Understanding Content Curation and Strava's Success: The Power of Sharing and Community

Understanding Content Curation and Strava's Success: The Power of Sharing and Community

In the age of information overload, the art of content curation has become increasingly important. Content curation involves the process of collecting and organizing information, and it goes beyond just classifying objects under a certain theme. To truly add value to the act of curating, one must engage in deeper thinking through synthesis and evaluation of the collected items. This requires an inquiry process, where the curator decides what goes into the collection and why.

As collecting progresses into curating, the importance of context becomes evident. While themes support central ideas, context allows learners to determine the significance of each curated resource. This move from thematic to contextual organization helps build knowledge and understanding with each new addition to the collection. It is through this process that curating becomes a valuable educational tool.

One key aspect of content curation is its social nature. The act of curating is not just for the collector but for a broader audience. By organizing, annotating, and publishing the curated resources, the curator adds value to the collection as a whole. This shared knowledge allows others to participate in the learning process, comment on the resources, and add to the collective understanding. Learning, in essence, becomes a social endeavor.

This idea resonates with Strava's success as well. Strava, an app for athletes, has gained immense popularity by creating a thriving community. People don't just download Strava; they join it. The company's focus on community has been its guiding principle from the beginning. By staying true to its mission and keeping things simple, Strava has been able to attract a loyal user base. The app's slogan, "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen," embodies the idea of proof of work in a public space.

The success of Strava lies in its ability to turn a great idea into a long-lasting global company. Building a product or service that people love is one challenge, but transforming it into a sustainable business is another. Strava recognizes the importance of growing its community and becoming the most engaged community of athletes in the world. By prioritizing community engagement, Strava believes it will create more opportunities to build a successful business.

One interesting aspect of Strava's approach is the focus on personal improvement. Users can track their progress and see how they've become fitter over time. This emphasis on personal growth and achievement adds a motivational element to the app. Founders who build products that they personally use and care about often have a deeper understanding of their users' needs and desires.

The concept of world records on Strava is intriguing. In 2017, Strava recorded numerous world records set by its users. This feature not only adds a competitive element to the app but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and recognition. It raises the question of whether a similar approach can be applied to other domains, such as learning. Imagine a platform like Glasp that allows users to set and break records in their pursuit of knowledge and skills.

In conclusion, both content curation and Strava's success highlight the power of sharing and community. Learning is enhanced when multiple perspectives are brought together, allowing for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. By curating and sharing resources, we can create a social learning environment where participation leads to increased knowledge. The key is to focus on inquiry, context, and the value of community engagement.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace the inquiry process: When curating content, go beyond mere classification and delve into synthesis and evaluation. Ask yourself why certain resources are important and how they contribute to the overall understanding of the subject.

• 2. Prioritize context over themes: While themes provide a structure, context allows learners to determine the significance of each resource. Understand the relevance and connections between different pieces of information to build a comprehensive understanding.

• 3. Foster a sense of community: Whether you're building a product or curating content, prioritize the creation of a thriving community. Encourage participation, feedback, and collaboration to enhance the learning experience for all.

By incorporating these actionable advice into your curation process and embracing the power of sharing and community, you can create a valuable educational resource that benefits both yourself and others. Remember, learning is a social endeavor, and the more perspectives we bring together, the better our understanding becomes. So let's curate, share, and learn together.