Adam Fletcher - since his university days an intensive observer of the crowdsourcing scene and last responsible for Spreadshirt’s Open Logo Project – answers some questions on the topic of crowdsourcing ("Which risks and problems will companies, that run Crowdsourcing business models, face in the future? Amongst other things"). Within there are a few pointed statements on the joys and perils of the business model:
Which aspects of a Crowdsourcing business model are crucial for its success?
Adam: Most importantly, a large active community. There have been many new crowdsourcing Community sites recently, often very similar in function to Threadless which have been unsuccessful.
In my opinion those that didn’t succeed failed to turn site visitors into Community Members. Community Members will visit most often, vote most often, get other people to visit and importantly buy most often.
They’re the lifeblood of the site and drive the whole company forward. (...)
What do you think are the major benefits of a company which runs an Online-Crowdsourcing-Community?
Adam: (...) I’m certain there is also a strong link between involvement in the crowdsourcing process and willingness to purchase. This area definitely needs more research.
I asked the community of Threadless this when I did my thesis their a few years back, only 22% thought they wouldn’t be more likely to purchase a design they had voted for, than one they had not.
How do you think, the members of an Online-Crowdsourcing-Community will react, if they perceive, that they are treated unfair?
Adam: Best case scenario they’ll kick, scream, punch, boycott, sabotage, fill up your day and inbox with insults. These people care and you can work with them on the problems.
Worst case scenario they’ll just slip away and join a new community, never to be heard from again, unless they are saying negative things about their experiences with your community externally. Then you’re in big trouble.
Which risks and problems will companies, that run Crowdsourcing business models, face in the future?
Adam: Well with more and more crowdsourcing contest opening up you’d think at some point we will run out of community members to take part. (...)
I don’t think it’s an issue for designers, as where there is a contest to be won (with the possibility of money and fame) they’ll always be people queuing up to take part.
I’m talking instead of the people who lack the design talent to submit, but instead rate, give feedback and connect with other members to keep the message boards and blogs interesting places to go while you wait for new products to buy, or designs to vote on.
These guys are the lifeblood of the company, the ambassadors without them you’re only ever going to be struggling to stay afloat.
Adam Fletcher’s complete answers can be found in his HiphipUK Blog.
(via Custom T-Shirt Talk)
Originally posted in German by Jochen Krisch, translated by Jason Soo.
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