The evolution of Web 2.0 has proved for significant changes. Especially in the relationship between the producer and the user. There is no longer a clear line between the producer and the user as there once traditionally was. Something as simple as Youtube can be viewed as a user-led content production forum. Axel Bruns called the Internet a "hybrid of production and usage" (2008) There is no longer a clear line between a producer and a user, we have entered the age of produsage.
Where can you go when you need to know what the term "fo cereal" means, and fast? Whenever i would ask my mother what a word means she would tell me to look it up in the dictionary. Today, so many different subcultures and communities are connected that is is difficult to keep all the differing linguistics straight. Here's what you should tell the kids now "Go look it up at urbandictionary.com ". Actually scrap that, there is no need to add the .com. They will no what you mean.
Urbandictionary is just one example of a commons based peer production site. Instead of their being a hierarchical structure with one person having absolute power there are networks and communities of collaboration. Everyone and anyone can add an entry or edit an existing entry. The user has taken on the role of a producer. Urban dictionary doesn't discriminate, with there being slang from every culture, subculture, community (online or offline) that so chooses to add something. Once again, this is something that is phenomenal about Web 2.0 and the interactivity that takes place in it. There is little geographical boundaries. And as Axel pointed out, there is a "fluid Heterachy" (Bruns, 2007) meaning that the produsers participate to whatever degree they wish or are capable of. A 17 year old boy from New York could edit the entry on Kmart the retail store but may not be able to add that Kmart can also me used to describe Kuz Mexicans Ar Rich Too! (K Mart Sucks Ass,One time I took a shit in the urinal in the bathroom there and the janitor just sat and watched!). However, these posts always remain unfinished as new people come to edit them and even as the slang changes within the communities that evolve. I found it interesting that Urban Dictionary have released a hard copy book since this online forum is constantly evolving. Who decides on what is the correct use of the term, and what term goes into the book. How can it be successful when it would be seriously out of date before the person even receives from amazon.com? Where do the profits of the book go to, and to whom? This commercialization of the collaborative effort goes against the fundamental principle of produsage being that there is no hierarchy, that is is common property. Since so many people contributed to it, how can there be one owner?
Bruns A 2007 Produsage The Key Principles http://produsage.org/node/11,
Bruns A 2008 Produsage Podcast http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1
NB Reference for last blog
Bruns A 2008 DIYMedia and Collaboration http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_29175_1
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Hi Erin,
I really like the way you have linked the concept of produsage, web 2.0 and the example of Urban Dictionary. There are two main points I would like to make about the content you have shared here.
Firstly, I would like to raise the issue that user-produced content is a highly sought after commodity now, both as cultural and economic capital. Whilst commercialisation does seem to go against the principles of produsage, the consensus element of produsage on sites such as Urban Dictionary and Wikipedia allows them to make print versions once there seems to be an agreement in the comments people are adding. As Bruns, 2007 states that produsage “is engaged in an iterative, evolutionary process aimed at the gradual improvement of the community's shared content.” As this involves working towards a common goal, I can’t see any reason not to publish it. It is almost a historical artifact, isn’t it? When a collection of documents are taken at a specific time that represent the era and society they become worth much more than money. The cultural capital is what is really important.
Secondly, I really like that you mentioned “little geographical boundaries”. I think this is a crucial part of produsage, as it enables niche markets to grow and develop without the restriction of time or space. Interaction can happen instantly and between people all over the world.
Bruns A 2007 Produsage The Key Principles http://produsage.org/node/11
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