This week I will be looking into user generated content and how it connects with the entertainment industry. First of all, what exactly is user generated content? User generated content is our own work that we create for others to view. Examples of this are blogs (just as I am creating now), user reviews on sites like Yelp and Amazon, and how anyone can upload and promote their very own work on YouTube.
User generated content seems to have both, a good and bad impact on media. Lets start with the good. With Amazon.com, they are launching a user generated content movie studio that would be perfect for those just getting started in the filmmaking industry. "Each entry automatically becomes optioned by Amazon Studios for 18 months, and should any entry get turned into a finished movie, the creator will get $200,000, with a further $400,000 bonus available should the movie make enough money at the box office" (techland.com). This sounds like a really good idea for those interested in screenwriting or filmmaking to get a chance to start up their possible career.
Now the bad. User generated content often gets thought of as bad quality or inferior to professional content in terms of art. YouTube is a primary network of videos posted by users. When a user posts a user generated music video that is primarily put together of original work aside from the music, that video may get flagged and taken down for copyright infringement. This is also the case on other social networking sites like Facebook. Post a video on the site and it will get taken down for copyright reasons concerning music. This can be frustrating for those of us that wish to share our work with the world but cannot because of the song we chose to put in the video. This has happened to me on several occasions.
For the most part, user generated content is a positive thing. It is ultimately a great way of communicating. Allowing anyone to post what they wish (as long as there are no copyright issues) for the world to see, whether that be a review on amazon, a compliment to a friend on a Facebook photo, a video made by an aspiring filmmaker, makes for an easy way to help, inspire and share our talents.
http://techland.time.com/2010/11/17/amazon-launches-movie-studio-wants-user-generated-content/
Hi Teresa
ReplyDeleteGreat post. How do you think we can navigate issues of copyright infringement with user generated content? Have you seen any strategies? Any examples?
- Jon
Hi Teresa.
ReplyDeleteUsually, If you argue that you use music under "fair use" (not for profit or in educational reason or only partial use, FB let you post it). My videos was taken down but after I wrote to them it was back few minutes later.