First off, let's define what Web 2.0 is NOT.

Web 2.0 is NOT a new internet. So don't go calling the cable company asking for your Web 2.0 modem!

Here is a "simple" definition of the term web 2.0...ready?

"Web 2.0 is a term often applied to a perceived ongoing transition of the World Wide Web from a collection of websites to a full-fledged computing platform serving web applications to end users. Ultimately Web 2.0 services are expected to replace desktop computing applications for many purposes."
(source:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0)

Got that? Did that clear everything up for you and you now understand what web 2.0 means?

Good! Glad I could help!

Wait, I hear something from the back row...what's that? Oh, you still don't get it?

GREAT! Neither did I!

Let's get to a mo' better definition for the average Joe (and Jane).

The term Web 2.0 is used to refer to the "perceived ongoing transition" of the internet experience.

In other words, the change in the way we, the user, experience the internet and the EFFECT we, the users, have on the internet as a whole.

Think about it a minute. When I first started actively using the interent (back in the early '90s), I could sign on and read things, research things, play games, etc...

Now, in web 2.0, I can CONTRIBUTE to the content of the internet.

Got me?

Think about YouTube. Two guys threw up webspace and basically told viewers to "insert your video here". And they did! The content on YouTube is created by the users.

Think about MySpace. A guy threw up some webspace and said, "insert your personal "About Me" page here"-- and they DID! The content of MySpace is created by the users.

Think about blogs. Yes, one main "blogger" submits the original content, but in actuality, a blogger is opeing up a discussion. Users, like you and me, can post our comments and contribute to the content of that webspace.

Getting it now? Internet users are no longer just "viewers", we are CONTRIBUTORS. And that, is the "perceived ongoing transition" that Web 2.0 refers to.

Ok, I still see some glazed over, confused gazes from the back row.

How about I SHOW you what Web 2.0 refers to?

You, the viewer of this lens, will now participate in a web 2.0 experience and become a contributor to this lens.

Yes, I created this lens, but now ANYONE and EVERYONE can control the CONTENT. Where it goes from here is now up to the user.

I have created the content above on a basic definition of Web 2.0 (which, by the way, is not how the term web 2.0 was truly intended to be used. The term has now reached the definition that I have explained earlier. You can research it's original intent if so desired). I also have added my contribution in the modules below. My 2 favorite books, a lens of mine I enjoy, and an entry in the guestbook -- all of which will become a permanent part of the content of this lens.

I invite everyone to add THEIR contribution to this lens.

If your favorite book is "Curious George"-- add it.

If you hate my favorite book -- vote it down.

Want to advertise your lens? -- add it.

Want to knock my lens addition to the bottom? --vote it down.

Want to say "hi" to your mom or uncle in Toledo? post in the guest book.

Want to advertise your offer of purple, polka dotted widgets? Post it in the guestbook.

In the spirit of a true Web 2.0 experience, this lens now belongs to you, the viewer...the contributor.

Web 2.0 is YOU

Have fun!

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