User Generated Content

Recognizing the information processing and distribution power represented by a contemporary laptop, camera, and cell phone in the hands of the average users, it is easy to see the Internet as a revolutionary change. Whether it's writing blog posts, uploading photos and videos, or posting comments on content uploaded by others, user generated content is a realization of the inherent possibility in the web for anyone and everyone to be a source of content, not just a consumer.

But how do enterprises participate in this world? How do the "professional" creators, editors, and distributors of content enable mass audience participation while still providing value? These are the core strategic questions companies need to be able to answer to survive (and even thrive) in this new world. 

According to a December 2007 study published by the PEW foundation, "Teens and Social Media," 64% of online teenagers ages 12 to 17 (in the US) participate in some form of online content creation.