Re-Organizing the World’s Information: Why we need more Boutique Curation

Re-Organizing the World’s Information: Why we need more Boutique Curation

In today's digital age, information is abundant. We have access to a vast amount of data, but the challenge lies in finding the relevant and trustworthy information amidst the noise. The current state of online platforms, with their irrelevant filters, ad-based business models, and overwhelming supply, has made it increasingly difficult for consumers to find the signal they seek.

The popular argument for leaving platforms like Google is the protection of privacy. However, for most people, the idea of controlling their data is not a compelling enough reason to make the switch, especially if it means paying for something they are used to receiving for free. Therefore, we need to shift our focus from simply organizing the world's information to organizing the world's trustworthy information.

The intention behind organizing information was noble, but it has taken a backseat to monetizing clicks and supporting advertisers. Platforms that rely on ad revenue prioritize featuring advertisers over curating content, leading to ethical concerns and a lack of trust. There is a need for innovation in indexing and surface areas to ensure that curation remains a priority.

Vertical search aggregators work well when you know exactly what you want. However, most users don't start with a specific query in mind. This presents an opportunity to assist overwhelmed consumers with better discovery and curation throughout their search journey. The focus should not only be on curating content but also on organizing it in a way that aligns with users' goals.

Ben Evans aptly stated, "All curation grows until it requires search, and all search grows until it requires curation." We are currently faced with an overwhelming amount of information and a lack of dedicated individuals to filter, organize, curate, and index that information. Curation sites often start with high-quality recommendations but struggle to maintain the same level of quality as they scale. This leads to the rise of vertical search aggregators like Yelp, which offer more utility.

The downside of relying on an ad-driven model is the competition for attention between advertisers and content producers. As a result, these sites often feel like marketing blogs rather than platforms dedicated to providing reliable information. Subscriptions can be a viable alternative, but they may not be suitable for infrequently used platforms. However, token-based business models show promise by giving ownership to stakeholders and allowing subscribers to benefit from future upside.

In a study on how users read web pages, it was found that credibility is crucial. Web users are skeptical about the information they find online, as it is often unclear who is behind the content and whether it can be trusted. High-quality graphics, good writing, and outbound hypertext links can increase credibility. Including links to other sites shows that the authors have done their research and are not afraid to provide readers with additional resources.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that people rarely read web pages word by word. Instead, they scan the page, picking out individual words and sentences. Users are busy and want to extract the essential facts quickly. When sites use promotional language and exaggerations, it imposes a cognitive burden on users who have to filter out the hyperbole to find the relevant information.

To improve the curation and organization of information, here are three actionable advice:

• 1. Prioritize Trustworthiness: When curating content, focus on quality and credibility. Ensure that the information provided is reliable and backed by reputable sources. Incorporate outbound links to show readers that you have done your homework and are willing to provide additional resources.

• 2. Enhance User Experience: Shift the focus from ad-driven revenue models to user-centric designs. Give users control over their search experience, allowing them to find content on their own terms. Optimize for goal-oriented interfaces that cater to users' specific needs throughout their search journey.

• 3. Explore Innovative Business Models: Consider token-based business models that give ownership to stakeholders and allow subscribers to benefit from future growth. This approach can overcome the cold start problem and incentivize users to support platforms that prioritize curation and organization.

In conclusion, the abundance of information in today's digital landscape necessitates better curation and organization. We need to move away from platforms that prioritize ad revenue and focus on delivering trustworthy content to users. By prioritizing trustworthiness, enhancing user experience, and exploring innovative business models, we can create a more curated and organized online ecosystem that benefits both users and content creators.