I really didn’t want to write about this topic because I think it’s becoming a whine-fest but I’ve been partaking in this debate at Nic Haralambous’s site and I thought I would sound off on my own site. Take a look at his site first which has the video embedded as well as some comments from him.
My view on the topic is that it’s a short segment and should not be expected to have the history of Web 2.0 in this country as well as an interview every mongoloid with a blog. Haralambous is complaining that nothing was really said about Web 2.0 and only two major players in the Web 2.0 community were considered. I actually think this is totally ungrateful. Blogging (and let’s say Web 2.0) is so small and relatively new in South Africa that any media coverage is really excellent.
The average South African is so far behind in its knowledge of the Web 2.0 arena that this small, fluffy segment such as this will make that average South African think about the topic and hopefully go out and find some information on the topic themselves. As I said on Nic’s site, the internet is not something that can be lived vicariously. This segment will generate interest and publicity for our Web 2.0 heroes/gurus. I can guarantee that the segment will result in more people entering the community and a further generation of ideas.
All I can say is if Nic ever decides to make a movie about the South African Web 2.0 space I can help him as Web 2.0 in South Africa is fascinating and world class despite the size of our community.
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Nice one, I think most of us posted about it today
Go SA Bloggers!
I’ve just blog rolled you
Saul, I stumbled onto your post because your track-back was above my comment
The mistake you’re making here is to assume that blogging is web 2.0 – it isn’t.
Blogging is social media at best and web 2.0 is about something very different.
Media coverage on blogging would be fine but coverage on Web 2.0 and not actually talking about what it is, is a mistake in my opinion.
While I agree the online community in SA is small Web 2.0 is a global phenomenon and as such the segment should have had info on the technology that powers this web 2.0 world as well as the users that make it happen.
Hey Justin
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
You know it hurts me to be wrong but the light just dawned on me when you quantified that Blogging is but a small part of Web 2.0
I see it as sites with user generated content but you’re actually very right and Carte Blanche needed to mention a definition to help people understand what the topic is about
Just don’t tell Nic I said this
LOL don’t worry, your secret is safe with me
But seriously though, I think this is exactly why CB missed the point. There was no clear definition of what Web 2.0 is and as I said on Nic’s blog if they titled that segment “The changing face of communication” I would have felt much better about the affair.
The problem with web 2.0, even as a phrase, is that it is so difficult to define. As you say, it’s about social media, user generated content and interaction with the user.
Web 1.0 was all about what others wanted us to see/read/consume and web 2.0 puts the power back into our hands. We decide what content we want to see and how we want to consume it.
I found you… Jokes, Saul, completely understand what you are saying and am really glad that you have also seen my point and noted that im not just ranting!
I think you have some points, just not the main. This is why blogging is so good, it helps to actually learn shit. all of us!
Haha Nic, I hang my head in shame!
I suppose we’ve discovered the miracle of web 2.0, (not to be confused with the miracle of Christmas)a point was discussed from our bedrooms and we’ve all gained invaluable opinions.
Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully I can be right in our next debate
Hey Saul. You’re spot on regarding the desired outcome of the show being to spark interest in the subject among people who haven’t encountered it before.
I’d also dig in on Nic’s roadshow if he did it!
Hehe Dave, thanks for stopping past.
At the end of the day I thought you guys looked cool on screen; not the pussy, socially inept stereotype.
Anyway, what does Nic know. I mean he hasn’t been blogging for nearly as long as my four months!