Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

Web 2.0, we hardly knew you

Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | 04:21 PM ET

It's hard to read a story about the Internet without finding some reference to Web 2.0 - the catch-all term for the sea-change move of digital media towards social networking and community-driven content such as Wikipedia. Snappy movies have even been made about it. Others wonder if we should all be discussing Web 3.0, whatever that is.

Count Atlantic Monthly writer Michael Hirschorn as one of the non-believers. In an article entitled "The Web 2.0 Bubble: Why the social-media revolution will go out with a whimper", Hirschorn likens the social networking craze to the frenzies over instant messanger chatting and push technology, which in the first example simply became one tool among many and in the second simply fizzled.

Particularly amusing is Hirschorn's example of the sometimes-awkward corporate adoption of Web 2.0-style social networking:

The wave, inevitably, has reached the more hipsterish suburbs of Corporateville. Doc Martens’s new social-networking site, Freedm2.com, encourages you to “make art, make fun of art, shock, express yourself, entertain.” A semiliterate, dissociative, generationally correct vagueness permeates everything. “Do whatever it is you do,” the site urges, “and the people who are already out there doing it, will make the best stuff happen.” I counted a few dozen users during my most recent visit.

It's an interesting read and worth investigating for anyone thinking of moving into the territory of MySpace or Facebook.

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »

This discussion is now Open. Submit your Comment.

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »

Post a Comment

Disclaimer:

Note: By submitting your comments you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that due to the volume of e-mails we receive, not all comments will be published, and those that are published will not be edited. But all will be carefully read, considered and appreciated.

Note: Due to volume there will be a delay before your comment is processed. Your comment will go through even if you leave this page immediately afterwards.

Privacy Policy | Submissions Policy

Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

World »

Canada accused of 'complicity' in torture in UN report
The United Nations Committee Against Torture has condemned what it calls Canadian "complicity" in torture and human rights violations of Muslim men caught up in the post-9/11 security net. Terry Milewski has exclusive details.
George Zimmerman ordered back to jail video
A judge on Friday revoked the bond of the neighbourhood watch volunteer charged with killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin and ordered him returned to jail within 48 hours.
UN rights body condemns Syria over massacre video
The UN's top human rights body voted overwhelmingly Friday to condemn Syria over the slaughter of more than 100 civilians last week, but Damascus appeared impervious to the crescendo of global condemnation following a string of horrific massacres.
more »

Canada »

Canadians Tweet for the Queen
We've asked asked our Twitter followers to send us their own, personal messages for Queen Elizabeth in 140 characters or less. The responses we got were passionate, entertaining and wildly diverse.
Helicopter crash kills 3 near Terrace, B.C. audio
All three people aboard a helicopter that went down west of Terrace, B.C., died in the crash, the aircraft's owners say.
Ottawa wins appeal to block RCMP union
Ontario's Court of Appeal has overturned a 2009 ruling that said it was unconstitutional to prevent members of the RCMP from forming a labour association.
more »

Politics »

Canada accused of 'complicity' in torture in UN report
The United Nations Committee Against Torture has condemned what it calls Canadian "complicity" in torture and human rights violations of Muslim men caught up in the post-9/11 security net. Terry Milewski has exclusive details.
Oda's travel expenses cause dissent in Tory caucus
Conservative MP John Williamson, who was once head of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, has raised the issue of International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda's spending habits behind closed doors with the Conservative caucus.
Oil companies win NAFTA fight over local investment
A NAFTA panel has ruled against Canada in a case about local investment by oil companies in Newfoundland and Labrador.
more »

Health »

Chronic fatigue may be reversed with exercise
Taking it easy is not the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, rather exercise and behaviour therapy are, a large study finds.
AT&T buys T-Mobile USA for $39B US
AT&T Inc. said Sunday it will buy T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom AG in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $39 billion US, becoming the largest cellphone company in the U.S.
Milky Way home to 50 billion planets: NASA
Scientists have compiled the first cosmic census of planets in our galaxy: at least 50 billion planets are estimated to call the Milky Way home.
more »

Arts & Entertainment»

New Hamlet ballet puts focus on fathers audio
Hamlet, to make its North American premiere Friday with the National Ballet of Canada in Toronto, has been reinterpreted for dance by American choreographer Kevin O'Day.
Stoney Creek teen's painting hangs in the National Gallery video
On Saturday, 16-year-old Stoney Creek artist Josh Tiessen exhibits a painting at the National Gallery of Canada.
Call of Duty creators, Activision settle legal fight
Activision has reached a settlement with the creators of the hit video game series Call of Duty following a bitter legal battle.
more »

Technology & Science »

Newly mapped tomato genome could yield tastier, hardier fruit
You might think you know all you need to know about the humble tomato, but now, you can truly get a look at what this fleshy fruit is made of thanks to the work of about 300 scientists who have identified almost all of the genes that make up one common variety.
Last chance to see Venus transit across sun
If you happen to glance at the sun in the early evening next Tuesday and notice a black dot moving across it, fear not, that's not dust in your eye or an early sign of glaucoma — it's Venus.
Call of Duty creators, Activision settle legal fight
Activision has reached a settlement with the creators of the hit video game series Call of Duty following a bitter legal battle.
more »

Money »

Stock markets sag as oil hits 2-year low
Stock markets including the TSX were a sea of red on Friday, as investors digested a slew of underwhelming economic news.
Lower oil price won't delay big projects, yet
The downward slide of oil prices may lead some companies to trim their capital spending plans, but analysts suggest the bigger projects are not in jeopardy, at least not yet.
2,000 jobs cut as GM to close Oshawa plant video
The Canadian Auto Workers union says General Motors is going ahead with plans to close its consolidated plant in Oshawa, Ont.
more »

Consumer Life »

Honda recalls Fit subcompacts
Honda Canada says it will recall 14,640 of its 2009 and 2010 Fit subcompact cars to replace lost motion springs.
U.S. travel fee proposal criticized by Harper
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he doesn't think much of a new border tax that's being proposed by the United States, calling it a cash grab designed to help a budget crisis.
Bell class action suit approved by Que. court
A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class action lawsuit to go ahead against Bell Mobility.
more »

Sports »

Scores: NHL NBA

blog Wharnsby: Spotlight shines brighter on unheralded King Williams
How can Justin Williams, a first-line right wing on the Los Angeles Kings, a team that has skated through its improbable playoff run with 13 wins in 15 games, be underappreciated or underrated? It's because he plays alongside two of the more high-profile Kings in Anze Kopitar and captain Dustin Brown.
Bruins confirm Tim Thomas may sit out next season video
Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed on Friday that two-time Vezina Trophy winning goalie Tim Thomas surprised the team last month to advise them of the possibility of sitting out next season due to family reasons.
Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak eliminated at French Open
Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak lost 6-4, 6-4 to top seed Victoria Azarenka in the third round of the French Open on Friday in a meeting of former junior rivals.
more »

Diversions »

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
more »