Crowd sourcing

Photographers started making websites to allow corporate and online users to access free or low priced content. This allowed the beginning of crowdsourcing which created competition to other markets. Instead of creating original content which would be a great expense, people started to find cheaper content online. Facebook, myspace, and youtube are examples of businesses that became profitable because of user-generated content.

Many websites have become billion dollar businesses because it provides users with access to each other’s services. It has become very popular and we now have websites and apps to provide for many different things. It started off as posting our own skits and films. Now, we have cab services provided by other users, such as Uber and Uber Eats; babysitting, services provided by regular people on apps like Urban Sitter, etc. Many of these apps are user-generated content, profiles, and gather information to help others find the services they need. It is also cheaper for companies to use this type of business. They do not have to hire anyone. We provide for ourselves. They consider crowdsourcing as a source of cheap focus groups making market research easier.

In a way, we continuously give marketers free data at all times. We post what we want, what we buy, what we like, etc. Apps like Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, these apps show what we spend our money on, or plan to. Now, the difference is that back then only professionals were paid for their time. Amateurs can now receive payment from getting views, likes, etc. This is making it difficult for creative professions to thrive. “One consequence is that the line between professionals and amateurs is blurring. And as the line blurs, the professionals find their once-stable professions turned upside down.” (Mcardle)

I believe this is the future of companies. Many will try to avoid original content unless necessary. This saves money and allows for quicker production. We are seeing everything convert to crowdsourcing before our very own eyes without realizing it.

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