SXSW 2009 Panel on Spec Work in Crowdsourced Design
Video with Jeff Howe et al. via http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQu0292dftA&feature=player_embedded
Description
"There’s a good, well edited video summary from a panel Howe moderated at SXSW 2009 on this topic, specifically focused on spec work in creative fields, and sites like Crowdspring and 99designs:
I’m reminded of the debate among programmers about offshoring, in which similar arguments still go on. Can the quality of the design produced at a crowdsourced spec site ever compete with that produced by a reputable, professional shop? How can a design that doesn’t come out of an intimate, strategic, and interative process involving lots of face time and discussion with the client ever be truly on target? On the other hand, if the consumer of said work can’t tell the difference, and the price is several orders of magnitude less, does it make sense to continue to argue they should pay the premium?" (http://www.openparenthesis.org/2009/07/20/crowdsourcing-incentive-and-value)