shaping a text's meaning by another text. It is a form of intertextuality that allows curators to create a curated collection of content that resonates with their target audience. By building a targeted online presence and providing curated content, curators can find success in monetizing free content. Consumers are willing to pay someone who has good taste, making it an easy way to add a revenue stream to their business.

Jim Barksdale once said, "There are only two ways to make money in business: One is to bundle, the other is to unbundle." This statement holds true in the world of curation. The best brands and individual influencers are those who excel in the art of curation as a service. They understand that consumers are willing to pay for high-quality content and are adept at curating the ever-growing mass of information.

So how can one become a successful curator? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Find initial traction: Building up a targeted online presence is crucial for curators. Identify your niche and create content that caters to that specific audience. By focusing on a particular subject or vertical, you can establish yourself as an authority in that space and attract a loyal following.
  • 2. Shift the emphasis from the individual to the media brand: While individual curators can be successful, there is power in aligning oneself with a media brand. By doing so, curators can leverage the existing reputation and resources of the brand to reach a wider audience. Collaborating with established media outlets can significantly boost visibility and credibility.
  • 3. Scale and continue to add value: As a curator, it is important to constantly evolve and adapt to the changing landscape. Keep up with the latest trends and technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, continue to add value to your curated content by providing unique insights, analysis, or commentary. This will differentiate you from other curators and keep your audience engaged.

In a similar vein, the market for note-taking apps has seen significant growth in recent years. With a projected value of $1.35 billion by 2026, there is no shortage of options for those seeking a digital solution to organize their thoughts and ideas.

When it comes to choosing the right note-taking app, it's essential to understand your note-taking style. There are three main styles: the Architect, the Gardener, and the Librarian. Each style has unique preferences and needs when it comes to note-taking.

The Architect enjoys planning, designing processes, and frameworks. They require a note-taking tool that allows them to easily structure their ideas. Apps like Notion, Coda, and Tettra cater to this style, providing hierarchical structures based on pages and categories.

The Gardener, on the other hand, thrives on exploring and connecting various thoughts together. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to easily grow their ideas. Apps like Roam, Obsidian, TiddlyWiki, RemNote, and Milanote offer non-linear approaches with bi-directional linking, enabling users to discover connections between ideas.

Lastly, the Librarian finds joy in collecting and organizing a catalog of resources. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to easily retrieve their ideas. Evernote, Bear, and OneNote are popular choices for librarians, offering robust search and organization features.

When choosing a note-taking app, you can either base your decision on your note-taking style or your specific use case. If you need to store a large amount of mostly static information to retrieve later, a librarian-style app may be appropriate. On the other hand, if you need to brainstorm new ideas and engage in free thinking, a gardener-style app is better suited for creative work.

In conclusion, curation and note-taking are two prominent trends in the digital age. Curators have become the new creators, helping consumers navigate through the abundance of content available. Note-taking apps, on the other hand, provide individuals with digital tools to organize their thoughts and ideas effectively. By understanding your own style and needs, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals. Whether you're a curator or a note-taker, remember to find initial traction, shift the emphasis to the media brand, and continue to add value to your curated content or organized notes. Only by staying adaptable and innovative can we make the most of these trends in the ever-evolving landscape of new media.

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