In the vast expanse of the digital age, where every click creates content, I find myself pondering: What truly makes something a record? As I muse over the records we create both in our professional and personal lives, I can’t help but wonder – does my blog qualify? 

I’ve been feeling introspective these days and exploring the essence of records, the fine line between personal and professional, and the intrinsic value of content. 

What is a Record?

Traditionally, a record is any piece of information, irrespective of its format, produced or received during business activities. It stands testament to an organization’s operations, functions, and legacy. On the personal front, records like birth certificates and personal letters chronicle our individual journeys. 

However, as we navigate the digital realm, the definition of a “record” becomes nebulous. With my roots in history and a computer forensic lens, I often grapple with the “potential value” of an artifact. Today’s inconspicuous memo might be tomorrow’s treasure or smoking gun. 

This challenge isn’t exclusive to organizations. On a personal level, is that email about your child’s first recital invaluable? Both spheres grapple with similar dilemmas: defining value, weighing storage costs, and assessing risks. 

Personal v.s. Business: Where’s the Line?

Business records are birthed from professional endeavors, while personal records mirror our daily lives, but what about the gray areas? A blog, especially one echoing professional insight, often treads this blurry line. It’s a personal reflection, yet it can underscore expertise and industry acumen. 

In regulated sectors, blogs are unequivocally records, warranting meticulous management. My penchant for writing often blurs personal and professional realms. Heck, I even harness M365, a business tool, to orchestrate my personal day-to-day management and records.

The Value of Content

Content’s true worth lies in its power to inform, impart knowledge, and inspire. While certain records like birth certificates inherently hold value, the worth of others is more elusive. Organizations often lean on policies to categorize records, but individuals rarely have such structured systems. The guiding questions remain: Is it valuable to me? Will it matter to posterity? 

Drawing from the wisdom of my friend and mentor, Skip Walter, and the WUKID model (Wisdom-Understanding-Knowledge-Information-Data), I’ve discerned that while any piece of information can be a record, it morphs into knowledge when it spurs action. My aspiration is for my content, akin to Skip’s profound musings, to evolve into future knowledge and wisdom.