What So Great About Web2.0?

Web 2.0 is the platform for user generated content.  It's all about interaction. Instead of users merely surfing the web; they're interacting with other users and enterprises.  Web 2.0 has become the new environment at the heart of the Internet, with audience participation in overdrive.  Web 2.0 has been called "an attitude" instead of a technology as those not familiar with the phenomenon may try to purchase what they believe to be software or an upgrade of some sort.  On the contrary, just as those who use words like "Flamingo Road" to describe a ritzy neighborhood, Web 2.0 is gaining understanding as an interactive presence catering to a variety of user generated content.

A good example of the difference in Web 2.0 and the era of the Internet's infancy, or perhaps Web 1.0 is that while surveys have not been abolished, they were a reigning presence in the early days of the Internet to gauge a customer's preferences and experiences.  Today, with the evolution of Web 2.0, customers are able to leave a comment, ask a question, rate a product, and use a number of interactive tools immediately.

Perhaps the greatest value of Web 2.0, other than hosting a platform for skyrocketing profits, is that users and customers can instantly read, hear, or see what other users and customers think about a product or service.  While the surveys of yesterday provided information solely to the marketers, Web 2.0 interfaces share the opinions and experiences of customers with each other.  This platform gives "word of mouth" a new meaning and a much faster vehicle.

Web 2.0 embraces the same technologies for social networking as it does for enterprise.  This enables users to communicate across a wide variety of sites using the same material while it forges much more of a community bond than the earlier technologies.

Web 2.0 has become the "corner drugstore" where unknown talent is discovered and hopefuls line up by the millions hoping to be noticed.  Politicians are taking advantage of the interactive interface by communicating with voters in ways never before possible.  And, perhaps most exciting of all, e-commerce has profited and continues to profit handsomely from the Web 2.0 phenomenon.  Tomorrow, we'll take a look at the types of user generated content and how this content is being used to boost profits.