Different people have different interpretations of the term "web 2.0". Some people think it's cool, but really haven't got a clue what it is. Some people call up their ISP asking if they can upgrade their internet connection to it (my first guess when I heard the term was a new internet network that was somehow better). Some people think it means a website or app that makes use of ajax, javascript, and flash. While some people just slap it onto their startup and let the VCs believe what they like about it, just so long as they give them the money they need to keep their flop going.
My personal take on it all is that it's over hyped marketing lingo that no one really knows the meaning of.
Do you know what I would like to see it mean? I would like the definition of "web 2.0" to mean a website that takes advantage of javascript/ajax/flash to improve the usability of the site. Take for example starlastitch.com. We use ajax to make using the shopping cart easier to use. We got rid of the need to press the 'update cart' button to save your changes and update the total prices. Then on the threads page, with javascript, we made a very easy to use way of ordering threads online (something that is normally a very tedious task).
That's what I think web 2.0 should mean. But it doesn't. It's an over hyped term that no one knows the meaning of for sure... maybe because it doesn't have a meaning?
In that case, what should we call websites that make use of javascript/ajax/flash to enhance usability and the user experience of a website? I'm not talking about using that cool stuff to make your website "look cool". I'm meaning to actually make a website easier to use than it would be without it. Should we continue to mash it up with the term "web 2.0"? Or should we call it something else? Maybe "web 3.0" or maybe "web 1.9"?
The mysteries of life...
Joey
Re: What does "web 2.0" mean?
You sure have a good point.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0