User Rules!

Web 2.0 is all about the community, right? User generated content, user defined value and services – so why not user created rules?

David Chartier over at Downloadsquad sets out to fill the gap – a user perspective on what he likes or doesn’t like. While some of it may seem tongue in cheek, a lot of it makes sense.

These days it seems like anyone with an idea and some time can crank out a Web 2.0 startup, be it a service, community, one-trick-pony or ambiguously named whichamadinger. It also seems like many of these startups could use some guidance to help them find their way. With goofy names, varying user experiences and questionable goals running amok, we figured it was time to lay down some ground rules.

Seven simple rules, about making it easy for the user. Keeping it simple and easy to use, providing the right kind of information upfront for prospects to evaluate – and getting a sensible name, along with other sensible inputs.

Judging from the comments, this is something many people empathise with. Certainly, a lot of this makes sense, and not just for Web 2.0

One more, to rule them all.

Listen to your users; where you can, let them make the rules