Web 2.0: A (pretty dumb) way of thinking...

Ok, ok, here is a (complete) quote that everybody seems to use nowadays.

"Web 2.0 is much more than just pasting a new user interface onto an old application. It’s a way of thinking, a new perspective on the entire business of software— from concept through delivery, from marketing through support." Web 2.0 principles and best practices O'Reilly media Inc 2006.

This type of ideological remark is usually done to convert the late majority and the laggards.

Hip-hop was saying the same thing before starting to disintegrate.

Of course it is a way of thinking. Bad thinking... if missunderstood...

Clearly, the internet will live but what we call now 2.0 is just a buzz term. At a conference some dude was asking google's ceo Eric Schmidt (if im not mistaken) what is web 3.0...
So yeah! jump on it while is hot. Web 3.0 is coming! douchebag...

In order to properly use it you have to understand it. And no understanding has ever occurred with funky emotional reptilian sale pitches.

Many businesses use this 'way of thinking' argument to sell their clients useless crap.

And to tackle another quote from the same publication: "Web 2.0 is a set of economic, social, and technology trends that collectively form the basis for the next generation of the Internet—a more mature, distinctive medium characterized by user participation, openness, and network effects."

I do agree with the author, but I think that the use of this buzz to make sales only reinforces the bubble explosion.

Within this definition, the web 2.0 system provider has to prove that:

1. there is enough power to bypass the tipping point and create a network effect
2. if used internally, the employee participation to such an open system generates a network effect that is productive for the business...
3. if used as a marketing tool, the network effect will translate in direct sales (customer acquisition cost analysis, etc)

For most businesses there is no compelling measurable argument that guarantees a client ROI by implementing a web 2.0 (whatever that means) system.

Now the implementation of this 2.0 thing tends to become the new ERP, BI, HRM systems... GRR.... Every company now wants a wiki, facebook, collaboration website, blog, etc.

All I am saying is: think twice!

Or you will find yourself a couple hundred $Ks later with a useless system.
Or even worse... With a system that encourages your employees to lose concentration, time, etc.

Somebody please, think of the clients...

Whaa? Hush now!

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Octavian Mihai