In 'Crowdsourcing', Jeff Howe unveils the revolutionary power of harnessing the collective intelligence of the masses. He explores how ordinary people can contribute to creativity and problem-solving in ways previously unimaginable. With engaging examples from various industries, Howe illustrates the profound impact of collaboration in the digital age. This provocative read challenges traditional notions of expertise and authority, suggesting that crowds can often outperform traditional institutions. Dive into the world of crowdsourcing and discover how it can reshape innovation and community.
By Jeff Howe
Published: 2009
"The wisdom of the crowd is not just the sum of individual opinions, but a powerful force for innovation, creativity, and collective intelligence that can reshape our world."
Why does Procter & Gamble repeatedly call on enthusiastic amateurs to solve scientific and technical challenges? How can companies as diverse as iStockphoto and Threadless employ just a handful of people, yet generate millions of dollars in revenue every year? "Crowdsourcing" is how the power of the many can be leveraged to accomplish feats that were once the responsibility of a specialized few. Jeff Howe reveals that the crowd is more than wise–it’s talented, creative, and stunningly productive. It’s also a perfect meritocracy, where age, gender, race, education, and job history no longer matter; the quality of the work is all that counts. If you can perform the service, design the product, or solve the problem, you’ve got the job. But crowdsourcing has also triggered a dramatic shift in the way work is organized, talent is employed, research is conducted, and products are made and marketed. As the crowd comes to supplant traditional forms of labor, pain and disruption are inevitable, and Howe delves into both the positive and negative consequences of this intriguing phenomenon. Through extensive reporting from the front lines of this workplace revolution, he employs a brilliant array of stories to look at the economic, cultural, business, and political implications of crowdsourcing.
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“The wisdom of the crowd is not just the sum of individual opinions, but a powerful force for innovation, creativity, and collective intelligence that can reshape our world.”
Crowdsourcing
By Jeff Howe
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jeff Howe is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his insightful exploration of technology and its impact on society. He gained widespread recognition for his seminal book, 'Crowdsourcing: Why the Power of the Crowd Is Driving the Future of Business,' which examines how collective intelligence is reshaping industries. Howe has also contributed to notable publications such as Wired and The New York Times, where he provides analysis on the intersection of culture and technology. His writing style is characterized by a clear, engaging prose that makes complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.
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