The Rise of Curating and Its Meaning in Today's World

The Rise of Curating and Its Meaning in Today's World

In recent years, the term "curating" has become increasingly popular. It seems like everyone is a curator now, whether they are curating their social media feeds or curating a collection of art. But what does it really mean to be a curator? And why has this concept gained so much traction?

The word "curate" comes from the Latin word "curatus," which means "to take care of." This idea of taking care of something, of carefully selecting and organizing, is at the heart of what it means to be a curator. It is about wanting to know and connect what we know, driven by curiosity.

For many, the rise of curating reflects a generation's desire for authority, authorship, and meaning. We live in a world where information is abundant, but it can also be overwhelming. Curating allows us to create a sense of order and meaning in this sea of information. It is a way to take control and make sense of the world around us.

But the rise of curating has also given rise to the super-curator, those individuals who travel the world and create exhibitions that reflect their ideology and position. These super-curators have become authorities in their own right, shaping the way we perceive and consume art. Their curated selections offer reassurance that what we buy or experience is not just a product, but a meaningful part of a larger curated collection.

However, it is important to note that curation is not limited to the world of art. It can be applied to various fields and industries. For example, in the world of fashion, curating has become a way to elevate a brand's image and create a unique shopping experience. A curated selection of clothing or accessories offers a sense of exclusivity and sophistication.

So how does all of this relate to Google search? Well, in a way, Google itself can be seen as a curator. It curates information for us, presenting us with search results that it deems most relevant and valuable. But what if we want to curate our own search experience? What if we want to beat Google at its own game?

One way to do this is to prioritize our own browsing history over search results. Google may have its algorithms, but we have our own preferences and interests. By taking control of our browsing history and using it as a guide, we can curate our own search experience and find information that is most relevant to us.

Another aspect to consider is the power of open-source platforms. When value is aligned with the end-user, open-source can be a powerful distribution channel. Just look at the example of Google Images. While Google hasn't made significant innovations in this area, competitors like Pinterest have disrupted the market by curating images in a unique and visually appealing way. By curating images and offering a different user experience, Pinterest has built a successful business that rivals Google Images.

Furthermore, it's important to recognize the value of search itself. According to research by Erik Brynjolfsson at Stanford University, the average user would require compensation of $17,000 to forego search engines for a year. This shows just how valuable search is to us. Despite the increase in ad load on platforms like Google Search and YouTube, the fact that it is free makes it hard to beat. Google's average revenue per user for search is extremely high, estimated to be between $100 - $250 per year. It's unlikely that users would be willing to pay that much for an alternative search engine unless it offered a significantly better experience or had a completely different business model.

In conclusion, the rise of curating reflects a desire for authority, authorship, and meaning in an information-saturated world. Curating allows us to take care of and make sense of the vast amount of information available to us. This concept extends beyond the art world and can be applied to various fields and industries. When it comes to Google search, we can beat the algorithm by curating our own browsing history and using it as a guide. Open-source platforms also offer an opportunity to disrupt established curators like Google Images. However, it's important to recognize the value of search and the challenges of competing with a free service. To navigate this landscape, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Take control of your own browsing history and use it as a guide for your search experience. Curate your own results based on your preferences and interests.

2. Explore open-source platforms and their potential for disruption. Look for opportunities to curate experiences that offer something unique and valuable to users.

3. Consider the value of search and the challenges of competing with a free service. If you're looking to create an alternative search engine, ensure that it offers a significantly better experience or has a wholly different business model to attract users.

By understanding the power of curating and applying it to our own lives and businesses, we can navigate the digital landscape and find meaning in a world of information overload.