Knowledge Expertise and Mass Amateurization on Internet-Based Knowledge Markets

Abstract

Few studies have investigated the emerging category of Pro-Ams and its impact on knowledge markets over the Internet. We tend to address this gap in our study. Our research proposes a formal framework of knowledge expertise with mass amateurization and analyzes its impact on Internet-based knowledge markets. Specifically, the new definition of knowledge expertise consists of three major components: primary, searching, and learning expertise. Due to the effect of mass amateurization, questions posted by knowledge seekers on Internet-based knowledge markets are more likely to be answered by knowledge providers, resulting in more knowledge transactions to be consummated. This paper also discusses the impact of mass amateurization on different types of Internet-based knowledge markets. This research provides valuable insights for practitioners to manage knowledge markets with effective policies.