Introduction
Summary of the book Curate This! by Steven Rosenbaum. Before moving forward, let’s briefly explore the core idea of the book. Picture a world where information rushes around you like a wild river. Every day, new stories, videos, songs, and ideas flow past, too many to count. In the middle of this swirl, you stand eager to learn, but unsure where to start. Now imagine meeting someone who knows exactly how to help—a dedicated guide who handpicks only what is truly important, interesting, or inspiring. They cut through the noise, highlight the gems, and give you a clear path forward. This is the art of curation. In the following chapters, you’ll discover why human curators matter, what makes them great, and how they transform randomness into rich, meaningful experiences. You’ll learn about proven techniques, clever strategies, and inspiring success stories. By the end, you’ll understand how curators shape our understanding of the world. Let’s take this journey, and find out how curation turns chaos into clarity.
Chapter 1: How A Flood Of Online Information Makes Human Curators More Important Than Ever.
Imagine standing before an immense, ever-growing library where new books, articles, videos, and audio recordings appear every second, filling every shelf so quickly that you can barely keep up. That’s what the internet is like today. Every moment, massive amounts of information flow onto our screens: news updates, blog posts, research reports, social media chatter, and countless forms of multimedia. Long ago, when the web was smaller, it felt exciting to search for answers and find them easily. But as the years passed, the volume became overwhelming. There isn’t just one answer to a question; there are tens of thousands of answers, and many sound almost identical, making it tough to know what’s truly helpful. This chaos creates a challenge: how can anyone discover what’s best or most reliable amidst the endless flood of data? We need something special—someone skilled at sifting, selecting, and shining a spotlight on the right content.
At first glance, we might think that computers, with their powerful algorithms, can handle this job. After all, search engines like Google instantly gather vast amounts of information and present lists of links. Similarly, websites like Techmeme and MediaGazer automatically collect popular headlines from around the web, placing trending topics right at the top. While these tools are helpful, they can also be limited. Often, they focus on what’s popular instead of what’s meaningful. Popularity alone doesn’t guarantee depth, originality, or true usefulness. It’s a bit like organizing a bookstore by how many times customers pick up a title without considering whether the book is actually good. Without a human mind making thoughtful choices, it’s easy to miss unique perspectives, fresh voices, and important stories that aren’t yet famous. Software can gather, but it struggles to truly understand what we value deep inside.
This is where a human curator steps in. A human curator is not simply a machine following a popularity contest. Instead, they are careful judges of quality who know how to separate fleeting fads from lasting treasures. They read widely, listen closely, and think critically about what people need and want. Whether they specialize in art, technology news, culinary recipes, sports highlights, or educational materials, human curators understand their chosen topic deeply. They pay attention to the context surrounding a piece of content: its authenticity, its relevance to current events, and its ability to inspire or inform. Rather than just relying on raw numbers, curators consider subtle elements like creativity, accuracy, and unique viewpoints. In a world drowning in online chatter, a good curator becomes a guiding light, directing audiences to content that genuinely matters.
As we move deeper into the digital age, the need for human curation becomes more urgent. With each passing day, the amount of fresh content multiplies. Without skilled curators, we risk losing sight of important ideas as they vanish in the background noise of countless random posts. A talented curator can shape a meaningful experience for their audience—one that rewards curious minds, saves precious time, and cuts through mindless repetition. By carefully choosing and presenting worthwhile information, curators help ensure that internet users don’t drown in irrelevant clutter. Instead, they can navigate efficiently toward thoughtful articles, honest journalism, and innovative discoveries. In this sense, curators are like skilled gardeners: pruning away useless weeds and shaping a vibrant digital garden where valuable knowledge and insights can flourish. This human touch, this sense of judgment and taste, is what makes curation an art that no machine can fully replace.
Chapter 2: The Five Essential Skills Every Successful Content Curator Must Master To Shine.
You may wonder what it takes to become a top-notch content curator. Is it enough just to rearrange a few articles or compile a list of popular videos? Not really. True curation involves several key abilities that go far beyond simple collecting. One of the first skills you must develop is the ability to create your own original content as well. Why does this matter? Because if you merely shuffle existing materials without ever adding your own voice, you become just another information distributor. The Huffington Post understood this principle. While it brought together news stories and links from various sources, it also contributed fresh articles, commentaries, and even invited readers to join discussions. This mixture of curated pieces and original creations sets outstanding curators apart. They become known not merely for organizing what others make, but for adding their own unique perspective into the conversation.
Another essential skill for a curator is reliability in scheduling. Consider how comforting it is to know when your favorite TV show airs or when your local newspaper arrives. People appreciate consistency. If a curator promises new curated posts every Monday afternoon, readers will learn to visit on Mondays, expecting a fresh selection. By delivering a steady flow of interesting materials, a curator builds trust and loyalty. Without a dependable pattern, audiences may feel uncertain or frustrated, unsure when to return. Consistency acts like a handshake agreement between curators and their followers, making it easier for people to keep coming back. Whether it’s a weekly podcast highlighting the best of tech news or a monthly newsletter summarizing the top nonfiction book insights, setting and keeping a schedule is a quiet but powerful way to earn your readers’ respect.
The third skill is proactive outreach. In today’s world, you can’t just wait and hope people stumble across your work. Great curators seek out their audience. This means identifying where potential readers or viewers spend their time—be it Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or a specialized online forum—and then meeting them there. Share bite-sized updates, tease upcoming highlights, and introduce people to your curated treasures. Start conversations and leave thoughtful comments on related social media posts or online discussions. Over time, this kind of engagement helps you stand out. People begin to recognize you as a passionate expert, someone who not only presents good content but also cares about the community’s interests. By doing so, you transform casual browsers into enthusiastic followers who look forward to each new recommendation.
The fourth and fifth skills revolve around integrity and generosity. As a curator, you must always credit sources. If you post an insightful article, mention the author and where it came from. If you share a beautiful photograph or compelling infographic, let people know who created it. Proper attribution is crucial because it respects the original creators, and it shows your audience that you value honesty. No one likes feeling that their work was stolen or stripped of its origin. Honest curators build bridges between content creators and audiences, fostering a positive community. Alongside giving credit, be open to sharing what you’ve learned. Building a strong network means encouraging others to contribute, whether through user-submitted pieces or reader suggestions. Think of it as a dynamic circle of trust, where everyone benefits. By mastering these five abilities—creating, scheduling, reaching out, crediting, and sharing—you step into the realm of superb curation.
Chapter 3: Learning From BuzzFeed’s Genius Tactics To Make Content Irresistibly Shareable.
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, you’ve probably seen a BuzzFeed article shared by a friend. Why do BuzzFeed’s posts pop up everywhere, drawing millions of clicks each month? BuzzFeed perfected the art of curation combined with creative presentation. Rather than waiting for readers to visit their site directly, BuzzFeed recognized that platforms like Facebook and Twitter had effectively become the internet’s front pages. People no longer needed to go out searching for news because their feeds delivered it directly to them. By placing headlines, images, and quick summaries on popular social media sites, BuzzFeed cleverly ensured that its stories traveled to where the audience already was. In a sense, BuzzFeed didn’t just create content; it smartly guided that content into the mainstream flow of daily online life.
But merely positioning articles in front of people isn’t enough. BuzzFeed also mastered the art of engagement. By encouraging comments, reactions, and discussions, BuzzFeed’s posts became conversation starters. This back-and-forth chatter made content stickier, prompting more shares, more likes, and more visits. Over time, this social loop created a sense of community around BuzzFeed’s curated selections. They weren’t just tossing links into the void; they were stirring up curiosity, tapping into trending interests, and sparking friendly debates among readers. The more people talked about a piece of content, the more attention it received, creating a snowball effect that spread it far and wide.
Another element behind BuzzFeed’s success lies in its blend of human curation and algorithmic efficiency. BuzzFeed uses technology to identify trending topics, scouring various websites, platforms, and forums to pinpoint what’s grabbing people’s attention. Yet it doesn’t stop there. Human editors then step in to shape that raw material into something more appealing—crafting catchy headlines, summarizing complex stories into easy-to-grasp lists, or pairing information with funny GIFs or images. This combination of human creativity and machine-driven discovery ensures that BuzzFeed’s content feels fresh, current, and entertaining. In other words, machines provide the starting point, but humans add the storytelling magic.
BuzzFeed’s listicles are perhaps the most famous example of its curated style. By delivering information as short, numbered lists, BuzzFeed makes content digestible and fun. Readers know they can quickly skim a 10 Best list and instantly get the main idea. This rapid, joyful consumption matches modern internet habits. We often scroll rapidly, looking for something that instantly clicks. BuzzFeed understood this and perfected the list format, making even complex topics feel approachable. By doing so, BuzzFeed not only shows us an example of successful curation but also teaches an important lesson: great curation isn’t merely about choosing good content. It’s about presenting that content in a format that resonates with modern audiences, encouraging them to share, comment, and keep returning for more.
Chapter 4: Exploring Multiple Methods Of Curation, From Aggregation To Video Playlists.
Curation isn’t just one simple technique; it’s a toolbox of methods, each useful in different scenarios. Two common approaches are aggregation and distillation. Aggregation involves gathering related content into one place, letting readers find everything they need without searching endlessly. Think of it like a neatly organized buffet table offering samples of a particular theme. BuzzFeed’s lists, for example, aggregate entertaining content around a topic—such as the funniest moments from a popular TV show—so you can enjoy it in one go. This approach appeals to people who like browsing a greatest hits collection of articles, videos, or images.
Distillation, on the other hand, focuses on refining large amounts of information into its most essential points. Blinkist is a prime example. Instead of reading an entire lengthy nonfiction book, readers can enjoy a distilled version that highlights the key ideas. By removing details that might be repetitive or too complex for a quick overview, distillation saves time and energy. The result? Readers gain the core lessons without wading through hundreds of pages. This approach can help busy learners stay informed, develop new perspectives, or discover whether a full-length source is worth a deeper read.
Curation isn’t limited to text. Video curation is another powerful method. Platforms like YouTube, initially designed for direct content creation, soon recognized the need for curation as their video library exploded. Over time, YouTube introduced playlists and channels where users could group related videos by theme, topic, or interest. This shift allowed viewers to find thoughtful collections—like a set of tutorial videos on learning a musical instrument or a series of interviews about climate science—without having to hop between random uploads. YouTube itself curates content by recommending videos based on your viewing history, and human curators further refine these experiences by creating specialized playlists that guide audiences toward the best material available.
Besides aggregation, distillation, and video playlists, countless other curation styles exist. Some curators personalize content by combining different media formats—articles, podcasts, infographics—into a single themed package. Others highlight lesser-known voices, serving as cultural scouts who bring hidden gems to public attention. Some rely on humor, storytelling, or narrative hooks to keep audiences engaged. The art lies in matching the right method to the right audience and topic. By experimenting with different models, you can discover what resonates best with your readers. Ultimately, curation is about forging a connection: linking people to information that will enrich their knowledge, entertain them, or guide them toward meaningful decisions. With so many methods at your fingertips, you can shape a distinctive style that sets you apart in a crowded online world.
Chapter 5: Becoming A Trusted Guide Who Helps Readers Filter Out All The Noise.
In a world flooded with marketing campaigns, advertisements, and clickbait, people are becoming more cautious about what they consume. Their inboxes are stuffed with promotional emails promising miracles, and their social feeds overflow with questionable tips and spammy links. Understandably, many users respond by tightening their personal filters. They install tools that block unwanted newsletters, unsubscribe from random mailing lists, and rely on apps like Sanebox to sort their messages. Imagine how exhausting it would be if you had to sort through a hundred irrelevant emails just to find one meaningful message from a friend. It’s no surprise that people are increasingly selective, instantly deleting anything that feels like unwanted clutter.
As a curator, you must understand this shift. Audiences today don’t want more noise; they want clarity. If you constantly push irrelevant content or overwhelm readers with too many updates, they will filter you out. To avoid that fate, focus on quality over quantity. Instead of sharing every single interesting link you find, pick the ones that truly matter. Ask yourself what your audience really needs. Is it thoughtful commentary that helps them see current events in a new light? Is it a carefully chosen set of tutorials that genuinely solve their problems? When you provide genuine value, readers are more likely to open your messages, follow your recommendations, and trust your judgment.
Listening is a powerful tool here. Don’t just watch what readers click on; pay attention to what they say. Maybe invite them to fill out a brief survey about which topics they’d like to see more often, or encourage them to leave comments suggesting improvements. Show them that you value their opinions, and use that feedback to adjust your curation. This interactive approach turns curation into a conversation rather than a one-way broadcast. Over time, as you refine your selections and demonstrate that you genuinely care about helping, your audience will reward you with loyalty. They’ll return again and again, knowing that you consistently deliver something worthwhile.
In this era, trust is earned slowly but lost quickly. If you become known as a curator who places honesty, fairness, and authenticity first, you’ll stand out from the mass of noise. Remember, readers want to find reliable guides who make their lives easier, not sources that waste their time. By focusing on high-quality material, respecting your audience’s needs, and inviting their input, you become that trusted guide. As the clutter around them grows, people will rely on you to point the way toward clearer understanding. This trust, once built, is a strong foundation on which you can continue to grow, experimenting with new themes, styles, and formats without losing your loyal readership. Simply put, your relationship with your audience becomes a partnership that elevates everyone’s online experience.
Chapter 6: Embracing The Future Of Curation, Building Loyal Audiences And Trustworthy Brands.
As technology continues to advance, many wonder if machines will someday handle curation entirely on their own. We’ve already seen automated tools that rank trending stories or suggest related videos, and artificial intelligence is getting smarter. Yet, the true magic of curation lies in human judgment—our ability to sense quality, creativity, empathy, and authenticity. Machines might grow more powerful, but humans bring a unique understanding of culture, emotion, and context. There’s a reason museums still hire expert curators rather than relying solely on popularity metrics. Similarly, in the digital realm, a human curator can become a trusted advisor, helping audiences navigate the complex world of information and ideas.
Looking ahead, we can imagine a world where curation involves a synergy between man and machine. Automated tools might handle initial sorting, filtering massive data streams to identify emerging trends or significant topics. Curators would then refine these raw materials, selecting only what aligns with their audience’s interests and values. By blending human intuition with technological speed, future curators could offer even more personalized, relevant collections. Instead of spending hours searching for that perfect documentary or insightful essay, users could rely on a trusted curator who has already done the heavy lifting, ensuring that every recommendation feels personal and meaningful.
Building a loyal audience also means creating a recognizable brand around your curation. It’s not enough to simply present good content; people should remember where it came from. Maybe your brand stands for uncovering hidden indie films, or championing lesser-known voices in environmental activism, or demystifying complicated science topics. Over time, audiences come to trust your stamp of approval. They know that if content comes through you, it’s worth their time. This sense of identity turns casual visitors into devoted fans who share your work widely, helping your influence grow. As you refine your brand’s personality—its tone, style, and set of values—you become a reliable fixture in their online lives.
With increasing competition and online clutter, successful curation will hinge on building long-term relationships. By consistently delivering value, engaging with your community, and evolving alongside new technologies, you’ll stay relevant. After all, the internet changes rapidly. New platforms rise and fall, new cultural phenomena emerge, and audience tastes shift. A skilled curator can adapt to these transformations, always hunting for fresh angles, original sources, and surprising discoveries. In this exciting future, curation isn’t just about finding stuff; it’s about guiding people through knowledge journeys. By embracing innovation while honoring timeless human insight, you’ll secure a place in the digital landscape as a beacon of clarity and trust.
All about the Book
Curate This! is a visionary guide that empowers readers to master the art of curation, enhance their storytelling skills, and harness the power of digital media in today’s information-rich world.
Steven Rosenbaum is a renowned curator and thought leader, specializing in digital storytelling and media innovation, helping others navigate the complexities of content in the digital landscape.
Content Marketers, Digital Media Professionals, Educators, Social Media Managers, Information Architects
Blogging, Photography, Video Production, Social Media Engagement, Research and Analysis
Information Overload, Content Longevity, Digital Literacy, Effective Storytelling
In the endless sea of information, curation is the lighthouse guiding us to understanding.
Gary Vaynerchuk, Seth Godin, Malcolm Gladwell
Winner of the 2021 Media Innovation Award, Recipient of the 2020 Digital Storytelling Award, Finalist for the 2022 Best Business Book Award
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