Web 2.0 is difficult to define; it was frustrating to research at first when every site had such a vague description of the subject. I finally stumbled upon a site called “Explaining computers” whose author, Christopher Barnatt, compared trying to precisely define Web 2.0, to trying to nail jelly to a wall. This was very refreshing to hear. He then explained that Web 2.0 incorporates interpersonal computing, web services and software as a service [1]. Instead of Web 2.0 being an animate item that we can describe and see, it actually refers to “the transition from static HTML Web pages to a more dynamic Web that is more organized and is based on serving Web applications to users” [2]. So Web 2.0 marks an era of change, it is the occurrence of the World Wide Web changing into something much more complex which changed our world [4]. The YouTube channel, “Strategic Business Incites” explained that it was the addition of user generated content, and two way communications with websites that defined Web 2.0. While in the past websites spoke to visitors, Web 2.0 allowed visitors to speak back. In addition, Social media incorporates a third aspect where users also communicate with each other [3]. This third aspect of Web 2.0 caused the internet to change immensely.
A very important part of Web 2.0 is the users. The new web developments included websites facilitating communication between members, which grew our social and business world considerably. Barnatt explained that “successful Web 2.0 sites…turn as many visitors as possible into valuable content shapers” [1]. One highly interesting part of Web 2.0 is the online viral video sites. Users can easily upload self-made videos, which can then show up in other users’ searches or as similar videos or suggested videos in the sidebar. For this reason, people are easily made into online stars and can have many people watching their videos even if they did not attempt to market them. YouTube is the most popular video site, where users can upload, watch, share and comment on videos. In YouTube's case, the users essential run the site. The site is already set up, but users come and add and share content. Users can easily post the content to other sites so that people on other sites hear about the videos also. Through YouTube videos much information is rapidly spread. Millions of people post tutorials and educational videos, as well as news segments and comedic pieces. Movie trailers play on YouTube and many people spread their talent by posting their own music videos as well. An article in the Wallstreet Journal, “the Secrets of Marketing in a Web 2.0 World,” discusses how beneficial Web 2.0, and the advances of social media sites have been for marketing [6]. Barnatt comments that YouTube and other viral video sites have become “"everybody's broadcaster" or "everybody's distributor" in a world in which everybody is already a potential film maker and publisher” [1]. These sites have enabled us to have a voice in society, with very little effort needed. We can easily voice our opinions or start campaigns through the internet, which has helped us communicate better as a whole.
[1] http://explainingcomputers.com/explaining_web2.html
[2] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Web_2_point_0.html
[3] Strategic Business Incites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStkxcK6_vY
[4]http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/bmaf/documents/publications/IJME/vol7no3/IJME7no3Paper5.pdf
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BAXvFdMBWw#t=98
[6] http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122884677205091919
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