Does anyone think Web 2.0 is going to have an impact on ezines? Is the way ezines work going to change? Perhaps, things that are on the Internet are always in a constant state of flux or change. But, I wonder how Web 2.0 is going to change the way folks approach doing ezines? After all, I think RSS feeds have changed the ezine landscape. Why not Web 2.0? But, just what is Web 2.0?

In short, Web 2.0 is a label for using the web as a two-way street. Web 1.0 put information out there, and all you could do was look at it. In Web 2.0, the observer is invited to change, add to, and manipulate data on the web. The users make the content, instead of just being given the content.

Early examples of this were the BBSes, forums, and USEnet. Any web site or technology that encourages people to make stuff instead of just look at stuff is Web 2.0. Also grouped into Web 2.0 are technologies for using the internet as an application platform. Web-based e-mail is an example, as is salesforce.com.

Squidoo: The idea behind Squidoo is to make searching for information more useful and more human, and to let the people that use it determine what information is the most useful. It's not like a blog, because it should be only about putting information up for people to use. You want people to "focus" on a subject. That's why the page is called "a lens."

You should update your lens every few weeks, but only if you have something to add to it, or if you've come up with a way to improve it. It shouldn't change just for the sake of change. If your lens is on a subject you're truly passionate about, this shouldn't be a problem. It's up to you whether you start more lenses or not. It can take a lot of time to maintain a lens, and you should really only do it if you have strong interest in the subject.

There is no right or wrong way to make a lens. You can get more information at SquidU. Ultimately Squidoo is a tool. Like any tool, it's only as good as the effort you put into it. If you truly pour yourself into your lens (or lenses), then they will work well.

Lamar Morgan
CDMM
Power Networking

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