Collaboration v. Exploitation

Wednesday night’s lecture from John Banks was about the evolution of the relationship between media producers and fans from conventional (or conflicting) to collaborative. John argued that “Non-market Peer Production” or “Decentralised Collaborative Networks” are increasingly important to the commercial success of online media (such as gaming).

As John spoke about his experience with Brisbane-based games developer Auran and their simulation game Trainz, I couldn’t help but ask myself: How can people offer their skills without any financial reward? Is it right that Auran uses their fans product to make a profit? Is this really collaboration or just exploitation?

Although Auran is arguably an ‘equitable’ media producer, they ARE still a business and their goal IS to make a profit. Where do you draw the line between willing participation and cheap labour?

John mentioned that media producers are beginning to warm to the idea of “Decentralised Collaborative Networks” as a means of lowering production costs. As this grows in popularity, will large multinational corporations abuse their power and turn dedicated fan communities into online sweatshops?

These are questions I cannot answer myself but, maybe you can. Let me know what you think…