2 of 11

Write now Article Tools

UGC, with a possible video channel, aims to serve the users to generate contents with efficiency. YouTube and MySpace are using the system well, and YouTube is always talked about as an example for the use of UGC, which brews the money-making dreams of the IT probers with more fantasies. Is UGC really bringing profits to most of the internet companies?

UGC really provides convenience and efficiency, and it also expands the channels for the IT probers to make more money. We cannot deny that the YouTube can be a good example for the users of UGC system of WEB2.0. However, we should also pay attention to the companies which pay "Tuitions" without any results. Even worse, some of the companies went bankrupt under the burden of this system. In spite of these, we have to make a very object study on UGC. Unlike the new nobles, such as YouTube, out of the womb of UGC, which is said to be so, many of the users uttered their complaints. We cannot say that it is the fault of the system, but it shows that the system doesn't fit all the areas on the internet. It is a good system to some, but it is not for some others. As the saying goes, one's meet, other's poison.

To some companies and other users, UGC needs a plus. This is inevitable when the users want the system to serve their purpose well. For example, Kongregate, a flash game company tries UGC + SNS(social network services), which started from a test at March this year, gained 1 million US dollars. So, it is important to make the UGC suitable for different users, and it would be more powerful than it is said to be. Also, more "New Nobles" may be born out of it. Therefore, we find that it is more powerful when it is integrated with other "personalized" components. The system spurs the development of the internet as well.

As a system, it is nice for writings and editors and other persons who like writing articles and reviews. For example, the reviews for a piece of news, the review cannot be regarded as UGC if it is flagged as rubbish, adopted by del.icio.us. The nicest thing is that it is neither the noble nor the wrecked - it is for the common, and so is the contents generated. There are no glorious shining points of the layouts, and there are no very distinct features which can attract the customers' eyeballs.

Though many of us cannot benefit from the system and the UGC itself is not omnipotent, it is helpful to its true and right users. This is definitely true, as it has been approved by the achievements shown by its customers in recent years. Talking about business value, we shouldn't expect too much out of it. As we know, even the YouTube gets a small portion of advertisement income from UGC.

Here is the conclusion: UGC is a useful system. To some, it is a treasure, to some others, it is a poison. Not all of us should have the dream to be a millionaire or billionaire out of it. It has to be used properly, and it should be used right for the business of its users.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Bells.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Assessing the value of user generated content (UGC)?
We want to hear your view. Write now!