With it's new Mechanical Turk, Amazon has proven, once again, that it is amazingly agile for such a large corporate fixture.

To me, Amazon has always set the benchmark for customer experience online. Sure, they have reportedly sucked at the traditional things like '1-800' numbers et al, but their recommendation algorithms have always been amazing. Obviously, I'm not the only one hooked in by their clever upsell - this Web 1.o company drifted through the many ups and downs of online business nicely.

What is the Mechanical Turk? Well, there are many thorough write ups all over the blogosphere, but for me, it represents the next level of the web. Instead of all answers pointing towards further computer automation, they recognize that human interfaces are necessary, too...even ideal (go figure). Hmmm...maybe the neo-luddites can start to see the benefits of technology for humans? Either way, they are pioneering the next level of online development (I'll refrain from naming this particular movement...it's just progress). 'Makin money' isn't a bad thing, especially when it benefits the community.

Everyone wins with the Mechanical Turk. The business owner, the skilled user and, of course, Amazon.

Tags: MechanicalTurk, amazon