5 Interesting Crowdsourcing Websites
Crowdsourcing is a term that was coined back in 2006 by writer Jeff Howe for a Wired magazine article. Although the concept was far from new, the term wasn’t. In a nutshell, crowdsourcing is the act of sending out tasks that are normally performed by an individual to a group of people. The idea is that more minds and hands are better than one and for the most part that’s true.
Many software developers and computer enginners have been aware of crowdsourcing for quite some time. Clearly, having the collaboration of other like-minded experts allows projects to be built cheaper, faster and more precisely compared to one that is carried out by a single person.
Now more than ever a rash of companies that are built on crowdsourcing are springing up across the internet. Here’s a handful of some of the more interesting and interactive ones.
Formerly known as GooseGrade, this site is a dream for die-hard proofers and fact-checkers. Editz is pretty basic in concept. Let’s say your reading something on the web, perhaps someone’s blog post, and you spot a typo. As an Editz member you can correct the error and the site’s widget will automatically generate a friendly email that notifies the blog owner so that the correction can be made. Pretty handy for anyone who can’t afford a proofreader or who write and check twice.
If you find yourself stuck in your car during rush hour or if you just have a long commute to and from your office then you need to checkout Waze. Through GPS technology, the Waze application allows users to report traffic problems to other users. It also gives users the opportunity to see the ebb and flow of traffic when an accident or event is reported.
Another great feature is that users can correct misspelled or unmarked street names and flag errors for correction to ensure that map data is as accurate as possible. Contributions are rewarded for reporting traffic events, miles driven, identifying and mapping new roads and more. As users accrue points they’re eligible for a position in Waze’s Hall of Fame and the privilege to edit other users’ errors.
This subsidiary of Trendwatching is a site that allows savvy marketers and trendspotters to sign-up, track and report new trends, consumer behavior and changes in the marketplace. Trendwatching’s Happy Spotting site boasts more than 8,000 members who keep an eye on what’s hot, what’s not and what you might not even be aware of. Spotters gather and submit their information through a report process and receive points in return. Accumulated points can be exchanged for a variety of uber cool rewards and prizes like iPods, jumpdrives and other fun gadgets.
Out of all the crowdsourcing sites on the internet, Threadless seems to command the most attention. This community-based t-shirty company has an ongoing open call for design submissions. Graphic artists, creative illustrators and designers alike can submit their designs for review and vote by the community. T-shirt designs with the most votes are produced and sold.
What makes Threadless unique is that the designs are developed by professional and gifted artists. With so many stunning pieces to choose from you’ll find it hard to cast your vote for just one.
This is a place where crowdsourcing is joining people together who have life-changing conditions. It’s free to join and by providing some basic health information you can connect with others from around the globe who are living with challenges from the same disease. Through common disease states and diagnoses, patients can share information, develop support groups and discover new way to take charge of their health.
Crowdsourcing as a concept is growing quickly as a preferred way to research and gather information from the masses. Businesses stand to benefit by seeking out feedback from groups of people and using it collectively to shape and build new concepts and ideas. Stay tuned for a future post on social media and crowdsourcing can work together.
