What Is Web 2.0? Finally…

Some say Web 2.0 doesn’t have a definition. I disagree. But what the hell is it? The point of this article is to explore just that, and lay the finger on precisely what Web 2.0 is. It’s one thing to write about a subject, but it generally helps to know what you’re writing about! I hope this helps.

It was a fair time ago that the comic above was published, for all to see. It was widely viewed and hit the headlines on many top Web 2.0 sites. bLaugh.com has a recurring knack for doing that kind of thing, but is there any truth in the comic strip above? Well, perhaps there is, but other would argue that there is a Web 2.0 definition. However, despite our best collaborative efforts here at Profy, we’ve still not managed to place a finger on what Web 2.0 is.

Well, here’s just a collection of what different authors at Profy have said, and then my final opinion on the matter. I’ve collected a number of statements made by the authors of Profy from various posts. After long hours of labour, I’ve compiled my results into this handy little summary.

2cWorth thinks that Web 2.0 is…

- An ability to tag data or information in multiple ways;
- Ways to share the information without changing the core, enabling many people to act on it;
- Linking it up to other pieces of data; or presenting it in different ways, including linking to location (geo maps), people or activities; commonly referred to as mashups;
- AJAX and other technologies commonly denote the 2.0 paradigm.

In CJCM’s opinion, Web 2.0 stands for…

- The single most interesting development of the new internet technology with no one really knowing what it is;
- Profy.com = Web 2.0

Colbert reckons that…

- In its simplest meaning, web 2.0 can be defined as an easier interactive way for people to share information among themselves.

Paul Glazowski thinks that Web 2.0 is made up of companies that…

- Offer media distribution over the Internet, valuable recommendation engines, all-you-can-eat subscription plans, and more.

What do the experts think?

- Michael Cheney thinks that Web 2.0 is “about the people. The end-user.”
- Aaron Cohen said that “I grew up a major Star Wars fan. And I think the important thing to understand about Web 2.0 is that Bolt and MySpace and Xanga and LiveJournal and YouTube are all part of something that I call the Republic. The Empire of course is network television. And we are all working together to take dollars away from network television.”
- Chris Alden says that “Web 2.0 is twice as good as 1.0. It’s twice as flavorful and half the calories. Web 2.0 is much more consumer friendly where virtually anyone can publish, anyone can build a profile, anyone can communicate using new kinds of tools and techniques.”
- David Sifry says “Web 2.0 is people. I think that’s the single biggest differentiator.”

Finally, I think that Web 2.0 is…

- Community. At least, community is the heart and soul of every Web 2.0 website out there.
- Quirky. Quirky, but useful. Things need to be different. They need to be catchy. They need to stand out.

In my opinion, day by day, Web 2.0 is becoming more clear. But the point is, Web 2.0 isn’t anything! The comic is right. There is no Web 2.0… Or is there? Is Web 2.0 merely a delusion, or a hardcore business platform? Who knows. Web 2.0 is just waiting to be defined!