"What We Talk About When We Talk About “Curation” and Yahoo! History — Silicon Valley Historical Association"

"What We Talk About When We Talk About “Curation” and Yahoo! History — Silicon Valley Historical Association"

Curation. It's a term that has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the world of content creation and information overload. But what does it really mean? According to Joanne McNeil, curatorship is an art form - a drive to find the interesting, meaningful, and relevant amidst the vast maze of overabundant information. It's about creating a framework for what matters in the world and why.

In the words of Edith Zimmerman, people respond to other people's enthusiasm about things. And that's exactly what good curation does - it sparks enthusiasm. When a curator carefully selects and presents content, whether it be articles, images, or videos, they are sharing their passion and inviting others to join in.

But curation is more than just acquisition and selection. It's about contextualizing. Peter Hopkins believes that curation is a means to an end - a way to find and distill the right ideas and transfer them quickly. Ideas are the most valuable thing, after all. Good ideas can make all the difference, while bad ones can hold us back and even destroy us. By focusing on finding and sharing the right ideas, we can propel ourselves forward.

Now, let's take a step back and look at the history of a company that exemplifies the power of curation - Yahoo!. In 1994, two Ph.D. candidates, David Filo and Jerry Yang, started "Jerry and David's Guide to the World Wide Web." It began as a way for them to keep track of their favorite internet sites. Little did they know, their hierarchical list of links would become so popular.

Within a year, Yahoo! experienced its first one-million-hit day. This meant that nearly 100,000 users were visiting the site. With this rapid growth, Yahoo! quickly evolved from a small project in a Stanford University trailer to a full-fledged company. In 1996, with 49 employees, Yahoo! launched a highly successful IPO.

But what made Yahoo! so successful? It was their ability to curate. The founders carefully selected and organized websites, making it easier for users to navigate the vast expanse of the internet. They became a trusted source of information and a go-to portal for users.

As the late 1990s rolled around, Yahoo! continued to diversify its services. They went from being a simple web directory to a full-fledged web portal, offering users a wide range of services. This expansion allowed Yahoo! to provide even more curated content, catering to the specific needs and interests of their users.

In summary, curation is a powerful tool that can shape the way we consume and interact with information. It's about finding the right ideas, distilling them, and sharing them with others. Just like Yahoo!, which started as a simple way to curate favorite websites, curation can lead to incredible success and impact.

So, what can we learn from this? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace your enthusiasm: People respond to passion and enthusiasm. When curating content, let your excitement shine through. Share what excites you and invite others to join in.

2. Contextualize: Don't just collect and present content. Provide context and meaning. Help others understand why something is important or relevant. This will elevate your curation efforts and make them more meaningful.

3. Diversify and adapt: Just like Yahoo!, don't be afraid to diversify and adapt. As the internet and information landscape evolves, be open to trying new things and expanding your offerings. This will ensure that your curation remains relevant and valuable.

In conclusion, curation is more than just a buzzword. It's a form of creative and intellectual labor that can shape the way we consume and interact with information. By embracing our enthusiasm, contextualizing content, and staying adaptable, we can become effective curators and make a meaningful impact in the world of curation. So, let's start curating and sharing the ideas that matter.