I see crowdsourcing as a call to service for those who view the value of their efforts in something other than dollar signs. The cool thing about crowdsourcing is that it uses technology to mobilize an infinite number of people all over the world. It's almost like a giant online volunteer project or global party line.
Crowdsourcing allows anyone to offer their knowledge/time/effort to make the world and/or the web a better place. As a kid, were you ever told that hard work is its own reward? And you'd think to yourself, "$5 would be a better reward for my hard work"? Best Buy's Geek Squad is that kid, the pro charging $130+ to solve your computer problems. Then you have lovely online communities like this who freely share their expertise to help out their tech challenged brethren.
A few reasons why the amateur has the advantage over the professional:
1. Quantity - online communities provide seemingly limitless amount of brainpower
2. Cost - knowledgeable amateur = free. professionals = not.
3. Motivation - the desire to help, to share ideas, to be part of larger community, encourages industry innovation whereas desire for a big paycheck stifles it.
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