3.3.1 The “Rise of the Amateur”
When it comes to crowdsourcing, amateurs are competing with professionals
in fields ranging from computer programming to the sciences. These people
are hobbyists and enthusiasts who may not have the relevant professional
qualifications, but can possess talent and passion in any given field. This
devotion to a particular subject is ultimately what drives the crowdsourcing
vehicle.
To a large extent the development of technology is again the great enabler here.
People have access to a wider pool of information through the web. Software
such as Photoshop and iMovie has made graphic design and film editing, for
example, relatively easy to learn.