Friday, March 2, 2007

Web 2.0 litmus test

posted by Andy Leff
In case you were living under a rock in February, I am bringing this awesome Web 2.0 video to your attention:



Now, for purposes of discussion, watch this one:



Both teach viewers much about what defines Web 2.0. Yet compare their page views. 'Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us' boasts over 1.5 million views. 'Web 2.0' -- a mere 68,000.

Herein lies the true educational value of these videos. The first video claims the lead because it actually embodies the Web 2.0 spirit. It's dynamic, interactive, catchy, and personal. It showcases all related technology, such as XML. And it draws the entire concept back to Web 2.0's real power source: people.

The other one -- a boring, static, dry presentation that sucks all the air out of a exciting concept. No wonder people aren't watching it.

Now apply this lesson to your own business. Are your Web operations modeled on the energy of the first video ... or stuck in a rut like the second one? Like it or not, your answer will determine your online viability.

BONUS: If you liked 'Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us,' then you'll love this interview with creator Michael Wesch on John Battelle's Searchblog. Enjoy.

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