The nominator note is optional, and is a way to additional context that’s not in the story such as:
- Background about the author, their experience or expertise that’s not included in the story
- The context of the story — does it fit into a larger story or cultural discussion? Is it timely for a reason we might not know?
- Your analysis about the story, as a subject matter expert
Remember, if you don’t have additional information about the story, then there's no need to leave a note at all! Stories with no note are reviewed by curation in the exact same manner.
Nominator Note DOs & DON’Ts
DOs:
- Keep it short
1-2 sentences is fine! - Share additional context with our curators
Info about the author, how the story is timely or fits into larger cultural conversation — anything a casual reader might not know about the topic - Share your expertise and offer your expert analysis
As an expert in your topic, what do you know about this story that a curator might not?
DON’Ts:
- Don’t summarize the story
Our curation team is going to read the story regardless, so there’s no need for a synopsis. - Don’t list how the story meets the Boost criteria
We know you think the story is Boost-worthy – that’s why you’re submitting it! - Don’t flatter, plead, or pressure curators
There’s no need to do this. Notes like this are not a good use of your time.
Example effective nominator notes, with explanations of why each one is effective:
As a developer, I've learned firsthand the value of simplicity in software development, and this article resonates with me because it reflects the challenges I've encountered when trying to advocate for simpler solutions in complex projects. The article's emphasis on understanding business needs and prioritizing simplicity over unnecessary complexity aligns with my own experiences.
This note includes the nominator’s expertise, and how it helped them recognize the value in this story.
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This story is in response to a recent article in The Atlantic about how snack foods have impacted American health. The author's experience as both a chemist and the survivor of an eating disorder gives them a unique perspective.
This note provides the backstory of how this story fits into a timely cultural conversation, and how the author is uniquely well-suited to tell the story.
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Social media feeds exploded yesterday morning with the news that Steve Albini had died. Albini's influence on music can't be overstated–as a producer, he had his magical touch on some of the most influential artists of the 90s and beyond, including Nirvana, PJ Harvey, the Pixies, Nine Inch Nails, and countless others… We're honored to share this incredible, timely tribute.
This note provides context for who the subject of the story is, why the story is timely, and how it fits into a larger cultural context.
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A personal essay about aging and housing accommodations for the elders by a 61-year-old author, who eventually found refuge in a boarding house for elderly women. "Older single women are among some of the highest-risk groups for homelessness," she adds before she gives us the ins and outs of the modern boarding house she's sharing with 11 other women over age 55.
This note highlights how the author’s experience informs the story.
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This author has left OpenAI, which is quite interesting as I have spent months integrating OpenAI features into products, so I know the tech is solid–but the insight coming from this author is not what most AI integration engineers would be aware of.
The nominator references their professional experience and how it impacts their understanding of why this story matters.
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If I were writing a book based on my own software development best practices, this would be the first chapter. Software engineering best-practices can be incredibly dry and unappealing reads, but this author’s story solves that problem beautifully.
This note provides context on both the nominator’s expertise in selecting the story, and how this expertise helps them see how this story is different from the industry standard.
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This is this author's third story about their experiences hot air ballooning with a disability. As a disability policy reform activist myself, I love how the author highlights the ways that accessibility is so important for small business owners.
The nominator gives us extra context about the story (it being part of a series), and relates their activist expertise to why the story is important.
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In 10 years I have rarely sat in meetings where designers and engineers agreed on everything, but when it happened it looked very much like this story suggests it should happen and the actionable advice is spot-on.
This nominator connects their professional experience and expertise to share why this story’s advice is relevant and valuable. They give us a clear understanding of how they’re an expert on this issue, and why this story is great for readers.
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As an exclusively Apple user for 25 years with a license to repair, I can't but nod sadly how technology has gone towards non-repairability, but as a long time electronics hobbyist I agree with the author–sooner or later we'll turn everything into devices far too small to repair. It's in our nature to push the boundaries of technology and the author prepares us for that future.
The nominator gives us context for how their background gives them the expertise to recognize the value of the story.