The Role of Community and How It Should Be in the Curator Economy

The Role of Community and How It Should Be in the Curator Economy

In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world, the role of community has become increasingly important. As people are learning about the profitable power of the word, they are discovering that there is a huge market for curators as much as there is for content creators out there. Our choices are never fully personal -- we’re constantly looking around for clues about what’s right or wrong, what’s safe and what isn’t, how to be better human beings, and how to be more like our tribes.

A good curator goes beyond simply reposting images. They do the research, write, and edit, ensuring that the content they curate adds value to the community they serve. The elements of closeness and trust are crucial in this process. This is why micro-influencers are being favored over sought-after celebrities. They are more connected with their community, and therefore more relatable to them. The value doesn’t lie in having content distilled and distributed, but in having it done so through the judgment of an expert.

It pays to know who stands behind the curated content you consume and whether their specific outlook adds value to what’s being consumed. The articles may be free, but the selection isn't. Diligent curation is hard work, and monetizing it is only fair. However, there is a problem in the industry. People have been monetizing sloppy work and calling it curation. This undermines the efforts of true curators who strive to inform and select based on their knowledge and expertise. It is up to a knowledge-obsessed community to rescue the meaning of true curation, in the hopes that the curators’ efforts are driven by a genuine desire to contribute rather than a lack of creativity and a hunger for money.

As a community, we’re here to teach one another what's worth focusing on in this oversaturated world. We have the power to shape the future of the curator economy by demanding quality and authenticity from those who claim to curate for us. We can support the micro-influencers who genuinely care about their community and are dedicated to adding value through their curation efforts.

The History of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

While the concept of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) may seem like a recent development in the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, its roots can be traced back several years. One notable early example is CryptoKitties, which was launched in October 2017 by a Vancouver-based company called Axiom Zen. This game allowed users to collect, breed, and trade unique digital cats using NFTs.

However, the creation of NFTs required a different token standard than the popular ERC20 tokens used on the Ethereum blockchain. To address this need, the ERC721 standard was invented. ERC721 allows for the creation of unique tokens, making it ideal for NFTs.

The concept of unique digital items gained traction with the emergence of projects like the Rare Pepe Meme Directory. This directory had "experts" who certified the rareness of Pepe memes, showcasing the demand for one-of-a-kind digital assets. It can be argued that Colored Coins were the very first NFTs to exist. These were bitcoins that were part of the "Genesis transaction" and were unique and identifiable from regular bitcoin transactions.

As the trading of rare pepes on Ethereum gained popularity, two "creative technologists," John Watkinson and Matt Hall, decided to create their own NFT project with a slight twist. They realized they could generate unique characters on the Ethereum blockchain, giving birth to Cryptopunks. While Cryptopunks did not strictly follow the ERC721 standard, as it had not been invented yet, they were also not entirely ERC20. They can best be described as an ERC721 and ERC20 hybrid.

The ERC721 standard was specifically developed to track ownership and movements of individual tokens in the blockchain, enabling the recognition of non-fungible tokens. The first project to use this new NFT technical standard was the famous CryptoKitties. The success of CryptoKitties led to the spin-off of a company called Dapper Labs, which secured $15 million in funding from top investors.

The true power of NFTs became evident as people witnessed the activity within the CryptoKitties community and saw top investors pouring money into Dapper Labs. The ability to own and trade unique digital assets opened up new possibilities and sparked excitement within the blockchain community.

Actionable Advice:

1. Support Genuine Micro-Influencers: Instead of solely relying on sought-after celebrities, consider supporting micro-influencers who are more connected with their community and provide curated content that is relatable and valuable.

2. Demand Quality Curation: As consumers, we have the power to shape the curator economy by demanding quality and authenticity from those who claim to curate for us. Support curators who genuinely care about their community and strive to add value through their curation efforts.

3. Educate Yourself: In an oversaturated world, it's crucial to teach one another what's worth focusing on. Take the time to educate yourself and stay informed about the curated content you consume. Understand the perspectives and expertise behind the curation to ensure that you're getting the most value out of it.

In conclusion, the role of community in the curator economy is paramount. By supporting genuine micro-influencers, demanding quality curation, and educating ourselves, we can contribute to the development of a knowledge-driven community that values authenticity and adds value to the content we consume. The rise of NFTs has further showcased the power of unique digital assets and the potential for innovation in the blockchain space. As we navigate this rapidly changing landscape, let us embrace the opportunities presented to us and continue to shape the future of the curator economy.