First of all... if you are not a developer you should NOT even be commenting here (this is for anyone writting comments without an idea).
Topcoder is a competition, which is split into algorithm, software design and software components:
Algorithms are just to compete, shows off applied math problem solving on shorts period of time (prestigious).
Software Design - mainly for components, pays the most and you get %25 royalty!
Software Component - implementation of the design, pays a bit low but you do get again 25% royalty.
Note that these are all very competitive, and help improve software development skills fast. Try a competition they use OO languages. There are people that get 20k+ doing this things, I am not saying this will replace your job but give you extra money on the side. TC is more prestige than anything else and prorgammers do get compensated.
Now crowdsourcing is just going to work as well or worst than outsourcing to India. I don't know any company that has been satisfied by outsourcing to India.
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Topcoder is a competition, which is split into algorithm, software design and software components:
Note that these are all very competitive, and help improve software development skills fast. Try a competition they use OO languages. There are people that get 20k+ doing this things, I am not saying this will replace your job but give you extra money on the side. TC is more prestige than anything else and prorgammers do get compensated.
Now crowdsourcing is just going to work as well or worst than outsourcing to India. I don't know any company that has been satisfied by outsourcing to India.