My thoughts on Web 2.0
Everybody seems to have their own definition of exactly what Web 2.0 is. According to Wikipedia, “the phrase currently refers to one or more of the below”:
- a transition of websites from isolated information silos to sources of content and functionality, thus becoming a computing platform serving web applications to end users
- a social phenomenon referring to an approach to creating and distributing Web content itself, characterised by open communication, decentralization of authority, freedom to share and re-use, and “the market as a conversation”
- a more organized and categorized content, with a more developed deeplinking web architecture.
- a shift in economic value of the web, potentially equalling that of the dot com boom of the late 1990s
From the Entrepreneur aspect of things, this is very exciting. Tools that were either not available or extremely expensive are now accessible, in most cases, for very little cost. With the breakdown of central authorities in so many places, the playing field has been leveled. I now have a much better chance of winning the competition for a customers most important commodity… their attention.
On the flip side of things, I think Web 2.0 is going to cause a scaled down dot com bust. It’s easy to jump on what’s new, slick and cool. And there isn’t much slicker and cooler right now then a well designed and ajax enabled web application. But there are plenty of people out there thinking there is big money in throwing together well packaged apps that actually have no point and are basically useless.
So as we move into the “new age” keep your head on straight and your feet on the ground. Keep using the same principles that have made you and others before you successful. Don’t view Web 2.0 as a revolution. View it as just another set of tools that helps you reach your goals.
Harvey A. Ramer on November 29th, 2005 9:41 am
I agree Tim, with your sentiments regarding the development of content simply because of the new tools available.
Like you said, “But there are plenty of people out there thinking there is big money in throwing together well packaged apps that actually have no point and are basically useless.”
This happened for a long time with Flash. Remember the old animated splash page? I still see a few floating around. No text, just slow load time and some animation.
You nailed it. It will probably happen with AJAX too.
Software Documentation Weblog on November 29th, 2005 12:15 pm
Web 2.0
Tim Grahl has posted his thoughts on Web 2.0 . There are numerous definitions for Web 2.0, but in the essence it is about making the web fun to use.
If you are considering Web 2.0 as an entrepreneurial opportunity, keep following words in mind:
Krzysztof Goworek on November 29th, 2005 1:44 pm
I think that technology isn’t that important in Web2.0. Most trendy sites and service are simple (and could be even simpler).
In my opinion Web 2.0 is all about (1) switching from “read-only” web to “read-write” (with blogging) and about (2) creating communities (they may be spread all over the world, but there is always a common interest).
Last but not least: it enables us to earn some money (for example with Adsense) — so it’s free market and economy that encourage growth of the Web :-)
Startup Fever » Blog Archive » Tim Grahl’s Thoughts on Web 2.0 on November 29th, 2005 4:06 pm
[...] Tim Grahl shares his thoughts on Web 2.0: From the Entrepreneur aspect of things, this is very exciting. Tools that were either not available or extremely expensive are now accessible, in most cases, for very little cost. With the breakdown of central authorities in so many places, the playing field has been leveled. I now have a much better chance of winning the competition for a customers most important commodity… their attention. [...]
Dane on November 29th, 2005 7:51 pm
Excellent post, Tim!
Lee on November 29th, 2005 10:18 pm
My web site (click my name) always misses out on being web 2.0 by one point in every definition, that point changes all the time though :)
I will call it web 2.0 :)
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