A day in the life of Web 2.0
I found this article really entertaining, but more because it seemed like fiction rather than reality. The basic premise is fantastic, in that schools and districts could use Web 2.0 to create classrooms that are open to a world of knowledge. It would also allow schools to quickly and efficiently communicate with parents, administrators, and other teachers. However, when I reached the part with the superintendent, I knew it was fantasy. First, there are very few administrators who have the time (or the energy) to review all of the data they discussed. Secondly, I can’t imagine a district where there would be open access to blogs and wikis. Even in researching these articles I was blocked more often than not. Finally, it would require a systemic change within school districts that often don’t have the funds or the resources to make most of this possible. Still, it was a great story.
If “Real Journalism” Fails as a Business, Should Government Step In? (Planet Web 2.0)
What happens if print journalism fails, and there are no longer magazines or newspaper to read? Should the government step in like it did for parks and roads? And if the government did step in, wouldn’t it violate our freedom of speech?
I didn’t realize this was a conversation, much less a possibility. Personally, I’m not so sure we should let the print media fail.
The Social Graph: Issues and Strategies in 2008 (Planet Web 2.0)
Since business and personal issues are significantly blurred on social networking sites, the relationship among the user, his friends/colleagues, and their friends/ colleagues opens up a brand new dynamic. It used to be that the “word of mouth” was fairly effective in spreading information, but it’s starting to look like the very nature of communication will never be the same.
Networks and Open Systems – A Sociological Foundation (Open Gardens)
Adam Smith would love the Internet. He must be kicking himself in the afterlife for not getting the chance to see the true free market at work. Since we all go in to the Internet voluntarily it is by definition a free market and it will be very difficult for any government to control it. One such example was on-line dating. The author pointed out that because communication needed to be immediate and revealing, many people are finding success in these dating sites.
Social Marketing to Tweens (Changing Way)
How do you market to tweens when, because of their age, they cannot and should not reveal much about their personal information? A bad solution is to have the kids lie about themselves since we all know they will be on MySpace anyway. Another solution is to involve the parents, especially if you are marketing products that are good for the tweens. Finally, you can create a media partnership but it would come at the price of profit and freedom.
We Are Hiring (Looks Good Works Well)
In October 2007, there were several postings about Netflix and how it was a great company to work for. Several people blogged to that company was supportive, innovative, and good pay. I had been a loyal customer of Netflix for awhile, then cancelled my membership. But now that I know how it treats its employees, I might reconsider.
