"Curators Are the New Creators — Mirror: Write like you code"

"Curators Are the New Creators — Mirror: Write like you code"

In today's digital age, where information is abundant and attention is scarce, the role of curators has emerged as an essential one. Curation, in a sense, is its own form of intertextuality, shaping the meaning of a text by another text. By building a targeted online presence and providing curated content to a specific audience, curators can find success and even monetize free content.

Jim Barksdale once said, "There are only two ways to make money in business: One is to bundle; the other is to unbundle." This statement holds true in the world of content curation. In a time where the real scarcity is not content itself, but attention, curators have the power to help people navigate through the overwhelming flood of information. Consumers are now willing to pay someone who has good taste to curate and filter content for them.

We are currently living in what many believe to be the golden age of new media. With the increasing consumption of media, there is a growing willingness to pay for high-quality content. Curators have become the new creators, and the best brands and influencers are those who excel at evolving their curation as a service.

To successfully venture into content curation, there are three key steps to follow:

1. Find initial traction: Building up a targeted online presence is crucial. Identify your niche audience and create content that appeals to them. Engage with your audience, understand their needs, and tailor your curation accordingly. By providing value and building trust, you can attract a loyal following.

2. Shift the emphasis from the individual to the greater media brand: As a curator, it's important to establish yourself as an authority in your chosen field. However, to scale and add more value, consider shifting the emphasis from yourself as an individual to a greater media brand. Collaborate with other curators or experts in your niche, and leverage their expertise to enhance your curation efforts.

3. Continuously add value: Content curation is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends, news, and developments in your field. Stay up to date, and continuously provide fresh and relevant content to your audience. This will ensure that they keep coming back to you for their curated information needs.

Now, let's shift gears and explore the connection between writing and coding. Surprisingly, good writing shares many similarities with good code. Both require simplicity, efficiency, and structure to be effective.

Just as bad code is unnecessarily complex and inefficient, bad writing can be convoluted and difficult to comprehend. Writing, like code, should be structured in a logical and organized manner. It should flow smoothly, guiding the reader through the text without confusion.

A fundamental principle in coding is that "good code is code that can be understood by a junior engineer." Similarly, good writing should be accessible to a wide range of readers. It should be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary verbosity. As the saying goes, "the best code is no code at all." Similarly, if something in your writing doesn't need to be said, don't say it. Keep it concise and to the point.

In both coding and writing, the mental resources of the reader or user must be considered. Just as attention span and memory are vital in coding, they are equally important in writing. Good writing combats reader boredom by injecting humor, insight, or epiphanies. David Perell refers to the "Raymond Chandler rule," which suggests that readers should have an epiphany every 250 words. This keeps them engaged and eager to continue reading.

In conclusion, the worlds of content curation and writing share common principles that can lead to success. By curating content effectively, building a loyal audience, and continuously adding value, curators can monetize their efforts and become the new creators. Similarly, writing that is simple, efficient, and structured, akin to good code, can captivate readers and make complex ideas accessible. So, whether you're a curator or a writer, remember to find your niche, focus on providing value, and keep your audience engaged.