Produsage... just the way you like it

In my previous blogs I have discussed the introduction of a new wave of internet technologies and uses, and have also looked at specific examples of sites and networks that are single-handedly changing and evolving the spider web that is the internet, internet uses and even physical networking habits. While online networking sites have become increasingly popular and have revolutionised our use of the internet over recent years, and allowed international citizens to be more connected to each other than ever before, so too have websites that encourage produsage changed the way we use and view the internet.

In my first blog from a couple of weeks ago now, I discussed the beginning of the internet and how it’s changed- it’s evolution into a business tool, etc and the produsage phenomena has had a similar effect. The term produsage, for those of you who do not study new media or have not already worked it out- clever if you have- refers to the idea of consumers not only merely using or consuming their choice of media or programs, but also taking part in the production side of it, creating the content and structure of the media themselves. This new phenomenon can be seen through the relatively recent explosion in networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, where users create their very own profiles and “internet selves” so to speak, to broadcast to the world wide web, as well as sites such as del.icio.us and blogging sites, such as that I am currently using to produse my blogs at the moment, to broadcast individual opinions and share information for individuals to present their own individuality to the world, while also creating an internet space that they are comfortable using and are happy with the outcome and calling it their own.

One such produsage site which has in itself become its own phenomenon is YouTube. YouTube is a site which can be used for networking, business opportunities, entertainment and even political elections and campaigns. Through the user’s ability to easily upload their very own video footage to the internet, with relatively few regulations, individuals are not only expressing themselves and broadcasting their individuality and talents to the world, but they are also participating in one of the largest produsage communities on the internet and in the world! What began as an interesting idea over dinner and as more of a fun, entertaining hobby, has turned into one of the biggest internet phenomena, with produsers being offered careers with a few clicks of a button. It is now possible for any user to have their 15 seconds of fame through the word of mouth and the international online community. Perhaps it is the opportunities that the produser sites such as YouTube creates for participants or perhaps it is the user’s interest in merely being able to have complete control over their own media, whichever it may be, the produser phenomenon has exploded not only as a hobby but also as a networking and even business and career tool. This once again links back to my previous blogs regarding the internet as a business tool and niche markets all over again. The produsage phenomenon has definitely changed the way in which consumers view and use the internet now with the ease of produsage making the internet a much more user friendly technology, with so much more popularity that Oprah Winfrey even had an entire show devoted to YouTube, and we all know that if you’ve made it on Oprah, then you’ve made it big!