In today's world of technology and automation there has been a lot of
speculation about computers taking jobs from real, live
human beings.
However, Amazon has taken the first step in reversing that trend with the
recent unveiling of Mechanical Turk. Based on the fact that humans are still
much more effective than computers at solving some types of problems, (like
finding specific objects in pictures, evaluating beauty, or translating text)
developers are using Amazon's
web services to integrate what has been
termed artificial, artificial intelligence right into their processing by making
requests of humans. Upon logging in to the web site, thousands of human
workers have access to a database of simple
tasks that they are paid to
complete, wherever and whenever they want. All that is required to
complete the tasks and get paid are a computer, a high speed Internet connection and
some free time on your hands.
The Amazon Mechanical Turk web service is a valuable aid to software
developers as it gives them access to an entire network of workers who
complete simple tasks requiring human intelligence that stumped computer
applications in the past. Amazon launched it's turking web site early in
November in it's Beta stage. It was
met with enthusiasm and a growing
turking community has since emerged.
As with ever new endeavor, several challenges have been encountered. These
have included rapid depletion of tasks (called HITS) due to misuse of 'bots'
and scripts which has lead to the 'banning' of some workers, as well as
requests for tasks to be undertaken for free which undermine the value of the
Work being done. Amazon's team has met and overcome the bulk of these
challenges and has demonstrated an investment in this undertaking that
indicates that it will be met with success in the weeks and months to come!
As for individuals thinking about joining the rapidly growing turker
workforce, this is definitely one of the better get paid to work online offerings
that can be found today. Although many HITS pay as little as $0.02 each,
many people have managed to execute thousands of tasks in a matter of
hours. All earnings are collected online in each worker's Amazon account with
the option of having these funds transferred to any American bank account or
added to an Amazon gift certificate balance. Most feel very confident about
this project being backed by Amazon and several workers have already been
in receipt of payment, confirming the validity of this get paid to work earning
opportunity.
More reviews about the Getting Paid: Amazon's Mechanical Turk