"Getting paid for the homemade"
I am researching websites that provide user generated content (e.g.,
YouTube) and how such sites are attempting to monetize the traffic. 
In specific, I am interested in websites that are paying the creators
of user generated content.  So far, I have concluded that most of the
payments are in the form of contests (e.g., win $1000 for the best
_____ video).  Some pay an amount based on votes by users.  On the
other hand, some websites are (or are considering) paying a portion of
ad revenue to the creators of user generated content.  The question I
would like answered is: (a) which user generated content websites are
paying the users that generated the content (I expect it is a small
number of sites); and (b) how are the creators of user generated
content being paid.  I am less interested in the "one-off"
sweepstakes/contest/promotion model.  I am more interested in sites
that pay a portion of ad revenue to the content creators and other
means (such as where the user created content is re-purposed or
printed out in some way that users would pay for it). If there are
sites that pay a portion of ad revenue, how does the model actually
work.

Hi! Thanks for the questiion.

It might surprise you that there are lots of websites that have found
a way to share revenues based on their traffic. Here are some websites
and their compensation plans.

About.com Guide
http://beaguide.about.com/compensation.htm

Compensation Model:
http://beaguide.about.com/compensation.htm

------------------------
B5 Media Revenue Sharing Plan

"100% of the first 100$, and 40% of remaining income, as well as
performance bonuses as they are rolled out) of the advertising income
in a timely manner (the first of the month after we receive payment"
http://www.b5media.com/b5medias-blogger-contracts/


-----------------------
Panjea Revenue Plan:
http://www.panjea.com/

Model:
"Members are paid a percentage of the ad revenue from their pages, as
well as earning points for simply using the site. Additionally, you
can earn money by selling your music and videos in a Panjea store. The
blurb:"
Source: http://mashable.com/2006/06/07/panjea-myspace-with-revenue-sharing/ 


-------------------------
RateItAll Revenue Sharing Plan
http://www.rateitall.com/wt-rateitall_economy.aspx 


------------------------
Paid to Podcast

Divycast
http://www.divvycast.com/

Talkshoe
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/help/FAQ.jsp#FAQC2A12 


-------------------------
Adsense Revenue Sharing Programs

We now come to the greater mjority or bulk of the websites that we
have and it can be found in one link. The following link provides a
list of websites whose basic model is Adsense revenue sharing. In
these sites you are allowed to contribute content and earn by sharing
your Adsense ID.

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:i8kNdu3Nx6UJ:www.admoolah.com/blog/index.php/adsense-revenue-sharing-sites/+adsense+revenue+sharing&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2
 

Search terms used:
content revenue sharing 
paid blogging opportunities

I hope this would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
                                                          
                              
Regards,                              
Easterangel-ga                              
Google Answers Researcher

Hi 5thgear-

I wrote an eBook on this topic, covering some of the sites that
Easterangel referred to, called `The Future of Web Video:
Opportunities for Producers, Entrepreneurs, Media Companies and
Advertisers.' It's available on <a
href=www.lulu.com/content/497969>Lulu.com</a>.

But part of it, a chart comparing the various sites that pay users who
upload video, is available free <a
href=http://www.scottkirsner.com/webvid/gettingpaid.htm>here</a>

Good luck!

Scott Kirsner