User-generated content 1: Overview, current state, and context

Authors

Pamela J. McKenzie, University of Western OntarioFollow
Jacquelyn Burkell, The University of Western OntarioFollow
Samuel E. Trosow, Western UniversityFollow
Caroline Whippey, The University of Western OntarioFollow
Lola Wong, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Volume

17

Issue

6

Journal

First Monday

First Page

413

Last Page

422

Abstract

This paper reviews a wide range of scholarly and popular literature to provide an overview of the current state of online user–generated content (UGC). We describe the UGC value chain, introduce three varieties of content (creative content, small–scale tools, and collaboratively–created content), and describe the factors unique to each variety. We then identify the common elements across varieties: motivations for content creation, mechanisms to support content creation and control content quality, and value creation. Throughout the article we identify the interrelationships between social and commercial forces on UGC creation and distribution.

Notes

Originally published in First Monday 17(6), June 2012.

Citation of this paper:

Mckenzie, P.J., Burkell, J., Wong, L., Whippey, C., Trosow, S.E., and McNally, M. (2012). User-generated content 1: Overview, current state, and context. First Monday, 17(6), June 2012.