The future (version 2.0)

The Internet has done amazing things- but its really the revolution of the way we interact with the Internet which continues to amaze me. The way I use the internet, and the possibilities it provides me are really just stunning when you sit back and compare it to what communication was less then 40 years ago. It really comes down to the evolution of the Web and the way the people have been shaping it as it has slow shifted to a communication tool for the US Army to what people today refer to as Web2.0. But its no technological revolution- no, more of a social revolution, a new ages of interaction between each other- between myself...

...and you.


Luckily I don't have to argue much with you to accept this prestigious award, The Times have written extensively on why you deserve it- just check out why here.

Oh- and congratulations- you do deserve it.

But what you do need to figure out- is what Web 2.0 actually is. Right? Well once again i'll let someone else do the work for you- Stephen Fry, who writes a column about technology in the British Guardian newspaper, describes Web 2.0 as:

"...an idea in people's heads rather than a reality. It’s actually an idea that the reciprocity between the user and the provider is what's emphasised. In other words, genuine interactivity, if you like, simply because people can upload as well as download"

Its the shift of information from your text based html geocities websites- to your flash based forums which video links to youtube and img. links to Flickr. Its about pushing the way the interaction flows and the way that you interact with others.

Now- just look at that quote you just read- the Stephen Fry one. Somebody actually did go and do a little work for you with that quote- not just me. Somebody (might of been good old Stephen) spent a minute linking the line of quote and referencing it just as I'm doing for you now but instead-in a Wikipedia article on Web 2.0.

Now if you wanted to you could make a short animation expanding on Stephen statement and post on youtube. You could also just write about it in your blog if you had hours to spare. The point is- you have quite a number of avenues for interaction with an information in any context on the internet. Or even of it. Its mindblowing when you think about it.

And really thats what Web2.0 is- the extension of the internet as a means of context for a whole new level of interaction and movement of information between anyone and everyone through sites like Myspace, Youtube, Facebook, Wikipedia and even Google.

Theres a good chance you've used some of these web2.o sites- if your as web savvy as the average Uni student is these days. But if not- i might elaborate on them for you in the near future. But till then, remain content. The future is bright- and its shall be very, very, very, interesting.