Web 2.0?

I have been working in Product Management for the past few years and with each new release of a product the version number changes. Upon release the product may be designated as “ABC 3.0.” If a minor change is made the next version would be labeled “ABC 3.1”; however, if any major changes or enhancements take place the next version would be designated as release 4.0. While much of this release numbering practice is for pure marketing purposes, there are some substantiating reasons as well.

With that being said, what is this Web 2.0 phenomenon all about? I didn’t realize that there was a prior version 1.0. According to Wikipedia and some industry gurus, “Web 2.0 is a term describing the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users.” These concepts have led to the evolution of web-based communities and hosted services such as social-networking and blogs.

Supposedly the term Web 2.0 was coined during a brainstorming session between O’Reilly Media and Medialive International. It has been explained that they didn’t necessarily think there was any a new version of the web, they just wanted to make the point that the internet was making a resurgence and today's platform is much more sophisticated and widely accepted than it used to be.

Web. 2.0 fosters an environment that’s much more interactive than the past-tense proverbial version 1.0, which was primarily a platform to retrieve information. Now, software applications are browser-based and so user-friendly that content can be modified by visitors through a simplified user interface. Essentially, the whole “virtual” experience is amplified and becoming as dynamic and flexible as actuality.

Whether you use the web for business, personal or entertainment, discover the wonderful capabilities of Web 2.0. This internet frontier can be leveraged to enhance the promotion of your business or serve as an interactive tool to stay in touch with friends and family. Logon, learn and stay connected.

Technology Reads

Summer is here and many of us are well underway with our summer reading lists. Perhaps your fancy is a romance novel, or maybe you’re the non-fiction type and you love to cuddle up with a good biography. There are some great books in these categories and if you have the time, consider adding a technology related book to your lineup.

Questioning Technology by Andrew Feenberg is said to be one of the most important books on technology in the present era. It examines the cutting edge philosophy of technology which provocatively argues for its democratization. I wouldn’t classify this as a light read, but is excellent if you’re seeking something thought provoking and insightful.

Another book for the technista is Women, Gender and Technology by Mary Frank Fox. This book discusses the different aspects of how women and technology function together in various dimensions such as film, reproductive technology, information technology and the field of engineering.

The exponential growth of social networking sites like YouTube, MySpace and Facebook have promoted the expansion of Camgirls. Camgirls are women who broadcast themselves and/or their lives over the internet and become celebrities in the process. This web phenomenon is prolific and Camgirls by Theresa M. Senft, is a critical study of the feminist’s perspective. This book also explores the history of Camgirls from the beginning with home webcams to the current advanced and sophisticated technology.

I have always found reading to be a relaxing, entertaining as well as educational activity. It offers the opportunity to temporarily escape by providing a sense of solitude. In our busy lives consumed by our careers and family finding the time to read can be challenging. Even if you can only squeeze in a few pages while commuting to work or during your lunch break, make an effort to turn a few pages this summer. Take a trip to your local library or nearest book store and don't forget to browse the technolgy section. Happy reading and stay connected!

A Fresh Start

In an earlier blog entry I stated that I was anticipating some change in the near future regarding my career. Well….since that time, things have changed and I have launched my marketing career into a position of higher responsibility at a new company.

Thus far I have only been on the job for a week, but I may say the transition has been very enjoyable. Determined to make the very best impression on the big first day, I mentally prepared a few days before my debut. My recent experience brings me to write this entry about what to do on your first day at a new company to foster a smooth transition.

Firstly, you might find it necessary to mentally debrief by taking some time off between jobs. Clear your head of any negative feelings (if any) that you have about your old company so that you can begin the new one with a fresh and positive attitude.

Naturally, you want to make sure that you dress appropriately. It is advantageous that you dress your most conservative whether the office environment be business professional or business casual. Plan your outfits for the week accordingly to eliminate any unnecessary anxiety related to attire.

To eliminate anxiety about actually getting there, conduct a test commute before your first day to determine the best driving route or bus/train schedule. Leave a little earlier the first week to ensure that your arrival is prompt.

Also, keep an open mind and be flexible. Realize that one company’s way of doing business may be very different from another, so don’t be too judgemental. What initially does not make sense, may make sense to you later. Lastly, be flexible. Co-workers may barge in your office to say “hi” and you may receive impromptu invitations to lunch. The point is to get to know people so that you become part of the “family.”

These suggestions serve as friendly reminders and by no means is the list exhaustive. New beginnings can be a wonderful experience with a little preparation. Approach all that you do for the first time with a professional and ambitious attitude. Is it time for a fresh start? If so, be smart about it and stay connected.

Communicate with Caution

Not too long ago a coworker of mine sent an interoffice instant message that read “Darn…I can't make it. How can I say no to lunch with my boss.” To her unfortunate surprise, she mistakenly sent the message to her boss, who has the same last name as her friend. A Faux pas like this can be embarrassing to say the least, and if you are not careful, can be quite detrimental to your career. While instant messaging, or IMs, are becoming commonplace, their efficient and lightning quick nature require cautious use. Consider these tips to avoid an interoffice IM blunder.

I have discovered that it is always wise to send a greeting such as “hello” or “good morning” before diving into the conversation. Although someone may appear to be logged on, many people step away from their desks without changing their status from active to away or busy. The rule here is to never assume a co-worker is available just because the person's IM status indicates he or she is logged on. After receiving a response to your greeting, then it is appropriate to enter a dialogue.

I also find that it is best to keep your messages short and sweet. No one wants to read a 200-word IM rant about a frustrating colleague or bad date. Instant messages are intended and best for quick back-and-forth conversations that don’t require elaborate explanations. Many IM programs even limit the amount of text you can write, so if you're approaching that limit, it's a good sign that you need to switch to e-mail, or better yet pick up the phone.

Be mindful that electronic communication, including IM, e-mail and mobile text messaging, often gives people an excuse to ignore the rules of grammar. It is not necessary to spell out everything correctly; however, it is important that your communication be precise and clear. Consider these common IM phrases: "OMG," "LOL" or "CWYL." Do you know what they mean? IM has created a new language, but be aware that not everyone is fluent in it.

There's little doubt that instant messaging will continue to grow in popularity in the workplace and change how people interact. Knowing the most appropriate ways to use it will help you take advantage of its convenience and efficiency while avoiding "instant ignorance." Excercise caution, communicate clearly and stay connected.