Web 2.0 - Maximizing Interactivity

In all the myriad definitions of "Web 2.0", one characteristic stands out as its basic essence: a high level of interactivity. This idea must be defined further, but at its simplest, Web 2.0 webpages minimize user frustration and maximize site "stickyness".

Web 2.0 webpages are borne out of new technology that allows for interaction without page refreshes. This has a significant effect on user experience, as it speeds up navigation significantly and provides greater feedback to the user. As the user becomes accustomed to such interaction, an even more powerful effect emerges: The user becomes less fearful of interacting with the page because he/she knows what to expect, and doesn't worry about losing their place, or having to wait for another page to load.

It is only in retrospect, however, that the impact of this change can be fully appreciated. One remembers the feeling of fear and trepidation that would accompany clicking a link on an unfamiliar webpage-- what would happen? Would the link work? Would it take 30 seconds to load only to not contain the information I need?

Nowadays, it is common to use webpages knowing full well that certain links are reliable, fast, and often do not require any page refresh. Users certain of what to expect from an action are more likely to perform that action. Bringing this certainty to the everyday user experience should be a prominent goal of web developers.

Outerings Abound

With everyone outing and outering themselves online these days, it might be useful to look at the nature of blogging (again) for the purpose of creating some rules for what should, and should not be said online.

Yes, I start with the premise that certain things should not be said online, and this is not a freedom of speech thing. The context here is what one should not say online, if you are at all concerned about your privacy, or garnering undeserved attention.

Are there any rules we might point to?

Categories of writing: personal experiences, fiction, news, opinion, analysis, etc.

Blogging is different than writing in a diary, and different from writing in a magazine. A blog entry is simultaneously perfectly accessible and perfectly hidden. Exposing a minor personal detail in a blog comment is unlikely to have any repercussions whatsoever, unless it does. Threats to privacy are directly related to how much interest there is in your personal details. If you're a noname schmuck, you are completely free to act like an insane person without worrying too much. If you're famous, all bets are off - you now have no choice but to be concerned for your privacy.

But at the same time, the blogging experience liberates, by recontextualizing the personal essay. Readers learn over time to not blush when someone says something crude or revealing, because such talk is ubiquitous on the internet. Indeed, bloggers clearly feel quite at ease at divulging personal experiences online. A reader of a blog learns to expect a more conversational tone and less adherence to typical conventions of other media such as newpapers.