Web 2.0 and Beyond

So, what, really is Web 2.0? I believe that the core of Web 2.0 applications, and what makes them so compelling, is that they facilitate creative collaboration. Oh sure, you have your Googles, which are more about aggregating information and making it usable, but the Web 2.0 applications getting the most face-time are the creative collaboration tools.

OK, so we're not really using them to collaborate just yet. Really we're just using them to share, but this will change. We already have online tools, like Realm Crafter that allow users to build MMORPGs without having to be a programmer. And Second Life allows us to lead alternative lives online. It's only a matter of time before these tools are used collaboratively to build richer and more robust worlds/applications/solutions/games than can be built by one mind.

So, if we're going to make the most of these collaborative web applications like Instructables, Wikipedia, bix.com and the myriad of other applications popping up, let's get better at being creative, and sharing that creativity.

Every day you use creativity. Sometimes you recognize it, sometimes not. Open your eyes and look around you. See it when it emerges. Practice it, and nurture it in yourself and and others. Don't let it be squashed. We need more creativity, more imagination in our day-to-day world. It's the only thing that is going to take us to the new levels we strive for.