Web 2.0 is a Second Chance At Fulfilling the Web’s Promise

The promise of the web has always been frictionless communication, ease, speed, and joy.

Yes, the term “Web 2.0” is “a big, vague, nebulous cloud of pure architectural nothingness”. The lack of it’s specificity is a problem.

I’ve also heard the cynical:

“Web 2.0 is Javascript.”

Five years ago web developers failed at fulfilling the web’s promise. It’s taken us 5 years to get over it – and develop technologies mature enough to try again.

“Web 2.0” has very little to do with technology and far more to do with a New Found Optimism. Something we needed – desperately.

That said, saying you’re a Web 2.0 company is like telling the cool kids you’re cool. It’s one of the easiest way to get stuffed in a ball bag.

This Blog Isn’t Paying My Mortgage…Yet

We didn’t win the lottery last night. Thankfully, Tim from Winecast sent over the How Much is Your Blog Worth calculator based on the AOL-Weblogs, Inc deal.

Looks like I’m well on my way to easy street…as long as I keep typing…..must keep typing….fingers burn…must keep typing…

  • $57,018.54 – GarrickVanBuren.com
  • $ 6,774.48 – FirstCrackPodcast.com – the podcast really lives at firstcrackpodcast.com so I’m sure the “real” number is somewhere in between 😉
  • $27,662.46 – Working Pathways’ Work Better Weblog
  • $16,371.66 – MNteractive.com (then it’d have to split it a dozen ways)
  • $564.54 – Podumentary (this one’s split 3 ways)

Grand Total: $ 93,007.96.

A friend of mine has the Chicago Cubs World Series Retirement Plan – he sets aside funds each year to see the cubbies play the series. Then, when they don’t it goes into a retirement fund.

Welcome to my fully-diversified, fully-tongue-in-cheek Weblog Retirement Plan.

Podcasting the MIMA Summit 2005

Next Wednesday, October 26th, Working Pathways will be podcasting the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association 2005 Summit.

As always, I expect it to be one of the best interactive conferences of the year. Lots of great, practical, conversations; including Laurie Blum from Best Buy and Shar Vanboskrik from Forrester. If you’re there, stop by and introduce yourself – I’ll be the one with all the audio gear.

On a related note, I checked out the Video iPod while at the Apple Store picking up some gear. Yes, I would watch TV on the 2 1/2-inch screen.

UPDATE: So, now I have about 12 hours of raw audio. Time to grab the headphones and fire up Audacity.

UPDATE 2: The MIMA Summit audio is now available.

Lori’s 17-inch Laptop Diaper Bag Coolest Messenger Bag Yet

If you follow the First Crack Podcast, you know I have a couple of laptop bags, both with their strengths and weaknesses. Neither bag is perfect, and there aren’t that many bags available for a 17″ Powerbook.

This summer, Jen and I were on a similar quest for a stylish diaper bag. Best we could find was the Skip Hop Duo.

That was until last night when good friend and information architect Lori Baker presented us with this fantastic Laptop bag / diaper bag combo – that she made from scratch. Yeah, I know. My jaw dropped too.

A couple inches shorter than the Targus, it’s got a wide padded strap like the Timbuk2, 2 separate compartments (1 for baby, 1 for laptop), bottle pocket on the side, and pockets, pockets, and more pockets.

Oh, and the best part – Not Sold in Stores.

Thanks Lori.

Transplants Not Unlike GWAR

Take Blink 182’s drummer, Rancid’s lead, a roadie, a weekend of b-grade end-of-the-world horror flicks, and mix with a case of cheap beer – like Grain Belt non-Premium.

I know, I know, that’s almost the same recipe for GWAR. But this time, you end up with Transplants’ Haunted Cities. I picked it up a while back based on a quick listen to Apocalypse Now in iTunes.

All the songs rock – hard, in a “Where’s the mosh pit?” kinda way (yes, also similar to GWAR). The difference between GWAR and the Transplants is the difference between Rocky Horror Picture Show and Frailty. GWAR and Rocky Horror is fun, Transplants and Frailty still creeps you out days later.

Oh, Cadillac Tramps’ Tombstone Radio also provides the same driving beats, with a bit more sunshine.

Mobile China Pilot Study Out From JaredResearch

Jared Braiterman, friend-of-a-friend I met when he was in Minneapolis on another research study, just sent a message on his latest project – Mobile China.

“Mobile China examines mobile technology and youth culture in the world’s largest technology market. The pilot study focuses on the role of generational change, gender and nationalism in shaping Chinese mobile usage. Mobile China is a multi-year endeavor.” – Jared Braiterman

He just published a brief 5-page visual pilot study at;
jaredRESEARCH Mobile China Pilot Fall 2005.

My favorite quote from it:

“Everyone knows that Chinese branded headsets have more radiation and lower quality.”

He’s looking for affiliates and sponsors, so if you like where he’s heading, drop Jared a line.