What is she talking about now? What the heck is a digital curator?
In today’s digital age, information is abundant, flowing incessantly through the vast expanse of the internet. With every click, tap, or swipe, we immerse ourselves in a sea of data, navigating through a myriad of content ranging from articles and videos to social media posts and podcasts. In such a landscape, the role of a digital curator emerges as a beacon of guidance, helping individuals navigate through this ocean of information to discover valuable insights and resources.
So, what exactly is a digital curator? In essence, a digital curator is akin to a traditional museum curator, but instead of preserving and showcasing physical artifacts, they sift through digital content to select, organize, and present information in a coherent and meaningful manner. Much like a curator carefully selects and arranges artworks in a museum to tell a story or convey a message, a digital curator curates content to create narratives, spark conversations, or provide solutions to specific topics or interests.
At the core of their role lies the ability to discern relevance and quality amidst the noise of the digital realm. In a world inundated with information overload, the digital curator acts as a filter, sieving through vast amounts of data to extract nuggets of knowledge and wisdom. They possess a keen eye for detail, scouring the internet for content that is accurate, insightful, and trustworthy, while filtering out misinformation, bias, and irrelevant clutter.
Moreover, a digital curator is not merely a passive aggregator of content but an active participant in the knowledge-sharing process. They engage with their audience, fostering discussions, soliciting feedback, and tailoring content to meet the needs and interests of their community. Through curated collections, playlists, or newsletters, they curate content that educates, entertains, and inspires, creating a sense of cohesion and belonging within their digital ecosystem.
In an era where the democratization of information has given rise to a cacophony of voices, the role of a digital curator becomes increasingly vital. They serve as trusted guides, helping individuals navigate the complex terrain of the digital landscape with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s curating resources for research projects, compiling reading lists for professional development, or creating thematic collections for leisurely exploration, the digital curator curates content with intention and purpose, enriching the online experience for all.
The role of a digital curator transcends mere information aggregation; it embodies a commitment to knowledge curation, community building, and digital stewardship. In a world inundated with data, the digital curator serves as a lighthouse, guiding us through the turbulent waters of the internet and illuminating pathways to discovery, learning, and connection.
Take, for example, my long-overdue project of delving deeper in to my history. I have an entire yearbook of documentation and family background for my grandpa’s mom’s lineage. However, when it comes to his dad’s side, we’ve always hit a wall. Of course, now that I have an abundance of time on my hands, I decided to go down the rabbit hole. Thanks to the wonderful world of the internet, it’s a lot easier to find information than it once was. I always knew my great-grandpa was born in Isle of Pines, after his parents visited on their honeymoon and fell in love with the island (and, for reasons unbeknownst to the rest of the family, they opted to leave the island for Southern Minnesota when my great-grandpa was 7). Occasionally, we would have conversations about property they once had there, but it was always relatively secretive. While it took more than entering a name into the search field, I finally found out a possible reason why. There is apparently a very significant book written about the Freemasonry, from known inception until 1918. If that term sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen “National Treasure.” While my great-great-grandfather was not Nicolas Cage, he was in fact a Commander of The Royal Arch Masonry in the Tropics. An American Elite, amongst the likes of George Washington and those that followed. In my attempts to learn more about my family, I discovered a significant piece of American history. That is the epitome of community research and digital curating.
On a more universally relatable topic. As I’ve begun my journey back into the turbulent seas of job applications, I find myself researching, evaluating, and assessing various companies, technological advancements, and even application tools I have come across. With my twenty year background in web and digital technology, I have been exposed to the evolution of tools as well as requirements. Yes, I am quietly critiquing your websites BEFORE every position I apply for.
The one tool that stands out more than any, and because I’ve seen it multiple times, is the Oracle job/human resources application. I have been unable to actually find the direct product line, but whoever designed it needs some training in ADA/WCAG Accessibility because it would not pass at it stands today. All fields on the form are non-visible. I do not have a disability and I have struggled with every one of these applications as the fields are simply un-identifiable. Is it the mission to not let disabled persons apply to your positions? Oracle may have created the product, but you will be the first recourse. The job market is hard enough these days, let’s not make it harder.
With that being said, I am available if you need someone to curate and provide recommendations for how to improve your website(s), apps, platforms, email campaigns, marketing directives, etc. I’ve already been taking notes!
Myers Rigs Consulting 
Leave a comment