My favorite blogger Stephen Hackett recently wrote an article about the misattribution of the title “curator” to bloggers known for gathering links around the web and sitting them in front of the reader. His article brings to light an interesting fact - “curation” is becoming a buzzword. Any blog gathering the internet in a tidy package can be labeled as such. A certain new service describes itself as selling ”curated” packages. This terminology is quickly becoming coveted. Hackett, and the article he references, both suggest that curation is the wrong term. The first article puts forward the alternative “reporting” but I’m not so sure about that. Hackett offers “editorializing” but I don’t feel that’s right either (in the same way that both myself and Adam Lisagor are uncomfortable calling ourselves “videographers”).

I’m thinking the term “curator” shouldn’t be thrown out just yet. What we know as digital curation is such a unique beast that no other word seems to really fit. Traditional curators are often degree-holding specialists trusted with their materials. Translating this idea to the digital world places emphasis on content that I find very good for web culture. It shows that people place real value in the things they love. However, I think there is a requirement for those who use the term - one must provide some unique context or information when displaying their prized possessions. I have a hard time taking digital “curators” seriously when all they do is throw links together. The why is so important to me when it comes to art.

That being said, I’d gladly be known as a curator of the things I love. I haven’t been sure what to do with this Tumblr for a long while now. As a big lover of social, I feel it’s imprudent to oversaturate any medium. My Instagram photos by and large stay on Instagram. Small bits of thought simply go to Twitter. Personal items and “check-ins” go to Path. Photos go to 500px… and to Tumblr. That’s because I don’t know what else to do with Tumblr. 

Until, a month ago, Hackett’s article prompted me to think about why I appreciate what digital curators are trying to do. I’ve been mulling it over ever since. I don’t think I’ve settled on a conclusion just yet, but I believe it’s something I’ll think about with every post I make here going forward.