I'm liveblogging from "Liveblogging: Now You Have a Lot of User Generated Content: Tracking and Using It?" at 08NTC. Please excuse errors from typing quickly.

Eric Erki/Beaconfire Consulting

How many user generators are there? The number of people who routinely create content is really quite small. 90%  are silent. 9% contribute a little. 1% contribute the most. "The Influentials" are about 1 in 10 people.

What does this mean to you?
* There are many strikeouts
* A few home runs
* Not much in between

Alpha user generators are:
opiniated
independent
provocative
disciplined
specialized

You have to create a welcome environment for people with the above qualities. Profiles of  alpha user generators.

Joy Towles Ezell/Listserver. Moderates 3 listservs. 10-20 messages daily. 1-2 hours researching opportunities. Will provoke others to speak up.

Tom Elko/Blogger. 10-20 posts weekly. 1-2 hours research daily. Declined employment offers to preserve independence. Likes debate on his blog.

Glenn McAnanama/Meetup.com. Formed and leads citizens' group in NYC. Recruits members via Meetup.com.

The_real_yaki/Craigslist. 1-3 hours daily. Hides activity from employer. Relishes exchange of opinions on bulletin.

Ginny C/Care2 News Network. 1-3 hours daily. Says Care2 friends are just like real world friends. Methodically gathers possible story ideas. Clear definition of what she wants to post.

You can see interviews with all of the above on Water Words That Work.

What do the alpha users want?
Appreciative audience for their opinions.
Free exchange of ideas, that might make you uncomfortable.

Barry Madore / Advantage Labs and Twin Cities Media Alliance

Twin Cities Daily Planet aggregates under-reported voices.  You need to have multiple ways people can bring content into your site.  You need to make your policies about how and what kind of content can be submitted.  Make sure you have help for people who need assistance participating.

Sadly, I had to take a phone call and missed the rest of the presentation :(