Assignment # 2

I would say my knowledge in Web 2.0 tools is average for my demographic. Using "If the Shoe Fits" article as way of organizing my knowledge of Web 2.0 tools I would say I'm very knowledgeable in publishing platform tools having creating a blog of my own and several podcasts for SCSU. My familiarity with social networking tools are also excellent having spent time on and creating content for sites like Facebook and Youtube. I also have much experience in democratized content networks, for I have used Wikipedia almost weekly since my introduction to it several years ago. As for Virtual networking platforms, edited social news platforms, and content distribution sites I have barely used or heard of them until I read the description of them on the site. So my knowledge about them and their use is poor. Finally I have been aware of information aggregators since high school. When finding news relevant information for a particular paper topic was useful.

When talking about Web 2.0, most are referring to the change in Internet trends from limited linking, posting, and content editing on web pages among a limited amount of people. To where web pages at times almost entirely depend on people to post, share, link, and comment on information . I believe technology defines Web 2.0 because ever since the invention of the Internet or even media people have wanted to be able to manipulate what they see and be able to share it. Before the advent of the technology though, it required specialized knowledge and considerable amounts of time in order to do so. Now with new technology, this process is much easier allowing anyone with the desire to create, share, and edit information the ability to do so.

I believe Web 2.0 is not a radical departure from the ways we interact with each other. It just an easier way of doing so. Before Web 2.0 one could still share photos, it just required someone to take their photo album to a friend's house. Another example is that people were still able to comment or share news with others before Web 2.0. It just required someone with a willing ear instead of just logging to a site like dig. I do believe though Web 2.0 is a radical departure from Web 1.0 information. With Web 2.0 information is potentially less reliable with anyone able to post. For example hidden motives to articles are harder to spot. Instead of only well known institutions and people able to post information on Web 1.0. Now anyone can making it nearly impossible to detect.