Foul Writer’s World

I have often wondered how many so called Web 2.0 applications have died a sudden death before even making it in to the public eye. Admittedly I use few web 2.0 applications, because I simply don’t have the time to keep up with everything. A few of the so called Web 2.0 applications I use:

• This blog (WordPress)
• Microsoft Live Mesh (in a collaborative capacity)
• Facebook (Social networking)
• Twitter (More social networking)
• BrightKite (Even more social networking)
• Hi5 (Guess what? More social networking)

I am barely able to keep all this different applications up to date and I often find that by concentrating on one, I neglect the others. Apart from this blog, I have no real vested interests in the other Web 2.0 applications I use and only started using them out of curiosity. However, what keeps me engaged with these other applications is the tools and interfaces they provide to interact with them. For example, IM with Twitter, SMS with Facebook.

I think it is these additions that set apart a decent Web 2.0 application from a excellent one. The fact that Facebook have recently updated their mobile applications have started to make Facebook a better all round package. For a good round up of the Facebook mobile applications check out MasterMaqs blog post here.

This got me thinking about how advancements in Web 2.0 applications could influence the Doc 2.0 movement. Would it be possible to make mobile apps that allow for the viewing/editing/commenting on end user documentation? Is PDF a viable format for web distribution if it includes built in feedback tools or online inline editing?

I hope that as time goes on a more definitive specification is formulated for Doc 2.0 so we all know what to expect, because I presume this will impact a great deal in how the documentation is produced.

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