"Let's Talk Notes: How do you organize quotations? Kudos, leaderboards, QOMs: how fitness app Strava became a religion"

"Let's Talk Notes: How do you organize quotations? Kudos, leaderboards, QOMs: how fitness app Strava became a religion"

For centuries, readers have collected quotations in personal notebooks they called commonplace books. The honey bee became a symbol for the commonplace book because it gathered nutrients from various flowers. Just like the bees, readers would sift through their varied collection of quotations and blend them into a delicious compound of knowledge. The tradition of commonplace books has endured because it is adaptable and timeless. Even in 2023, we continue to collect and organize quotations, but the question arises: where do we keep them?

In a similar vein, fitness app Strava has become a religion among athletes. Strava started in 2006 as a social network for athletes who took fitness seriously. They targeted avid cyclists, building a community of like-minded people. The big hook was the leaderboard, a ranking of anyone who had cycled a particular route. This was not unique, but Strava added a real-world physical activity component to the scoreboard. Users could compete on segments and receive kudos from their fellow athletes. Strava's success can be attributed to its ability to combine competition with community, creating a sense of camaraderie among users.

Just as commonplace book users evolved from solitary readers to a community of knowledge seekers, Strava users also transitioned from individuals tracking their own activities to a network of friends and peers. Over 80% of Strava's users are located outside the US, with Brazil emerging as its second biggest market. The Brazilian society's social nature and love for sports make it an ideal fit for Strava's community-driven platform. Similarly, the French and Germans have embraced Strava, with running and cycling being popular activities in their respective countries.

Interestingly, Strava data has revealed that the second week in January is known as "quitters' week," when newly active users tend to give up on their fitness goals. This insight demonstrates the potential for Strava to offer support and motivation to its users during critical periods.

In terms of monetization, Strava has several options. They could transition to a subscription-only service, explore acquisition opportunities, sell user data to advertisers, or expand their data offerings. The company values effort and goodwill, recognizing the importance of maintaining a positive and engaged community.

So, how can we organize our quotations and make the most of our reading? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Create a digital commonplace book: Embrace technology and use note-taking apps or online platforms to organize your quotations. This allows for easy access, searchability, and the ability to connect ideas across different sources.

2. Engage with a community: Just like Strava's success lies in its community of like-minded athletes, seek out communities of readers and thinkers. Join book clubs or online forums where you can discuss and share your favorite quotations. This interaction can deepen your understanding and provide new perspectives.

3. Blend and synthesize: Don't just collect quotations for the sake of it. Take the time to reflect on them and find connections between different ideas. Blend and synthesize the knowledge you gather to create your own unique insights and understanding.

In conclusion, whether it's organizing quotations or building a fitness community, the common thread is the power of community and connection. Both commonplace books and Strava demonstrate the value of sharing and engaging with others who have similar interests. By embracing technology, nurturing communities, and actively synthesizing knowledge, we can make the most of our reading and fitness journeys. So, let's keep gathering, blending, and sharing, whether it's through our commonplace books or Strava leaderboards.