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

Authors

  • Pamela J. McKenzie University of Western Ontario
  • Jacquelyn Burkell University of Western Ontario
  • Lola Wong University of Western Ontario
  • Caroline Whippey University of Western Ontario
  • Samuel E. Trosow University of Western Ontario
  • Michael B. McNally University of Western Ontario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i6.3912

Keywords:

user-generated online content, blogs, open-source software, wikis, apps, mods

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.

Author Biographies

Pamela J. McKenzie, University of Western Ontario

Associate Professor, Faculty of Information and Media Studies

Jacquelyn Burkell, University of Western Ontario

Associate Professor, Faculty of Information and Media Studies

Lola Wong, University of Western Ontario

Doctoral student, Faculty of Information and Media Studies

Caroline Whippey, University of Western Ontario

Doctoral student, Faculty of Information and Media Studies

Samuel E. Trosow, University of Western Ontario

Associate Professor, Faculty of Information and Media Studies and Faculty of Law

Michael B. McNally, University of Western Ontario

Doctoral candidate, Faculty of Information and Media Studies

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Published

2012-06-06

How to Cite

McKenzie, P. J., Burkell, J., Wong, L., Whippey, C., Trosow, S. E., & McNally, M. B. (2012). User-generated online content 1: Overview, current state and context. First Monday, 17(6). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i6.3912