Users creating or determing the content

In some cases, organizations can “delegate” some or all of the production process to users. Wikipedia delegates all of it. The producers of Fox Television’s American Idol delegate part of the process.

The show relies on users (through their votes for performers) to make decisions traditionally reserved for television producers; it relies on amateur performers to offer entertainment usually provided by high-priced stars. The contributing singers benefit from a shot at stardom. Viewers, who contribute their opinions, benefit from compelling entertainment (if the show’s high ratings are any indication) and a strong sense of engagement because their votes determine the show’s content. Fox and its producers benefit from lower costs and from advertising revenue driven by the show’s tremendous popularity – which results, in part, from the drama generated by the show’s user-contributed surprises.

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