Task 1b

Analyzing the usage of Web 2.0

The development between Web1.0 and 2.0 was a huge step in the evolution of technological communication and social media. At first it took me quite some time reading over the ‘Reader 1’ to distinguish what it is exactly, and in doing so I have come up with my own definition to aid my understanding: Web 2.0 is a system of communication via the world wide web, where there is an act and ability of two way communication.

The use of Web2.0 is so set in the trends of today’s society that without it, the system of social media would be lost on how to operate. Taken from the ‘features of community’, there are some factors that play a big part for this ‘system’ to be so desirable, such as: being accessible anywhere in the world, interface is quick and easy to use, there is ownership on own data therefore personalization is allowed.

 The ‘notion of participation’ is key to the ability of interaction between people (O’Reilly), which supports Web 2.0 to keep running and developing. Hamilton states that participation is a function with factors such as time, skill, financial commitment and that an increase will contribute to successful development of relationships and democratization of media. I do agree (with regarding to Gruber’s three processes) that it will continue to be used and grow as Web 2.0 encourages users to take control over the production of data, a factor contributing it to be so popular (eg facebook, google).

Relating to the statistics from January 2013 on social media, it is actually amazing how much society uses Web 2.0:

·      Facebook-1 billion users, more than 42 million pages and 9 million apps

·      Instagram- 100 million registered and 4 billion photos

·      Youtube- 800 million users, 4 billion views per day

·      Gmail- 287 million users

·      Skype-280 Million users

The quote about facebook,” a social system, where people interact, improve the user experience for others by sharing content… and then link other people to events, experiences and content,” sums up the whole idea of how powerful social networking is.

I have realized Web 2.0 is also very useful in my field of work practice- the dance world! To get anywhere, a lot of it is about connections, which relates to the idea of harnessing collective intelligence (third core competency, O’Reilly). Web 2.0 has ‘allowed communities to develop beyond their existing professional networks’ where networking has stepped up to a whole different level, and through this ‘social space’ they can ‘come together as equals.’ I can relate to this idea by comparing my experience at Elmhurst: when auditioning I had contacts at Elmhurst (existing network) and afterwards had to the ability to contact different companies through emails, Network Dance etc. These days it’s so much easier and useful to connect with directors, dancers, and stage managers etc. Sites like Linkedn and Network Dance are great for networking in the professional and business field. For example if a choreographer or dancer is needed, especially last minute, these sites instantaneously supply the information. Ballet News is a brilliant site to keep informed on the current dance news for everyone one in its field. You Tube is now taking over for audition DVD’s, promotional videos, even for talent seeking ( e.g. Justin Beiber!)

Another thought came to mind… the development between Web 1.0 to 2.0 and how the dancers 10-20 years ago auditioned. They had to use the film cameras, send videotapes and letters that would take so much time with not much freedom for second takes and tweaking.

Now a day you can get professional photographers with digital cameras, create a folder with a C.V, copy a YouTube link of a video and send everything off via email.

I would get so stressed about trying to get the perfect ‘package together,’ but now I appreciate the technologies we have today making it all so much more efficient.

However ethical considerations do need to be regarded because social networking is not all positive. Unfortunately everything posted is non-reversible! Whatever is up is immediately exposed to future or current employers, friends, family members and practically the whole world. We all need to be careful with putting up too much information on our whereabouts, in addition with plagiarism issues- a huge annoyance to any artist, writer, and producer of any kind.

There is one word to think about here- dignity! Managing to keep your dignity through social networking I believe will distinguish the needed ‘balance between your professional and private life’ (Nottingham, 2013).