Web 2.0 is a concept that is often being used incorrectly by those who do not know all that the term entails. Many companies are using it as a part of their marketing plans, not knowing that their sites are not classified as Web 2.0. Tim O’Reilly identifies Web 2.0 as a still abstract concept of “principles and practices” that are all connected to some core, but at “varying distances.” His article, “What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software, simply explains the characteristics that make Web 2.0 what it is. Firstly, and perhaps one of the most important points, is that every downloader on the particular site becomes a server. I interpreted this as meaning that every person who uses the site, is then somehow altering content on the web. For example, if I were to download a song from Napster, I would then be a server, making the song then available to even more people. When the web operates under these circumstances, every service would automatically get better the more people use it. Therefore, those on the site are really co-developers in a sense.

O’Reilly’s second characteristic claims that Web 2.0 is just a server, not having ever been packaged or sold; the web is its only platform. Google quickly comes to mind with this point, as it has only ever been on the internet, never for sale or redistributed in stores. Then, this platform would ideally act like a tool in organizing and connecting the input/output of activity by all of its users. O’Reilly refers to this as having the ability to “harness collective intelligence.” Going right along with this, is the RSS or a live feed. This is especially important when in the “blogosphere” because it automatically updates whenever there is a change within the site. This may be used to keep communication or a steady group of users up to date. The RSS feed translates into yet another essential trait: that the site is updated regularly, allowing a system for data management. There have been issues with the privacy and data on the web, but from my understanding, much of it has to do with companies and their personal investments and advancements.

Digital storytelling is a new term, a process made possible with the discovery of the web as a way to create and share content for an authentic audience. Web 2.0 Storytelling points out some of the mediums being used in today’s modern world to tell stories through both meaning and engagement.  Blogs, although one of the oldest platforms, seem to very vast and increasingly popular. Even this very post is being read on a blog! Their popularity may be due to the thought of it as a “personae” or diary. Of course, blogs are used in different forms for different purposes, often with links to supplement the given information. Archival and character blogging are easily distinguished by various characteristics because they have an intended presentation of traits. Even one post short-short stories are transforming the way internet users read and create stories on the internet. Other platforms include Facebook, Twitter and Flickr; all of which allow for “micronarratives,” observations or snapshots of historic moments in time. Referred to as “the novel we are all writing,” Facebook allows millions of users to be their own servers! In every platform, users are adhering to the set of standards which qualify as Web 2.0, and most of those users don’t even realize it!

Despite the lack of a concrete definition, Web 2.0 seems to be most productive way to use the internet at this time. What makes it so beneficial is that Web 2.0 is able to reach out to the “long tail” or the collection of all the smaller sites that make up a substantial chuck of the internet. Not being limited to one device is also another pro I seemed to have picked up on while reading through this piece. At the end of the day, Web 2.0 is really just a way to ensure that every user is getting the most out of their experience on the internet – whether they are browsing, sharing, or creating.