Blind me with science - digital theories and buzzwords

August 4, 2006 2:25 AM

Please inspire me! What are some of the big issues and buzzwords in online / digital media right now? Things like Web 2.0, social networking, user generated content, the long tail - what else? Bonus points for pointing out any fascinating articles on such subjects that I should be reading up on. Thanks.
posted by unclemonty to computers & internet (17 comments total)

How can you get inspired by buzzwords? By the time something's a buzzword, it's done-to-death and probably wasn't that great to begin with.
posted by reklaw at 3:19 AM on August 4, 2006

reklaw speaks the truth. Social networking isn't a buzzword, its myspace.com. Web 2.0 has already descended into dot-com era masturbation. Do you plan to monetize from this ask metafilter question? Perhaps create some synergy? RoundedCornersGradientsPastelColoursAndBigSans-SerifFonts.

But hey, if you want buzzwords, maybe you should check out the Yahoo-O'Reilly Buzz Game.
posted by Jimbob at 3:36 AM on August 4, 2006

Oh hey, this looks right up your alley, too.
posted by Jimbob at 3:37 AM on August 4, 2006

@Jimbob, reklaw

How can you get inspired by buzzwords? By the time something's a buzzword, it's done-to-death and probably wasn't that great to begin with.

Do you plan to monetize from this ask metafilter question? Perhaps create some synergy? RoundedCornersGradientsPastelColoursAndBigSans-SerifFonts.

Give unclemonty a break. Just because in your opinion these "buzzwords" are done to to death doesn't mean he isn't just trying to play catchup to those a bit more savvy.

That being said, I wish I had something to actually contribute to your question. I don't. Sorry.
posted by ASM at 4:31 AM on August 4, 2006

Web 2.0 buzzwords? Here ya go.
posted by IndigoRain at 5:05 AM on August 4, 2006

Well, the first three posts really owned this noob. Well done.
posted by ed\26h at 5:35 AM on August 4, 2006

This may come in handy.
posted by gimonca at 6:01 AM on August 4, 2006

This blog should have some useful articles.
posted by JanetLand at 6:05 AM on August 4, 2006

If you are in the mood for some serious reading on issues in online sociability, you might keep: The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication bookmarked. Terra Nova is a community for people who build and research virtual worlds.
posted by KirkJobSluder at 7:47 AM on August 4, 2006

The Reg says Web 2.0 is not just for badgers.

Previously.
posted by meehawl at 8:13 AM on August 4, 2006

Jesus, lots of cynics here.

There is actual substance to web 2.0 and all the social networking stuff, you just have to look beyond the hype and fluff. Some suggestions:

* Danah Boyd is a researcher in social networking, and she has written on myspace, friendster, etc. She has written "Ms Myspace Just a Fad?" and "Autistic Social Software", among others.
* This talk by Adam Bosworth deals with the power of simple tools and the internet - the rest of his blog is worth checking out.
* Read Clay Shirky
* John Batelle has written the definite book on search and its rising role in day to day life
* Malcom Gladwell's Tipping Point plays into many internet phenomenoms...
* ...as does the idea of the Long Tail, which was coined by Chris Anderson whose full book on the subject just came out.
* some other random recommended blogs or people - 37 signals, Paul Graham's essays, Joel Spolsky and definitely his book _The Best Software Writing_. Also, Godel, Escher, Bach is over 20 years old but still very relevant...
posted by rsanheim at 12:42 PM on August 4, 2006 [1 favorite]

rsanheim... A researcher in social networking? Bah. Can't something ever just "be" on the internet?
posted by rob paxon at 12:52 PM on August 4, 2006

rob: Um... yes? What is your point? Can anything ever just "be" at all? Right now someone is probably studying the lineage and history and forms of the chair you sit on and the neighborhood you live in. No matter what the subject, there will always be someone interested curious enough to attempt to truly understand causes, relationships, and forces underneath. Why wouldn't that be true for internet phenomena as well as any other?

Curiosity is a great thing. It doesn't mean we can't just enjoy myspace, or b-movies, or whatever, at face value, as well.
posted by rsanheim at 1:04 PM on August 4, 2006

Yes, I am aware that people will study just about anything. That doesn't make it less laughable. In regards to the internet specifically, it has a sickening fascination with itself. Some people innovate and some enjoy those innovations, while others talk incessantly, often venomously, and almost always ridiculously about said innovations. I'm sure a quick google of "web 2.0" will make most reasonable people want to stab their eyes out.

Once you're identifying something as a buzzword you should be laughing, not intrigued. That's just how I see it.
posted by rob paxon at 1:55 PM on August 4, 2006

you just have to look beyond the hype and fluff

Were you around for VR?

I love the Power Glove! It's so bad!
posted by meehawl at 4:44 PM on August 4, 2006

rob: I agree that certain magazines (*coughbusiness 2.0*cough) and marketing ppl have a certain fascination with buzzwords and the internet. However, if you actually checked the links I referenced, you'll see that they are just good essays, assuming you are in the field or curious about it. It seems silly to dismiss all writing or ideas about the net and web 2.0 just because some abuse the terms. The point is to seperate the quality from the noise.

"Internet" and "the web" used to be buzzwords, too, and yet things like network analysis, data mining, and usability are all very much accepted disciplines with well regarded academics and researchers.
posted by rsanheim at 8:35 PM on August 4, 2006

very much accepted disciplines with well regarded academics and researchers

See also: phrenology.
posted by meehawl at 7:29 AM on August 5, 2006