Web 2.0 Discussion

Ok, most people know what it is including myself but I got myself thinking...What defines a Web 2.0 site? Is it the styling of the site, I know a lot of people like the look of the so called Web 2.0 sites but if it's just a look is that really Web 2.0? Maybe it's the features of the site. I mean YouTube is Web 2.0 and I don't find myself stunned by it's appearance every time I visit the site. In fact it's usually the opposite, the interface is horrible and I find myself bombarded with Ad's. Is that Web 2.0? However Digg is classed as Web 2.0 and I like it's features and the look and feel of the site.

So, what is Web 2.0 is it the look of the site or the features? Or is it a combination of the two perhaps? I'm not sure.

What do you think?

Steve

Hi Steve, welcome to Web 2.0 Discussion.

You are raising a question most people who come across the term find confusing. A certain programming language/standard does not necessarily definte a Web 2.0 service. Ajax is known to be a popular component, but again, it doesn't mean the service/website is Web 2.0. It is Web 2.0 only when the service performs a certain function that puts users in the driver's seat. YouTube is user-generated content - users either make or break the success of a Web 2.0 company.

Usability, however, plays a major role as well. It is critical to make the interface and functionality of your service as easy as possible to comprehend and use.

Best,

__________________
Artashes Toumanov | Talkio Inc.

I understand Web2.0 to be more of a change in mindset whereby the power is returned to the user, as it should have been when the web was started.

It works on same world wide web platform as before. Just that earlier version if we relate to Web 2.0, started off with user-centric approach but somewhere down the line, this approach was compromised. Sites started adopting approach where user didn't enjoy much freedom, restrictions in one form or the other came into place. Approach turned into one where user's interests and powers were taken for granted. A lot of hype created and it started to appear as if user did not matter much.

With Web2.0, user-centric approach has come into place. Why sites like YuTube have been successful, is because of this reason. They may not have great designs, but they don't take user for granted. Site works and changes introduced by keeping in mind end users, not the webmaster's monetary interests.

I agree with cdrw. For along time, i.e. web 1.0 websites were focused on getting companys on the internet and having some form of web presence whereas web 2.0 takes the focus away from the company that created the site and puts the onus on the user.
Web 2.0 gives the users freedom to do what they will with a site and essentially making or breaking the site.
Myspace, was not sold for $580 million because it was made by a company who had no focus on users. The creator (who ever it may have been) decided to give power to the users and let them run with it.
Thanks
matt

Ok, I understand that these sites involve the user but do they really care about us? I have found myself more and more recently being bombarded with flashy ads everytime I visit a site Like Digg. I thought these sites were meant to be for the user and not for the company to make a quick buck.

Thanks,

Steve