I am currently reading "Crowdsourcing" written by this cool cat Jeff Howe.  By this time many people know the term and typically base it around the premises that web users make web content for websites…ta-da!  Yes this is the superficial nature of crowdsourcing; however, there are much more technological and sociological implications which makes this new development veryyyy interesting.    Here our just a couple aspects of crowdsourcing that I think are interesting:

• Shift from professional to amateur based "workforce"- Many industries once required certifications, degrees and a platinum badge.  With the information age in the forefront and the industrial age long gone it's more evident than ever that specialization is not required as frequently as before and passion has now taken its place as being essential.  Many hobbyists are building some amazing tools with no proper training.

• Companies Finding Solutions Outside Their Employee Base- This is a little redundant to the first point, but it's important to point out that with the proper positioning companies are having their problems solved like never before.  They are getting fresh new minds from outside the cooperate to add to the bottom line and reduce their cost on labor.  As Jeff Howe puts it, "crowdsourcing is outsourcing on steroids".

• Crowdsourcing Can Dictate Demand and Monetization-With no true need for a robust cooperate infrastructure, "crowdsourcing companies" are taking advantage of their little overhead and low production costs.  Much of the time these companies will have the freedom to dictate their own margins on their products and services.  Not only that, but more importantly, consumers get to directly participate in the production of their goods.  Check out Threadless and iStockphoto to get more insight into two of the leaders in the industry.

In this digital age of online sharing, crowdsourcing is the cornerstone of the internet that powers content, community and commerce.  Check out the video and read Crowdsourcing for insights from the man in this space, Jeff Howe.

PS: I will touch base on crowdsourcing again in the future.  Pending me finishing the book (be patient).

-Brenton

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