Without having seen the book, writing two 400-word blog entries a week seemed to be a very daunting task. Thankfully, Lanier has some interesting things to say.
“Web 2.0 ideas are stinkers” - These web applications that allow online interaction and collaboration, rather than passive viewing of the information have their faults, but I don't think they've “demeaned interpersonal interaction”. Web 2.o ideas aren't so bad. Yes, online identities “transform self-esteem and social self-perceptions”, but is that so terrible? Web 2.0 applications, such as social networks, blogs etc., appeal to the common need to belong and the collective self-esteem. Many people benefit from the connections they've made online.
Lanier questions the quality and the meaning of interaction online. In an extreme example of the power of Web 2.0 applications, Eva Markvoort (aka 65_RedRoses in the Cystic Fibrosis online community) recently passed away after years of battling CF and her body's rejection of a double lung transplant. In the award-winning documentary, 65_RedRoses, gives viewers a look into the lives of Eva and two of her online friends. Though they are unable to meet in person because of the possibility of spreading infection, they are able to provide vital support for each other through various web applications. In addition, Eva's blog created awareness for CF and organ donation as well as contributed to the growing CF community online. Now, her words and online identity live on and inspire others to help raise awareness (See Link to the cbc page where other related links can be found).
Somewhat related... I came across a crazy article this week about a service that deals with digital accounts after death: a web will. What would Lanier think of this?
On a lighter note, videosharing has changed the music industry and our notion of celebrity. One week after posting this video of his grade 6 talent show, Grayson Chance was signed to a major record label. He is expressing himself following a template and in the same way everyone does on youtube: uploading video. Although youtube has created a cult of amateurism, I think the fact that Web 2.0 tools gave him this ability to share his talent is amazing. Anyone can upload a video regardless of talent, so there are more videos that are crap, but occasionally there are some great discoveries. The Web 2.0 idea that user-generated content is valuable and relevant isn't true in all cases, but there are redeeming qualities to the Web 2.0 applications.
Another idea I found myself thinking about after reading the chapter was the idea of technology locking in. Since the launch of Friendster (2002), myspace (2003) and Facebook (2004), the idea of an online social network seems to be locked in. Facebook has become the dominant platform for social networking, and most people have a standardized presence on Facebook. It seems there will always be something performing the functions of Facebook. As Facebook becomes more integrated, people are less likely to want to switch over to another platform. It is trying to lock itself in as our one true login, and reinforce the idea that our Facebook profile is the centre of our online identity. There are other platforms working quickly to win over the masses (or in the case of myspace, win back the masses) and pitching themselves as facebook alternatives: myspace, Diaspora and Collegiate Nation are a few that I’ve read about.
Collegiate Nation – provides privacy to students by being a network for students only.
Diaspora – a private, open-source social network giving users power over personal data.
Myspace – making public attempts to show concern for privacy by changing settings.
So far, I've been checking out the Blog Herald and ReadWriteWeb.
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