User-generated content may still be difficult to monetize, but it may be able to earn those users a bit of cash if it’s got some quality. New citizen journalism site AllVoices, which describes itself as an “open media site where anyone can report from anywhere,” launched its Excellence in Citizen Media program — where contributors can earn up to $10,000. (Program details)
The program, which began on Aug. 19 and runs through Feb. 19, 2009, will pay the $10,000 (less transaction processing costs) for the first “one million total page views of reports and contributions submitted by contributor or participants.” Incentives of $1,000 will be paid for every 100,000 total page views (up to one million).
Contributors can submit content in many forms (including text messages and cell phone videos) directly to the site. News categories include: politics, business, conflict and tragedy, science and technology, sports, and entertainment. AllVoices.com also is a community site, so their terms of service includes a Community Conduct policy along with other policies covering content contributions.
According to MocoNews.net, AllVoices.com (previously known as Masala) is a Bay Area company that raised $4.5 million in venture capital while still in beta. They emerged from beta in July, 2008. The company was founded by 39-year old Amra Tareen, a former venture capitalist at Sevin Rosen Funds, where she specialized in IT and telecom.
AllVoices joins NowPublic, Associated Content, and Helium in offering perks or payment to people who contribute content. NowPublic has an arrangement with the Associated Press to distribute content. Helium has partnered with both the National Press Club and the Pulitzer Center in offering membership and awards for excellence. Associated Content offers a variety of syndication and publication rights with corresponding pay scales for popular articles.
