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While Web 2.0 has often be slated to dramatically alter the way in which people use the Internet, like any new system, it is not perfect. While there are some obvious advantages to using Web 2.0, there are some notable disadvantages as well. Understanding the benefits as well as the disadvantages will help both developers and the general public to better prepare for and accept the introduction of this technological shift. If you are like many Internet users, you have probably noticed that you use a sizeable number of websites on a regular basis. Many browser developers are aware of this, and they consistently create plug ins that can make your browsing experience better.
Web 2.0 promises to change the way in which the web is used. It promises to make the online experience better for the consumer, and its proponents feel that it will ultimately change the Internet for the better. The advent of Web 2.0 is based on a number of factors, and one of the largest is demand. Users want multimedia to be presented to them in a way that they like, rather than be spoon fed content that corporations want them to see. Most importantly, users demanded to have a voice in the changes that occured on the Internet. They want better communication, and 24 hour access to the information of their choice. They also want this information to fit on mobile devices such as cell phones or PDAs.
On the Internet, the have a great deal of power. Web developers have listened to the demands and requests that have been made by the online community, and they are working to meet these requests as quickly as they can. Incredibly, not only have developers been quick to give in to these demans, many are doing so free of charge. This has led some experts to state that Web 2.0 is not that its cracked up to be. These people feel that Web 2.0 is dangerous for the creation of distribution of arts. After all, when anyone can create a blog of website and write information, or distribute various forms of media, doesn't it dilute the ability for others to make money?
The answer to this question is no. Even in an environment such as the Internet, a place where virtually anyone can make money and contributions to the online industry, the fact of the matter is that there will still be people who are better than others. While anyone can write a blog, not everyone will be talented enough to capitalize on it. While anyone can create a video and upload it to YouTube, not everyone will be able to make a video that creates a large amount of buzz and marketing capability. As you can see, even with Web 2.0, those who are truly talented will be a success.
A large amount of the controversy which surrounds Web 2.0 is a result of traditional media organizations. To be quite frank, they can't stand the fact that their power is being eroded in favor of the consumer. While they have dominated the industry for many years, they are being placed in a situation where they must compete with the underdog, and they must compete in an environment where the underdog has a good chance of winning. Another common disadvantage which is cited by the mainstream media is the inability of the Web 2.0 to create information which is "accurate and factual, based on scholarly information."
An example of a website that is frequently the target of this criticism is Wikipedia. Many college professors hate the website, and they attack it, citing how inaccurate it is. While there may be some truth to this, could it be that many college professors are concerned about the fact that Wikipedia gives people the ability to access free information, a source that could educate them for free? Could they be concerned that Wikipedia is a tool of knowledge that anyone can update, giving the power to educate to people rather than a few colleges or other educational institutions? A similar attitude is made towards blogs by both politicians and mainstream journalists, and it becomes obvious that they are concerned about a loss of control
