A Guide to Curation in Community: Connecting Creativity and Value

A Guide to Curation in Community: Connecting Creativity and Value

Curation, the act of carefully selecting and organizing content, is a powerful tool for community builders. It not only provides a valuable resource for members to access but also offers immense value for the community builder themselves. When we curate, we not only learn and understand the community we serve but also have the opportunity to discover new ideas and share them with our community. In essence, community curation is for the community builder first and the members second.

The value for members is evident—they have access to trusted and vetted information at their fingertips. They benefit from a repository of hand-picked content that saves them time and effort. However, the true value lies in the act of curation itself. As community builders, we are forced to process and evaluate what our members are sharing. We become the gatekeepers of knowledge, determining what is worth saving and what is not. This exercise of discernment not only enhances our own understanding but also allows us to connect the dots and see the bigger picture.

But how does curation relate to creativity? Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life, once shared a quote that resonated with many creative individuals. He described the frustration that arises from the gap between our taste and the quality of our work. When we start out, our taste is impeccable, but our skills fall short of our ambitions. This discrepancy can be discouraging, leading many to give up. However, Glass emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the value of doing a lot of work.

Creativity is not an innate talent; it is a skill that can be honed through practice and repetition. Glass encourages us to put ourselves on a deadline, ensuring that we complete one project every week. It is through this volume of work that we gradually close the gap and bring our creations in line with our ambitions. It takes time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards are worth it.

In 2017, at SXSW, Glass further emphasized the importance of taking action and not waiting for the perfect moment. He urged creators to "make the thing" and then strive to make it better with each iteration. This sentiment echoes the belief that anyone can create something meaningful. We all have the capacity to make what matters, regardless of our initial skill level. Just as anyone can cook or paint, anyone can create.

So, how can we apply the concept of curation to our creative endeavors? Firstly, we must recognize that our body of work is our true project. It is the accumulation of our creations over time that truly matters. Each piece contributes to our growth and development as creators. Secondly, we must embrace the iterative process. Each project is an opportunity for improvement, a chance to refine and enhance our skills. Lastly, we must prioritize action over perfection. Waiting for the ideal conditions or the perfect idea will only hinder our progress. Instead, we must dive in, create, and learn from each experience.

In conclusion, the act of curation in a community setting can provide immense value for both the community builder and its members. It allows us to process and understand the community we serve while also fostering our own growth as creators. By embracing the iterative nature of creativity and prioritizing action, we can close the gap between our ambitions and our skills. So, let us curate, create, and make what truly matters.