web 2.0 and convergence

The term web 2.0 is currently being used in reference to the recent rise of web 2.0 related developments in technologies, online content and software sharing.

As defined by wikipedia "Web 2.0 is a trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to facilitate creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. " (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0, accessed 20/04/08)

I used the definition from wikipedia, as it is an example of web2.0 is. Everyone i know has used wikipedia at some stage in their life. From my short survey it is evident the extend wikipedia has impacted on society and online users. From the rise of web 2.0 in its popularity and development has also seen the increase in attention from other media' fields. For example Yahoo convergence with channel 7.

In Matthew Allen 2008 “Web 2.0 argument against convergence” (http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2139/1946, accessed 20/04/08)journal is a detail analysis of web 2.0 in its development in becoming a medium that defies all boundaries and needs for other media communications. Throughout the article Allen clearly articulates that web 2.0 is a complex interchangeable form that is content driven domain with no direct ownership or authority. It is this ideal model of producing one’s own content that web 2.0 has become a medium where it is no longer about reaching target audiences but communicating more effectively to them. Allen begins his argument by using the example of the company Yahoo Australia and its unsuccessful attempt to become a visual media resource through converging with channel 7. Through discussing in detail what web 2.0 is and its relationship to media communication, Allen clearly identifies that the web 2.0 alone will continue be successful due to networking capabilities and its increasing level of democratisation. He uses Yahoo attempts to converge with channel 7 as an example of the current trends of online companies expanding from the internet into other media fields. Web 2.0 is no longer a singular media in itself but the convergence of all media's and thus has no need to converge with one particular media.

The article is a detail, in depth insight into web2.0 in relation to the argument against web 2.0 convergence. The article is comprised of discussing web 2.0 in terms of history, developments, techonology, networking, content and political capabilities. The article demonstrates the need and understanding of web 2.0 throughout all media communications to fully utilise it capabilities in aiding other mediums rather then becoming part of them.

Personally i think the term is used very widely with no real understanding of what it means in relation to users, technologies and content creations and sharing. The term web 2.0 itself demonstrates this as the term web 1.0 wasn't even used. An attempt to look up the definition of web 1.0 was unsuccessful evident of the age of web 2.0. When referring to web 2.0, it is referencing web 1.0 in in reference to the 'old' internet in relation to design, interface, technology's, content creation and development.

Lastly, I want would like to know what web 2.0 means to you and your understanding of the term.