Web 2.uh-0h
by Randall McCarley
September 6th, 2006
Web 2.0 is a buzzy term that’s going around. Some say it’s a repeat of “Web1.0″ with all the dangers that go with it, including the bubble. Others say Web2.0 is Web1.0 done right.
In many ways web2.0 does come through in ways the old internet didn’t. Better, more intuitive tools are available. The interface is usually cleaner. And because browsers have become more functional while broadband is more available web sites can do more than ever and do it well.
On the flip side I think there are some dangerous similarities between the original bubble and the current situation. Hype and “cool” seem to be the major forms of payment for many 2.0 start-ups. And there have been some big investments in some odd ideas.
But I also see investors asking more questions and being more involved. 2.0 blowing up the way the old web did won’t be the same. There may be a pop but you likely won’t feel it as personally.
Robert Scoble talks about the new bubble being “frothy”. He also isn’t sure how to get past it or where to look for answers.
I think bad ideas getting attention causes many problems. Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be. Will there really be a customer base? Does it even make sense? If the techno-babble and slang can’t be translated into words you understand consider it a warning.
The second issue is promotion. Most promotion that goes wrong is because the wrong people were targeted. Make sure you are hitting the right niche - one that is willing to pay for your product or service.
There is also an expectation factor. Expecting success because of media coverage or the blogging community getting behind you or whatever is just waiting to fail. Expectations are often the prelude to disaster.
Finally, is there a measurement for success? This was the biggest Web1.0 problem in my opinion and I’m starting to see it more in Web2.0. How will you know you’ve “made it”? And is that measurement in cash or clicks? There’s a huge difference.
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