Crowdsourcing, what?

They say that two heads are better than one and, in most cases, I agree.

So when it comes to working together to get projects and/or assignments done, I feel that the more input received, the better. That is why I am in favor of this relatively new concept -- crowdsourcing.

Now, let me clarify -- do I believe that amateur, less-experienced folks can do the same type of work as professional journalists with years of experience? In a word: no. But I do think that they can provide valuable information to them.

Crowdsourcing? Well, not exactly.
Courtesy: Creative Commons

Take, for example, the fact that crowdsourcing, while it may be a new concept, appears to be taking the world by storm. One Web site hosts an interactive discussion board forum where people can discuss the ever-changing world of crowdsourcing and can even attend meetings and round table discussions about the dang thing.

I wouldn't go that far -- but I do think that using all of the resources at ones disposal is a smart play in the long run.

And that's where people like interns and associates come in. I imagine that in the next couple of months, you will see this term being used a lot more with these types of people -- ones who aren't on the same level as someone else but are being asked to help out in various forms of crowdsourcing.

Even Business Week Magazine ran a story on companies using this technique. I think it's safe to say that it's here -- and it's here to stay. So why not jump on board?