So web 2.0 has been around for quite a while, and is beginning to take precedent over the entire internet. What do they consider Web 2.0? You know, social websites that allow you interact with each other in more ways that thought possible. Places like Last.fm, twitter, facebook, and myspace. You know, websites that take away your need to actually do things in person.
Most of us have at least attended one of those websites. Heck, perhaps you’re visiting one right now. (Well, at least the wordpress part of it.)
Most of the aforementioned websites (save Twitter) have recently made drastic changes from how they used to be. The general consensus is that these “revised” versions of these so-called Web 2.0 websites aren’t very appealing. And in my opinion a lot of these “changes” are very similar. You know, trying to make everything more streamlined, and easier on the eyes. Yeah, I’m sure it’s supposed to be better, but what was wrong with before? Do these websites feel a need to change things just for change’s sake?
I still like myspace, last.fm, and facebook, but now they seem like strangers in my house. I have to get used to you all over again. It’s like some of these changes are just made to alienate your core audience, and for what purpose? Is this what web 2.5 is about? The needless upgrade to what we already have? A prettier face on a product that is pretty enough as it is? If so, I’d hate to see what Web 3.0 is about. The way I connect with people doesn’t need to be changed so drastically. I don’t mind some cosmetic changes, but sometimes it feels like we’re losing so much control over how we obtain certain information, and all the copied ideas just feels ridiculous.
I welcomed Web 2.0 with open arms. I might not have integrated my own website with its style until much later, but I decide to partake of its goods early on. Knowing what the internet WAS, and knowing what it IS, all I can hope is that what it will soon be isn’t necessarily reflected on what we’re seeing now. Some of these so-called upgrades can’t really be considered upgrades.
