Web 2.0

According to Spectrum magazine (from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), one of the latest technology buzz phrases is "web 2.0." Of course, by the time you read this, Web 2.0 might be SOOO five minutes ago. At any rate, it is described as "a second phase in the evolution of the World Wide Web in which developers create Web sites that look and act like desktop programs and enoucourage collaboration and communication between users."

Isn't Web 2.0 really engagism? According to Paul MCFedries, the author of an article in Spectrum ("The Web, Take Two") "[t]he 2.0-ness of a site also depends strongly on how closely the site mimics a desktop application; that is, to what degree the site offers a user rich experience."

Examples of "Web 2.0" include Gmail, Flickr (www.flickr.com -- for photos) and Writely (www.writerly.com -- for writing) Each offers the user an opportunity to engage by sharing their content. They reflect what to me is the highest level of engagism -- i.e., the involvement in an activity that encourages one to create something of their own (such as a photo show or writing). If you're wondering what I mean by that, see chapter five of my thesis at http://www.engagism.com/5engagism.html. I swear, it's not too painful to read -- plus I quote Jean Luc Picard!

Stephanie