While I'm no tech wiz, I consider myself pretty hip to the whole online thing. I can't help being fascinated by the cool things of the online realm that the Geniuses of Now have come up with.
I'm particularly fascinated by the proliferation of social software applications and enhanced interactivity sometimes known as Web 2.0. When I really stopped to think about it, I realized that the way I live and work and play online has shifted rather dramatically because of these new toys and resources over the past year or two.
Recently, I discovered (via content aggregator meets social software phenomenon Digg) this Web 2.0 Innovation Map. In a Web 2.0 move in and of itself, it uses Google Maps to geographically plot out the companies (from down-and-dirty garages to drowning-in-VC heaven-rich varieties) that are shaking and moving the online world to the tune of 2.0 drumbeats.
The Map Geek meets Research & Analysis Geek within couldn't resist, so I here and now humbly present my findings of some of the more interesting innovators that span the map. There's a hell of a lot of innovators out there, so consider this a kind of Best Of Part I edition. I'll be checking in from time-to-time with more.
Webjay (Honolulu, HI): Playlist Community
Create and share playlists with some kind of RSS element thrown in. Member names on the front page include "Kiss My Chucks" and "Sucka Free."
Wikipedia (St. Petersburg, FL): Encyclopedia Goes Wiki
Hasn't the name alone gone the way of Kleenex and Xerox already? This group project phenomenon has become a backbone of research on the Internet. Do you have to take some information found therein with a grain of salt and others on faith? Sure, but it's increasingly unlikely that you'll find glaring errors. Next up: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, online edition.
Streamload MediaMax (San Diego, CA): File Sharing Max Out
The pitch goes: "Streamload MediaMax is an Internet service that allows digital users to easily and securely send, store, move, receive and access their digital files; like video, music and photos." I feel exhausted just pondering on that.
Blogcritics.org (Aurora, OH): Superior Bloggers on Music, Politics, TV, Film, Books, Sports, Gaming, Science, Technology, and Culture
Now that's what I'm trying to say! Seriously, in my very biased view, this is the spot where the professional gloss of the mainstream media meets the funky and personality-driven flow of the blogosphere. (Full disclosure: I'm the exec producer for these finest of fine cats, and had no idea that Blogcritics made the Web 2.0 Innovators map until I stumbled across it! "Well of course!" I roared out in my living room, startling my previously napping dog.)
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Some cool stuff there, not much will last though out of this second wave of innovation, we're already past the peak, I fear.
2 - Nidhogg
These are great. Especially the last four. Thanks for finding them.
3 - Susan R-G
That really is the point-to-ponder ... initially, people are fascinated by a 'new' technological 'gimmick' but, after seeing similar techniques across-the-board, so to speak, they're not really all that interested in similar programs and functions. They're already looking for bigger, better, faster, more innovative options.
4 - harpdog
wouldn't streamload media max make for an excellent way to share files annonomously to many by just making your info public? instead of using an FTP and having your provider freak and shut you down?
5 - beza1e1
Next up: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, online edition.
6 - Jason
is www.cooleon.us considered web 2.0?