With all the fiddling I’ve been doing with PHP, databasing, AJAX, and the like, I think up odd ideas for a Web 2.0 world. Usually the path of thought leads from ‘How can I make myself keep up with [task X]?’ to ‘How can the computer help me keep up with [task X]?’ to the inevitable ‘Wouldn’t it be craaaaazy if everyone could use the computer to keep up with [task X]? And make it 3-D and multiplayer? With lasers?’
Lasers? Why not—the definition of Web 2.0 is that there is no definition. Sort of like proactive or streamline. Drop the lasers if you wish, or add dinosaurs or something. The point is that in today’s interactive-to-excess Internet, information must be shared first and used second. This is why Facebook profiles stretch on for pages, and why MySpace profiles are ugly regardless of practicality ((Exceptions exist, but they require the use of professional designers, thereby defeating the purpose of MySpace entirely.)): the volume of information is important, not the composition.
Every maniacal thought I have that involves data, therefore, can be made digital by inserting sharing somewhere in the description. A few months ago, I thought of starting an interactive haiku depository website…with sharing ((In all fairness, my friend Daniel had the same vision this week. This idea may actually get off the ground.)). Then I thought of a radio station library front-end…with sharing. Tonight, I had the strangest but most compelling plan yet: what if there were a digital swear jar [YouTube] connected via PayPal to various nonprofit institutions? The micropayment system is a development of e-commerce that sadly has yet to get off the ground, and the swear jar model ((It wouldn’t necessarily be for swearing, naturally. The idea came when I was thinking of ways to break this filthy habit I have.)) would be a step in the right direction. And the only way to take a good idea over the edge?
…With sharing.