The Problems With Web 2.0, pt 1: Geeks vs Droids

So, is Web 2.0 really that different from the outdated Web 1.0? Many seem to think so and the following seems to iron much of this thinking out quite nicely.

Let’s think for a sec about how Web 2.0 is vastly different in terms of marketing and branding than 1.0. Now, in 05, identity is about minimalism and being largely free of corporate hype, unlike during the bubble, when huge marketing budgets pushed big graphics and bigger marketing strategies.

Minimalism and lots of white space a la Google and Flickr (this, after all, was one of the primary rationales for the acq by Yahoo) are great at killing transaction costs and making interaction more efficient - they do create very real economic value.

But what Web 2.0 is not great at is, well, reaching out to non-geeks. Right now, hitting 1m users is a Big Deal. But if Web 2.0 really wants to transition to Media 2.0, this hurdle has to be crossed - because in media terms, 1m users is peanuts. Think of the reach of broadcast, cable, and radio networks. [Read the rest]

[tags]internet,design,web 2.0,discussion,internet marketing,marketing budget[/tags]