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Usually, we relate "user generated content" with consumer websites, where visitors upload content for an ego kick. An entire generation of websites and companies are built around, and thriving because of "user generated content" - Youtube, FaceBook, Digg and so on. Your users do all your hard work for you. I came across a very insightful article on CMSWire, on the importance of user content even in company intranets. Content is of prime importance in intranets, and previously, dedicated teams had the responsibility of creating and maintaining content. But the true knowledge in an organization, is in employees scattered across the organization. An intranet which is powered by user content achieves the objective of ensuring that everyone participates to make the intranet a thriving hub, and captures and distributes the knowledge captured in the minds of employees. Technology is only part of the puzzle in encouraging users to contribute content. Of course, an easy to use intranet software or intranet CMS, lowers the barriers for an employee already motivated to contribute content. Chris Wright suggests a few ways to encourage users in this article. - User Profiles. People are hooked to user profiles, and interacting through these profiles thanks to popular consumer software like FaceBook. Similarly, in their business behavior, people are motivated to connect with others and share their talents through user profiles. So having user profiles is a great way to motivate users to participate and contribute content. - Wikis. Wiki pages are suitable to encourage people to collaborate on documents and static content. Wikis are simply web pages, to which anyone can add content. Having wiki pages within the intranet are a great way to encourage employees to add content and collaborate. - Clearly Defined Policies. Clearly defined policies encouraging users to add content to the intranet, where this content an be published, the technology available, and review and moderation procedures give employees the clear signal that they are expected to contribute content, and how to go about it.
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