Writing and curation may seem like two unrelated topics, but upon closer examination, they have more in common than meets the eye. Both practices involve the organization and presentation of information to create meaning, identify relevance, and clarify context. In this article, we will explore how writing can be seen as networking for introverts and how curation plays a crucial role in the learning process. By connecting these two ideas, we can gain valuable insights into the power of communication and information management.

Writing and curation may seem like two unrelated topics, but upon closer examination, they have more in common than meets the eye. Both practices involve the organization and presentation of information to create meaning, identify relevance, and clarify context. In this article, we will explore how writing can be seen as networking for introverts and how curation plays a crucial role in the learning process. By connecting these two ideas, we can gain valuable insights into the power of communication and information management.

Writing is often seen as a solitary activity, perfect for introverts who may struggle with traditional networking. However, writing can be a form of networking in itself. By putting our thoughts and ideas into words, we are able to share them with others, opening the doors to potential connections and opportunities. As the saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Networking is crucial for finding good opportunities, and writing can be a way for introverts to level the playing field.

When we write, we give people some context about who we are and what we have to offer. It's like outsourcing extroversion to the readers. By sharing our thoughts and experiences through writing, we create a form of microfame. We may not be famous to the masses, but we become known to a smaller group of people who share similar interests or values. This form of fame is valuable because it allows us to connect with the right people, those who are genuinely interested in what we have to say.

Furthermore, writing about our other interests can attract even more like-minded individuals. By sharing our passions and curiosities, we can recruit others who share the same intellectual or creative pursuits. Writing becomes a way to identify neighbors in our intellectual ghetto and expand our network of like-minded individuals.

Now, let's shift our focus to curation in learning. The concept of curation has been around since the dawn of human information recording. We have always been selecting, organizing, and presenting information to give it meaning and relevance. With the advent of the internet, digital curation has become even more important.

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, envisioned a platform where everyone could access, disseminate, and organize the vast collection of digital content. Digital curation serves as the starting point for individuals to take control of the overwhelming amount of information available and create meaningful collections.

However, the abundance of information has led to what Clay Shirky referred to as "filter failure." We are not suffering from information overload, but rather from the inability to filter out what is truly relevant and important. The traditional practice of tagging and categorizing information is not enough to address this issue. In fact, it may exacerbate the problem, as individuals feel overwhelmed and unable to pay attention to the wealth of information available.