Current Web Buzzwords and is Hull a Web 2.0 City?

Current Web Buzzwords and is Hull a Web 2.0 City?

The term “Web 2.0” describes the changing trends in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aim to enhance creativity, communications, secure information sharing, collaboration and functionality of the web. Web 2.0 concepts have led to the development and evolution of web culture communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, video sharing sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies. The term first became notable after the O’Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference in 2004.

Taken from wikipedia.

Buzz words and Terminology for the Web

2009 is going to be another vintage year for the development of the web, there is no question. We are VERY excited about the development of the digital community in Hull, but also, what is happening online around the world. This leads us to consider, is Hull a Web 2.0 city? Firstly, lets look at the current state of play….

The title of the post may be a little outdated already though. Royal Pingdom has a very interesting post about the current trends for web terminology and buzzwords. A few of the key findings from their Google search data analysis are:

  • “Web 2.0” peaked in 2007 and has been decreasing in 2008.
  • The ever-popular “cloud computing” actually dropped sharply late in 2008 after having been increasing rapidly since late 2007.
  • While the interest for “blogging” hasn’t changed much over the last couple of years, “microblogging” has seen a rapid rise since early 2007 (presumably due to Twitter).
  • “Blogger” has been increasing four years straight.
  • “Ecommerce” is decreasing.
  • “RSS” is decreasing.
  • “Affiliate program” saw a sharp increase during the second half of 2008.

So it looks like Web 2.0 is used less frequently now…. although Social Media, Social Network, and Social Networking are seeing increases. Have a look at the article and let us know your thoughts in comments.

Hull and ‘Web 2.0′ – do they go together?

We’re really interested to highlight and celebrate any great examples that are alive and kicking in the city and locality, and we will be trying to find some in the future to showcase (as well as great examples of web sites). So, we need your help here. Do you have a great blog? Do you post actively on flickr? Have you set up a really useful wiki or is there a good example of an online community based here?

One idea we do have is to start a list of all these great places on the web on a separate part of the site, so people can come here and track down something that might be useful for them. So, get started and post your blog urls below!

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  • http://www.disassociated.com/ John Lampard

    That’s an interesting set of trends there. I wonder if “Affiliate programs” are the new “e-commerce”?

  • admin

    They could well be John – they can be so powerful and done correctly can earn someone a lot of $$$££££!

  • http://hedonblog.wordpress.com/ RayDuff

    I think the issue here is that Hull HAS to be a Web 2.0 city (whatever the current buzzword is)!

    The challenge facing Hull’s digital community is how best to promote and popularise social media. These new internet tools have to become the ‘property’ of Hull’s communities – particularly those communities which are currently excluded from them by lack of a basic hardware, software and internet connection.

    Online networking, engagement and collaboration can empower communities who can then go on to affect change in the things that matter to them. But first communities need to know about the ‘tools’ available to them.

    Another challenge brought about by new social media is that it makes things accessible to the complete novice – there is no reliance on the ‘geek’ to do things for you! This changes the relationship between those that seek to make a living out of new social media and those that wish to use it. This ‘conflict’ has still to be resolved in many cases.

    The Government’s Digital Inclusion Team have set up a Wiki to explore the first issue at http://digitalinclusion.pbwiki.com/About+Us

    I think the second will be partly resolved through effective networking of professionals and volunteers through networks like Hull Digital.

    Keep up the good work Jon!

  • admin

    Ray, thanks for a great comment. Inclusion is important and education about the online tools is a must, I agree.

    Something I am not quite at ease with yet is the right of everyone for fast web access, something you mentioned in reference to communities lacking the hardware, software, and connection.

    These absolutely need providing for people to use effectively and in a manner to further their development and progress. What I am not keen to happen is that these things become added to the freebies which people are given, and then don’t help themselves – all too common in the UK where, IMHO, hard work and honesty is not rewarded, and intelligence and success can be ridiculed and attracts bitter comments and actions.

    The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. I just hope that fast web access is not yet another “right” chanted by the people who are never going to help themselves, and will always be sponging off society.

    Well, I’ve gone slightly off topic here, but hope it makes sense!