The Role of Community and How It Should Be in the Curator Economy: Pinterest's Journey to Success

The Role of Community and How It Should Be in the Curator Economy: Pinterest's Journey to Success

In today's digital age, people are becoming increasingly aware of the profitable power of the word. There is a huge market for content creators, but equally important are the curators who help navigate through the vast sea of information. The choices we make are never fully personal; we constantly seek guidance on what's right or wrong, safe or risky, and how to become better human beings. This is where the role of community comes into play.

A good curator goes beyond simply reposting images. They conduct research, write, and edit, ensuring that the content they curate adds value to their community. The elements of closeness and trust are crucial in this process, which is why micro-influencers are now preferred over sought-after celebrities. Micro-influencers are more connected with their community, making them more relatable and trustworthy. It's no longer just about having content distilled and distributed; it's about having it done through the judgment of an expert.

Knowing who stands behind the curated content we consume is essential. We need to be aware of their specific outlook and whether it adds value to what we're consuming. In a world where anyone can curate and monetize content, diligent curation becomes even more vital. Unfortunately, there are those who monetize sloppy work and pass it off as curation. It's up to a knowledge-obsessed community to reclaim the true meaning of curation, where the efforts are driven by a desire to inform and select rather than a lack of creativity and a hunger for money.

As a community, we have the power to teach each other what's worth focusing on in this oversaturated world. We can support true curators who dedicate themselves to providing valuable and insightful content. However, building a strong and engaged community is not an easy task. It requires effort and a deep understanding of the needs and interests of the community members.

Pinterest, the web's next big thing, offers an inspiring example of how community played a crucial role in their success. The CEO, Ben Silbermann, was inspired to move to Silicon Valley after watching the movie "Pirates of Silicon Valley" about Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. He believed that being close to people who inspire you is an important first step. Encouraged by his girlfriend, he stopped complaining and took action. After securing an investment, he reached out to investors who had initially rejected him, confidently telling them that they would miss out on the hot deal. This bold move paid off.

Ben Silbermann understood the significance of collecting and how it reflects an individual's identity. He described his childhood bug collection as "Pinterest 1.0," emphasizing the belief that the things we collect say a lot about who we are. However, when Pinterest initially launched, it didn't resonate with people in California. It wasn't until a woman named Victoria organized a program called "Pin It Forward" that things started to change. This program encouraged bloggers to exchange pinboards about what home meant to them, and it marked a turning point for Pinterest. Victoria, now the company's community manager, organized the first Pinterest meet-up, which further solidified Ben's belief in the platform's potential.