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Week 2 Assignment 1. How would you define crowdsourcing?
Crowdsourcing is when people self-organize via the internet to create a virtual crowd. The virtual crowd forms based on similar interests, shared hobbies, shared perspectives and ideas.

2. Why does crowdsourcing require a large, "undefined community" to work? Why not a small, defined community of passionate people who you know and have worked with before or with whom you are already friends (think Facebook communities which are smaller, and defined)?
Crowdsourcing requires a large “undefined community” to work because the larger the crowd the greater the impact. It is like sampling data - the larger the sample, the more accurate the prediction or estimations than if it were a small group or sample.
Collective intelligence engages the community in collaborative work and is beneficial when problem-solving.

3. Can you think of other examples of crowdsourcing besides photography? Is photography a good example? What kinds of products or services might not lend themselves to crowdsourcing?
Logodesignguru.com is another example of crowdsourcing. For a nominal fee, companies go online and describe what type of logo, website or stationary they envision for their business. Graphic designers from all over the world then draft several different designs and post it for the business. The business determines which design they prefer and the designer gets paid a for their work. The business is entitled to the trademark of the logo.

Products or services that require highly specialized skills or education should not be crowdsourced. If a business crowdsources work that requires a high-level of skills or education they are risking losing their competitive advantage. They are ultimately losing their business intelligence and lowering the barriers of entry for other companies that may have

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