The Essence of Web 2.0

No doubt you’ve heard the term “Web 2.0″ bandied about, almost so it’s already become a cliche.

What does it really mean?

Two definitions I like.

One is that it’s your content, on your audience’s terms.

Audio/video content they can download and listen to when they want, where they want, how they want.

Printed material in various formats (ebook, blogs, articles, print book) that people can read as they want.

Your message in printed AND audio forms (perhaps video too), so that people can consume your info exactly how they want.

“Give unto others as THEY want to receive it.”

Which brings me to the other piece of Web 2.0.

Interactivity.

It’s no longer a monologue, folks!

It’s a dialogue. Whether through comments on articles or blogs (do comment on this!), or sending “updates” on Twitter (and replying to others’ respronses), or doing a survey (as I just did with my subscribers to get feedback on Publishing Coach Weekly)–it’s all about connecting with your audience.

Connecting in ways that allow them to tell you what they want.

Connecting in ways that allow them to get to know you.

Web 2.0. I LOVE it!