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							Web 2.0 – The essence of what it means to me as a web designers

   In my effort to clearly define exactly what in essence Web 2.0 is, I have come across
several interpretations, definitions, characteristics and overviews to describe what Web
2.0 is all about. But in order to provide a definitive response as to what Web 2.0 is, we
must first look at how the internet has developed from its inception. Initially, the web
encompassed the creation of static pages of information written by a select few authors.
Over time, more content was added; as more individuals began adding more and more
information to these existing static pages at very low bandwidths, more questions and
needs began to surface. Many experts chose to label this simplistic form of internet
expression as Web 1.0.

    Only after Tim O’Reilly, of O’Reilly Media at a FOO camp conference in 2004,
coined the phrase ‘Web 2.0’ did a label get attached to what the internet has indeed
morphed into today and continues to grow as: a complex, application driven platform that
encourages information harvesting, actualization, creativity and revenue generation. The
trend gradually shifted from an authoring of the few to the many. Web developers saw a
need to make the internet more important and dynamic than originally intended. More
dynamic applications and functions were introduced implemented and adhered to by a
growing community and on much larger bandwidths. The developers and end-users
ultimately came out as the clear cut winners to which the Web 2.0 platform has grown
into today, with the emphasis on emerging technologies leading the way. Content has
become a vital component; the emergence of presentation, openness, freedom, protocol
and standardization has made the internet the largest most continually evolving entity in
the world. With the advent and incorporation of blogs, RSS feeds and similar forms of
many-to-many publishing applications as well as application programming interfaces, the
internet has allowed many sites the opportunity to show they are more than just read only
sites: they can provide the use of dynamic applications which can help them generate
large sums of revenue in any field or industry.

   The internet is considered the most advanced medium on earth. Its been hailed and
embraced as a multi-faceted platform for which data and information can be distributed
and harvested. In addition, through Web 2.0, the internet has empowered many
individuals: it gives each and everyone one of us the chance to become journalists,
musicians, and broadcasters via different platforms. By incorporating technology and
combining that with a creative flare, anyone can self realize themselves in a way that
previously would only be limited to other forms of media and a very large budget.

    As a web designer, the impact of Web 2.0 will only be realized by the limitations I
place upon myself. If I choose to learn and ultimately only apply what I have learned
today and not what tomorrow offers, I will have only limited my ability to generate future
revenue streams. Therefore, it is essential to my own personal growth within this industry
to stay abreast of any and all Web 2.0 developments, upgrades and pioneering
introductions that will emerge down the road.
   I would re-iterate to my real world client that by taking their one-dimensional, non-
compliant webpage and turning it into a dynamic, content and information driven entity
customized by relevant applications that would increase sales, they can enjoy a healthy
return on their investment. They can also add value to their business which emphasizes
commitment to growth, and being cutting edge in their chosen industry.

Webography


   1.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2
   2.   http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html
   3.   http://www.paulgraham.com/web20.html
   4.   http://www.digital-web.com/articles/web_2_for_designers/