Crowdsourcing and User-Generated Content

Crowdsourcing has challenged the long-held notion that professionally-produced content is more valuable or desired than that which is made by amateurs.  Due to technological advances, ordinary people who have not specialized in a specific skill can create profitable goods or merchandise that is equally appealing, without the years of training.  For example, affordable cameras now have the same capabilities as those used by professional photographers, and the internet has made it possible for individuals who purchase these cameras to offer their own photos for a percentage of the price.  Such was the dilemma faced by Mark Harmel, a freelance photographer, in 2004, as described in the article “The Rise of Crowdsourcing” by Jeff Howe. While Mark’s photos could cost $300 or more at full price, those who pursued photography solely as a part-time hobby could sell their photos online for as little as $1 for basic images.  Howe describes, “Technological advances in everything from product design software to digital video cameras are breaking down the cost barriers that once separated amateurs from professionals.” In a similar fashion to what Mark experienced, Charles Murray acknowledged a significant decrease in payment for his op-ed work for The New York Times in “The Blurring Line Between Amateur and Professional” by Timothy B. Lee.  Because op-ed pieces do not require the level of skill and journalistic work as a news article, individuals with no prior experience are given opportunities to have their work featured as well, which drives prices down for all op-eds.  In this way, the New York Times has managed to use crowdsourcing to save money by relying on the work of amateurs, rather than professionals.

Like the New York Times, crowdsourcing is being utilized in other industries, such as television, as well.  On VH1, for example, a show called Web Junk 20 features clips sent in from internet users who had posted their videos online.  In this way, individuals with no prior training are given airtime on a cable channel, replacing what in the past would have been dedicated to professional entertainers and crews.  In “The Rise of Crowdsourcing”, Howe emphasizes the how this is an advantage for many companies. He writes, “smart companies in industries as disparate as pharmaceuticals and television discover ways to tap the latent talent of the crowd. The labor isn’t always free, but it costs a lot less than paying traditional employees.”  Another example of crowdsourcing is the Airbnb online marketplace, which allows people to rent out their apartments or houses for short periods of time, functioning as an amateur hotel service. Through Airbnb, customers have access to cheaper places for rent than would be typically through more professional avenues.

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