This document defines user-generated content as content produced by consumers rather than corporations. It discusses user-generated content from both the consumer and corporation perspectives. From the consumer perspective, user-generated content fulfills various needs and allows different types of participation. For corporations, user-generated content can engage consumers, provide new ideas, and build trust and brand loyalty in a cost-effective manner. The document provides an example of HarperCollins' successful use of user-generated content and Wal-Mart's unsuccessful imitation of existing models. It concludes with recommendations for corporations to effectively leverage user-generated content.