Web 2.0

In lecture we learned about five characteristics pertaining to the Web. 2.0.

For each characteristic, I’ve found an example that average people not involved with the media can benefit from.

Characteristic One: Dynamic content, viewable on multiple platforms.

The IMDb (The Internet Movie Database) is a good example of dynamic content. The information on this website deals with movie stars and crewmembers. The information is updated often allowing the viewer to have current facts on their favourite celebrities. A feature of this particular characteristic is that the content can be “Combined with other pieces of information based on contribution.” The average viewer is allowed access to a few different things on this site. Each page has a display picture of the star and then other pictures of him or her on different movie sets and at premiers. The viewer can change the display picture as well as add any more pictures to the album that they may have. Secondly, if a viewer has some information pertaining to that star, and it is not included in the above page, they can click the “update” button. This allows for them to be in contact with the IMDb managers and let them know what is missing. If the content is appropriate and the managers approve, then the information submitted will be included in the next update.

Characteristic Two: User contribution (User generated content or user generated value)

“YouTube” is exactly what characteristic two describes. This site is in fact user generated. Anyone is eligible to post videos that they have created. When you upload one, there is a spot to write a little blog-type post on your particular video, which is available for everyone to see. Once people view your video, they can communicate with you and with other people who have watched it too. They can add text comments, video responses or “honour” the video. Viewers can add it to their favourites file, share the video, flag it, or add it to their playlist. A list of videos that are related and made by the same person is also available to view. Youtube remembers the types of videos you watch and so on the home page, there are always videos that are “Recommended For You.” You can also view a collection of videos that are being watched “Right Now,” as well as ones that are “Most Popular.”

Characteristic Three: Social Media

Internet dating services such as Match.com allows for social media. Social media provides opportunities for socializing, connecting, and sharing. On match.com everyone gets a profile where they can write about themselves and about the person they’d like to meet. As many as 26 photos can be uploaded. Members can have access to photos and view their ‘type’ in their particular area. On this site, members can socialize with others, connect with other singles, and share photos and intimate information with whoever they want.

Characteristic Four: Online Applications

We used to buy software at Future Shop or Radio Shack, but now more and more software is available online to download. For some, there is a cost; others are free. One example is Adobe products from adobe.com. It’s easy to go to the website and download the software, assuming the connection is safe. The trend of buying and installing computer software off the Internet is increasing; more websites are allowing you to do that. At adobe.com, you can find any Adobe program (Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, etc.) and buy it. What Adobe does is, it offers you the choice of delivery method. You can choose to download (it will download to your computer), or if you’re not comfortable downloading off the internet, you can have it shipped to you. If you are not sure about buying it, you have a third choice: download a free 30-day trial. I have opted for the latter choice, not only for Photoshop, but also for Flash and Dreamweaver. Everything is done off the Internet, nothing in a store. You click ‘download’ and the software installs itself on your computer. It’s very convenient and takes a total of about ten minutes.

Characteristic Five: Harnessing Collective Intelligence

This involves tagging certain content on web pages, videos, bookmarks, songs, photos, etc. One site that does allow you to tag elements is Facebook. Here, you can become a subscriber to a person’s profile. It’s like tagging them, so every update, comment, anything they do will show up on your home page. Also, Facebook allows you to tag pictures and videos of yourself that will then appear on your personal profile for everyone else to enjoy too. All the tagging is done by you, or your friends. By doing this, it’s easier to share information with others, as well as to organize and display information that’s personally related to oneself.