Comments are one type of UGC, but also includes ratings, stories, photos, video, etc. One of the most useful recent examples of UGC were the CA fires.

I think “value” is in the eyes of users. As media orgs we foster all these to drive traffic, source stories, deepen penetration in our markets and find unnoticed information that can be news.

A lot of UGC stuff is drek, but if the text is pithily written, I’ll read it. Also, I agree with Michelle that UGC isn’t just limited to text. Photos and video can be entertaining.

Yes, you’re both right, but I appreciate the skeptical question.  Just because we’re all working in this space doesn’t mean we have to have a love affair with ALL of it.  Any particular audience or any particular newsroom (with its own goals and styles) has unique needs.  Just because you CAN do it doesn’t always mean you SHOULD.