As more organisations of various types and size look to incorporate crowdsourcing into their daily operations, the need grows for more information as to best practices and technological resources to be made available. The Daily Crowdsource, one of the biggest sources of crowdsourcing news and features are hosting Crowdopolis a major crowdsourcing conference to be held on 19th July 2012 in Los Angeles. The event will feature workshops and key note speeches from brand giants, who have successfully tapped the resource of the crowd.
The Daily Crowdsource (TDCrowdsource) was launched in July 2010 with the purpose of providing news and information on the rise of crowdsourcing around the globe. Since then it has grown into an influential forum of news updates, discussions, meet ups, and insights provided by its authors and growing line up of renowned Crowd Leaders. Crowdopolis is perhaps the biggest crowdsourcing event, second only to CrowdConf, and is likely to be the most significant gathering of leading users and experts of crowdsourcing practises and technology.Crowdopolis will feature speakers from Nokia and GE, leaders in crowdsourced service providers such as Microtask and uTest, and some of TDCrowdsource's contributing Crowd Leaders including author David Alan Grier and Neil Perry, President of Poptent. The breakout sessions will focus on areas in which crowdsourcing plays the biggest role including Advertising, Technology & Innovation, and Content Marketing. There will also be the "After Party" event in which delegates can meet the speakers, indulge in a bit of networking, and even witness the launch of a brand new crowdsourcing venture.The event is aimed at managers of Fortune 1000 or any other large companies wanting to learn all about how crowdsourcing can help them stay ahead of their competition. Over the last few years crowdsourcing has come in from the digital cold and become a significant tool in the further advancement of all businesses whether they be SMEs or large corporations. So if you want to learn more about what Crowdopolis can offer your business and to register for a place then click here to visit the TDCrowdsource events page.Image Credits; The Daily Crowdsource (All Rights Reserved)
Crowdfunding continues to grow exponentially with more platforms offering resources and support, as well as governments passing laws to make it more accessible. Both private sector businesses and third sector organisations are benefiting from the support of the crowd. A new platform, START.ac launched on 15th May 2012, aims to change the current crowdfunding model that will blend commercial projects with altruistic goals.
START.ac was founded by Rod Turner, a seasoned entrepreneur who played a key role in the formation of highly successful start-ups including software developers Symantec (brainchild of Norton Antivirus software) and the popular search engine AskJeeves. Over the last year or so Rod has called upon his extensive knowledge to develop a new crowdfunding platform aimed at helping start-up businesses and technological ventures. The platform offers an assortment of unique features which include;
- The Inside Track TM enables funders to engage with projects they support
- CrowdAudition TM encourages the START.ac TM community to get involved offering feedback on projects up for submission as well as their selection
- START.ac TM offers a mentoring programme for project owners offering guidance and support from seasoned entrepreneurs and market leaders
- CrowdAccelerator TM benefits funded projects with continued dedicated involvement from the mentors
- STARTBusinessRewards TM offers rewards to project supporters based on company milestones.
The site's biggest addition however is the altruistic model aimed at supporting worthy causes. Project drivers looking for funding are generally charged 5% of their funding target, operating on the all or nothing model, for commercial projects but no charge will be made for non-profit ventures. Users can also opt to pay 6% of the funds raised of which 1% will be placed in the Pay it Forward Fund, with 25% of the total funds being allocated to the Pay it Forward Foundation and 75% to charities as voted by members. In the event of a large scale disaster such as a tsunami or earthquake special projects can be set up free of charge to raise funds for any foundations best suited to helping with relief efforts. The VC model is outdated. Investments are highly concentrated in Silicon Valley and similar VC clubs at the expense of 90% of the start-up opportunity across the US and around the world. In addition, current crowdfunding platforms are too narrowly focused in scope and geography. START.ac will democratise the industry in a way that is not yet being addressed. - Rod Turner, Co-founder & CEO START.ac
START.ac, with its evolutionary model looks set to change the future of crowdfunding. Prior to launch the site's Facebook page had already received over 10,000 followers and word quickly spread over other social media sites including LinkedIn, Google + and Twitter. The future for crowdfunding lies in START.ac's goal to make virtualized funds, advice and resources available to support up and coming entrepreneurs to realise their maximum potential. This goal to aide entrepreneurs at a time when the world's economies are still teetering on the blink is equal to START.ac's altruistic commitment to effectively help those less fortunate.
The likelihood of falling victim to Internet fraud can be a deterrent to shopping on-line, or it might simply be a case of needing to travel to verify that the purchase is as described. With so many reports of Internet scams and stories of millions falling foul to such tricks, crowdsourcing offers a solution to restore that lost confidence. WeGoLook offers customers the services of its crowd of investigators or "lookers" to allay fears with site visits, observations and fully personalised cost effective reports, irrespective of location. The platform already boasts a community over 7000 US based lookers, and the founders are now looking to bring their unique service to the UK.
- verify the existence and condition of sellers' property
- provide visual confirmation which can include where appropriate a working demonstration
- verify condition of rental property prior to signing tenancy agreement and paying deposit
- purchase tickets on customers' behalf
- arrange to collect and ship purchased items
- attend events/seminars on customers' behalf and make detailed notes
- other claim/items to be verified can also include antiques, pets, vehicles on eBay, and even on-line dates
Once the task is completed the looker then provides a full report of their findings complete with photographic and video evidence. The customer can then make an informed decision thus minimising falling foul of scams and misrepresentation. WeGoLook's move to the UK is perfectly timed with the upcoming Olympic games.
The 2012 Olympic games is sure to attract thousands of visitors to London, making it a target rich environments for potential con artists and fraudsters. The games will create be a big demand for affordable accommodation, souvenirs, and of course tickets to the games. To counter this problem WeGoLook have launched their "London Looks" service with verified UK based lookers ready to offer their unique service to visitors and citizens alike. For more information about WeGoLook and their UK services then click here to visit their website.
Acknowledgements; Thanks to Lawrence Suss at WeGoLook
