Web 2.0 - What's your takes?

[modpluz]

Good day all,

i want somebody to shed some light on the true meaning of Web 2.0, as i don't understand most of what it is said to stand for(or not).

e.g. i'd read that it uses css overly(and you can layout web pages without tables).

also that it involves all those glossy pixel'ated buttons/graphics.

so folks, what does Web 2.0 stands for(in your own view)?

[dilettante]

I think the main thing that made it "2.0" was the idea of getting away from the original concept of the Web as serving requested pages as documents and input forms, and trying to make it act as an application platform. When non-IE browsers could finally do a reliable job of what is now often called Ajax the idea gained traction (IE could do this for years before the competition).

More than anything though "Web 2.0" was less tangible, and more of a marketing buzzword. I say was because the wave has long crashed and what is left of it we now take for granted.

[kfcSmitty]

I've always just looked at Web 2.0 and 3.0 as a term coined to explain the transition of the web to a more "desktop" like environment. If I can think of how to explain it better, I'll post, but right now I can't seem to think properly.

[dilettante]

How Web 3.0 Will Work (http://computer.howstuffworks.com/web-30.htm)

[JuggaloBrotha]

I haven't heard the term 'Web 2.0' in over 9 years now, I think it's come and gone already...

[dilettante]

I haven't heard the term 'Web 2.0' in over 9 years now, I think it's come and gone already...
Good crystal ball, considering it was first popularized in 2004. ;)

[Jenner]

Interesting. I always wondered what "Web 2.0" really meant. That "howstuffworks" article was perhaps the first, simple straight-forward technical explanation I've ever heard.

I haven't even heard of the term Web 3.0 before this post. I honestly think we're a long way off from computers understanding general information in a contextual way. We've hit too many recent roadblocks technologically and economically for it to come out anytime soon.

[Pino]

Jenner your right, Web 2.0 is a phrase that never really had a definition. Its scope was so wide!

Pino

[JuggaloBrotha]

Good crystal ball, considering it was first popularized in 2004. ;)I know isn't it? I can't remember exactly when I heard about it. I do remember it being talked about on the net after I graduated high school (in 2002) though

[DeanMc]

Web 2.0 is a vapour ware statement. It doesn't really mean anything I think the real web 2.0 will be when either flash or silver light, or a similar tech gains critical mass

[dilettante]

I know isn't it? I can't remember exactly when I heard about it. I do remember it being talked about on the net after I graduated high school (in 2002) though
Well I agree it is old and moldy now. It seems pretty clear though that it was basically a scam to try to get venture capital flowing again after the 1990s Web Bubble had burst.

What Is Web 2.0 (http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html)

[mendhak]

Just a marketing buzzword. Apps are getting richer in terms of JS usage, managers need something to 'sell' their sites - lo and behold, you have Web 2.0. It was annoying 6 years ago and it's still annoying :)

The annoying bit isn't its usage... the annoying bit is when you read an article or look at a product meant for developers, and they still have the audacity to use that term. Frankly, it's an insult to our intelligence.