Crowdsourcing is the attaining of information, media, and laborers from data that has been submitted online through the internet, smartphone applications and social media. This trend is becoming increasingly popular by both large and small companies in an approach to create content. According to Larry Huston, the vice president of knowledge and innovation at a company called Procter & Gamble, “we’re talking about bringing people in from outside and involving them in this broadly creative, collaborative process” (Huston, Howe 2006). While company heads such as Larry Huston say things like that, they know the sharing of creative content online will never stop, so why not take advantage of it? More and more users are creating content online than not it seems, whether it be contributing to a feed like Twitter and Instagram or creating an entire brand through Youtube videos or blogs. Companies such as Procter & Gamble know the difference between obtaining creative content from highly paid professionals and willing amateurs. “There were professionals who produced content and were paid for their trouble. And there were amateurs who consumed content and paid for the privilege” (Mcardle 2010). For one, crowdsourcing from people who contribute to online platforms is cheaper, more convenient and less time consuming. Why would a company waist time trying to find a professional which is more expensive, when they could give a random individual “the honor” in being involved in their creative process for sometimes 99% less pay. Not only are several creative professionals’ jobs at risk, but also the research jobs behind these companies that are supposed to seek out these creative professionals. Furthermore, crowdsourcing is another form of a network and shows how individual to individual connections are networks as well. Creative content is more easily accessible than ever because people no longer just consume media and leave its content to the professionals, anyone and everyone could contribute to it and they are! We all are!
Sep 23 2020
