the co-matter podcast
Charles Broskoski: The Story Behind Are.na
Nov 11, 2019
Charles Broskoski, co-founder of Are.na—a unique visual organization tool for artists and thinkers—shares insights from his journey in creating a community-driven platform. He discusses the growth of Are.na from a few artist friends to over 100,000 members. The conversation emphasizes the significance of subscription-based models over advertising, advocating for mindful online spaces. Charles also imparts advice on community building, highlighting the importance of engaging with users and valuing their feedback.
34:18
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Quick takeaways
- Are.na has successfully transitioned from a small group of artists to a global community of over 100,000 members by prioritizing meaningful idea sharing.
- The platform's subscription model fosters alignment between creators and users, emphasizing the importance of a mindful online space over traditional advertising techniques.
Deep dives
Understanding Arena's Unique Concept
Arena is designed as a visual organization tool that aims to help users connect and build knowledge through idea sharing rather than the typical 'like' interactions of other social networks. It is often described as 'Pinterest for nerds,' which illustrates its functionality of allowing users to collect and organize visual inspirations in a community-driven environment. The platform encourages a mindful approach to creativity, enabling users to explore and work through projects over time. This emphasis on connecting ideas rather than promoting superficial engagement differentiates Arena from more traditional social media platforms.
