September 12th, 2006
The Definition of Web 2.0 ?
By Chief Gadgeteer
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
I recently came across an article that attempted to define what the term “Web 2.0″ means. I think the writer only got it half right. Although he referenced the Wikipedia entry on Web 2.0, he only focused on the interactive and collaborative/community/social aspects of what it means to be part of the Web 2.0 era. But he left out the technologies that drive these functions: technologies like CSS, XHTML, AJAX, XML, RSS, Javascript, Flash, SOAP and more. The Web 2.0 term certainly encompasses a great deal of complexity and means different things to different people. What it signals to me is a dynamic and progressive Web, that is becoming increasingly important to more people. I wonder what Web 3.0 will bring us… What does Web 2.0 mean to you?
The Web 2.0 term was coined by O’Reilly Media back in 2004. If you have a few minutes, check out Tim O’Reilly’s piece from 2005 on the trend.
Source: Gizmos for Geeks
John Corliss says:
What a bunch of garbage. If a concept can’t be clearly defined, then it’s not a concept yet. I agree totally with those who decry Web 2.0 as simply being a bussword. And I will continue to ignore those who talk about it until a clear, concise and easy to understand definition arrives.
This kind of spew kind of reminds me of the trouble I went through trying to find out what Microsoft’s “dotnet” was. Never DID get a satisfactory answer to that one, but rather a typical bunch of technobabel. In fact, if you want to use an easy troll tactic in any of the newsgroups, all you have to do is to ask for a definition of “Web 2.0″ or “dotnet” and then stand back.
September 13th, 2006 at 6:53 am
Rob says:
Someone I know summarized Web 2.0 as “Finally listening to the W3C.” The rest is simply an application thereof. Which I’d say about sums it up.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Stephen says:
I’d say that anyone that really cares as to the definition has some real issues. I’m trying to ignore aything that even says they are Web 2.0 as I just don;t have the time to stay glued to my seat in front of the computer to interact with others who have way too much spare time on their hands.
I also have no time to provide content to others so they can make a buck off of it.
September 14th, 2006 at 10:30 am