Module 1: Task 1B, Professional Communication Technologies, Reflection on Web 2.0

I have recently read the 'Reader 1' Hand Book, it's taken me just under a week to make notes, to analyse and gain a better understanding of the purpose and challenges of Web 2.0. Hopefully this blog will give you a wide range of views and opinions regarding Web 2.0, and more details and information you can reference throughout the module!

Web 2.0 is a 2nd generation of web-based communities. Web 1.0 created 'one way' online communications such as:

• Television
• Newspapers
• Standard Websites

However Web 2.0 provides the opportunity for the reader to interact through social networking, potentially become the creator as well as the user. Before reading 'Reader 1' I've used social media sites regularly (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, YouTube) however I was unaware that they were created by Web 2.0. 

Exploring the web at the age of 11/13 was incredibly different in comparison to 2015! From the programs, layout/design and even the build of computer I believe that even though the Internet was a basic foundation, throughout my early teens the web gradually generated into an advanced, improved creation.

One of the first articles I read (attached to Reader 1) was entitled:

'What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for The Next Generation of Software'

written by Tim O'Reilly in 2006. O'Reilly expresses that many people refer to Web 2.0 as 'a new conventional wisdom'.  I agree with this statement as I believe that Web 2.0's social interaction has had a huge impact on social media and awareness within the Performing Arts Industry. Even though there are published magazines such as The Stage (Web 1.0), many performers do find it easier to use Web 2.0 based sites to source information and details for auditions/castings.

'Others who say the web is over-hyped'

Even though many media users are extremely happy with this technical revolution, others disagreed and thought that the web is over populated and un-resourceful. Even though I do agree that allot of people use the web, I would not class it as 'over-hyped'. I think that every popular social media site has a specific objective whether it be posting certain opinions and advertisements. Yes the web is expanding and has more users however this is a key factor of all technological improvements and revelations.

Tim explains that Web 2.0 'doesn't have a boundary just a gravitational core'. Likewise to the previous quote I find O'Reilly's perspective very interesting as I also have the opinion that Web 2.0 is as useful and resourceful as the user makes it. By saying Web 2.0 has a 'gravitational core' I think this depicts that most members are aware of the risks and violations of privacy and confidentiality yet know how to be safe online.

The Meme Map created by Tim O'Reilly was developed at a brainstorm in 'FOO Camp' Conference at O'Reilly Media. This is a great example, displaying a variety of ideas and concepts that evolved from the 'Web 2.0 Core'. O'Reilly's brainstorm gives outside readers a visual insight into how important Web 2.0 is and the gradual development of the web-based community.

   

Within the Architectures of Participation section of Reader 1 I was intrigued by a statement from HAMILTON 2000, 'Participation is a function' 

The encouragement of participation within media has had a huge impact regarding people's ability to take part and interact creatively online! I definitely agree with this point as the principle of participation plays a vital part in the development and awareness of Web 2.0.

Remixable Data consists of materials that can be rearranged and re-used for a new purpose, which is an essential part of Web 2.0. Vattyson believes that the combination of the people who make media and the people who consume it, encourages viewers to engage and participate within media. Following HAMILTON's discussion on participation, readers not only observe the information on the web, but get involved by interacting and publishing there opinion.

'These interactive and participatory aspects of the new media objects further erode the distinction between artists and audiences, and offer a model which has been termed the rise of the prosumer, i.e. the consumer is also the producer"          (Vattyson 2000   /   Pg 205)

Brun was the creator of the concept 'Produsage', a collaboration of production and usage. The combination of consumption and production  is one of the major selling points of Web 2.0's role within any network or industry. Even though we are not physical guided to become both consumer and producer we naturally take that responsibility by reading materials to creating and sharing them online.

Discussing the topics of Collective Inteligence, Zuckerbug Grube expresses that reflecting the greater impact of the whole package rather than the different sectors is a vital step used to develop Web 2.0. For example Facebook, which has over 500 million users. The huge volume of members impacts dramatically on the success of sharing information and interaction. As well as a larger mass of users, Collective Intelligence is also successful due to:

• Knowledge that shared
• Interaction
• Improving the users experience

'Connectivity is a basic human right'        (Zuckerbug  /  Shearlaw 2014)

I believe one of the hardest problems and risks to avoid or tackle is Ethical Consideration. When using 2.0 ethical discrimination can be displayed through discussions (blogs/chat rooms) and any participation within social media. Yes, you are more than welcome to voice your opinion however always have consideration to any reader that can view your information.

'Getting in trouble on Facebook' is an example of huge privacy and confidentiality violations. For instance teachers must be extremely strict with social media, and are probably the most vulnerable group in danger of violations and crossing boundaries. They must know the privacy restrictions differentiating their professional and personal lives. This example does show a slightly daring and risky side towards Web 2.0 as the only person stopping you from over stepping the rules are you!