A Guide to Curation in Community: The Inside Story on How Reddit Was Created

A Guide to Curation in Community: The Inside Story on How Reddit Was Created

Curating content in a community is not just about creating a resource for members to access. It is an exercise that creates immense value for both the community builder and its members. While the value for members lies in the ability to access trusted and vetted information quickly, the value for the community builder goes beyond that. When we curate, we can't help but learn and understand the community we serve.

In the early days of Reddit, its creators, Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, drew inspiration from two popular sites of the time: Delicious, an early social-bookmarking site, and Slashdot, a large geek community focused on news and ideas. They combined the ideas behind these sites to create the first version of Reddit. Their hard work paid off when Paul Graham, unbeknownst to them, linked to Reddit in a blog post, bringing in its first thousand visitors.

But Reddit's success didn't stop there. Huffman and Ohanian initially created fake users and much of the early site's content. However, they quickly realized that authenticity was key to building a thriving community. They shifted their focus to facilitating genuine discussions and contributions from real users. This lesson is crucial for community curators as well. While it may be tempting to artificially create content, the true power of curation lies in connecting dots and fostering meaningful interactions among community members.

When curating content for your community, it is important to ask yourself whether something is worth saving. Not everything is special, and having a discerning eye is crucial. By carefully selecting and capturing valuable content, you are not only providing a repository of information but also honing your own understanding of the community's needs and interests.

In the process of curating, you will inevitably come across new ideas and insights. These can be valuable not only for your personal growth but also for the growth of your community. As a curator, you have the opportunity to pass on this newfound knowledge to your members, sparking discussions and encouraging further exploration.

Community curation is not just for the benefit of your immediate members. It has the potential to extend its reach to every employee in your company. By curating and sharing valuable resources, you are fostering a culture of learning and collaboration within your organization. The power of curation lies in its ability to connect people and ideas, bridging gaps and facilitating knowledge sharing.

To make the most of community curation, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace authenticity: Avoid the temptation to artificially create content or manipulate discussions. Instead, focus on facilitating genuine interactions and contributions from real community members. Authenticity is key to building trust and fostering a thriving community.

2. Continuously learn and grow: As you curate content, keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas and insights. Don't hesitate to explore and expand your own knowledge base. The more you learn, the more value you can provide to your community.

3. Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing: Extend the reach of your curated content beyond your immediate community. Share valuable resources and insights with employees across your organization. Encourage a culture of learning and collaboration that benefits everyone.

In conclusion, community curation is a powerful exercise that goes beyond creating a resource for members to access. It allows community builders to understand and connect with their community on a deeper level. By curating authentic and valuable content, community curators have the ability to foster learning, collaboration, and growth within their communities and organizations. Embrace the power of curation and watch your community thrive.