This is where the satisfaction of Turking comes in
I’m new to Mechanical Turk, only “turking” for about a week, but have really enjoyed it. I am of Turkish descent, which is why the article I first saw caught my eye in the first place! I think the “HITs” are aptly named, because I’ve found them addictive. As a busy Mom with a full-time job, I feel like I can’t get anything accomplished. I have many small tasks to do, many of them involving several steps, and none of them ever seem to be complete. This is where the satisfaction of Turking comes in. Compare two images and choose one? Rewrite one sentence? I can do that! Hit submit, and I’ve actually completed something. If I earned 2 cents in doing so, so much the better. But the sense of accomplishment at performing a useful task, no matter how minute, is the real value I get out of it. I read another Turker remark that she turks during television commercials. I do the same thing! Doing so helps assuage the guilt that comes from spending time relaxing in front of the TV and not working at something. I suppose that’s the hyper-American work ethic at play. Ha! Current economic conditions have our family on edge about what the future may hold for us financially. Turking is a great distraction from my vice, online shopping! So even as I earn a few pennies, I save by not hunting for “bargains” online. This Turk is enjoying being a mechanical Turk.
