I would start this post with the customary "I'm sorry for using the phrase Web 2.0" apology, but everyone who's ever used the term has already groveled to the 2.0 haters. It's that time of year again, folks. I have been charged with organizing the second annual Web 2.0 Awards.
Last year, the Awards began as little more than a pet project. Undoubtedly one of Rand's 2 a.m. brainwaves, the results of the awards received an enormous amount of attention. Matt had a fun time on the day of the launch, dealing with a seriously traumatized server that was buckling under a huge traffic load. And now, we're going to do it all again.
If you haven't done so already, make sure to nominate worthy sites via our nomination form. Although we have all the big-guys covered (no need to tell us how cool Digg and Flickr are, thanks), 2006's awards contained quite a few categories in which there were not enough entries to identify a clear winner. We're also inventing some new awards, such as Rookie of the Year and Most Improved. If you wish to nominate a site and can't find a category that fits, suggest a new one. Even our nomination procedure is interactive!
There is one major change we're making to this year's awards, however. Last year, the results were generated entirely inside the SEOmoz office, whereas this year, we will invite thirty or forty people to make up a voting panel. So it'll be just like the Oscars, only nerdier.
The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, and then we'll begin the voting and sorting process. I'm not entirely sure what I've gotten myself into with this one, but seeing as Rand looked at my "to-do" list this afternoon and said, "Oh, Jane has the Web 2.0 Awards. I'll assign this keyword research to Scott instead..." I'm expecting a big task.
So, bring it on, SEOmoz readers! Tell us what your favorite Web-Two-ey sites are, and help us make 2007's awards the sophomore success story of the year.
By: Jane Copland
Web 2.0 Awards, Version 2.0
Social Media
The author's views are entirely his or her own (excluding the unlikely event of hypnosis) and may not always reflect the views of Moz.
I'd enjoy seeing top niche players on original platforms and niche players on prefabricated platforms. I really think that the true future of social web applications and communities will be industry or interest specific. As stand-alone sites they may not have the population of a MySpace, but when grouped together they will have more influence on decision making and spending than broader well known populist sites.
Now that I think about it, it would make sense to recognize Web 2.0 platforms as well. Pligg is a good example.
I don't know what is this thing that people hate about web 2.0. Web 2.0 is simply websites that facilites user generated contents, nothing more nothing less.
Anyhow, I think some cool web 2.0 websites this year have to do with combination of social network and marketplaces - social commerce. Examples are Kaboodle.com, Chegg.com, Esdena.com ... and more. I've heard another one which lets user vote for which products they want to buy. Great concept!
https://www.netbusinesstalk.com" rel="nofollow">Internet Business Marketing Forum
Good luck! It's loads of information but a lot of fun. :)
Err, this is Kat by the way... I logged in with the wrong SEOmoz account. Whoops.
I nominate istockphoto.com as site of the year:
Fun community of photographers with unbelievable prices and a free downloadable picture each week. 1. An exciting and creative feature of the site is the Steel Cage where sparing contestants use the same pictures and themes to see who can create the best photo montage with the material allowed. The online banter of sparing participants and viewers is as much fun as the visual creations themselves. 2. Lightboxes, which are a collection of photos on a particular subject, are organized and controlled by the public. (Checkout my “ABOVE THE ROOFTOPS WHERE I’LL BE” lightbox.) This helps buyers collect, organize, and compare photos before purchase. Lightboxes can be email to friends. 3. Members are allowed to rate photos on a scale of 1-5 and leave public comments about them. It is also easy to edit previous comments. You can also check a box to let the photographer know if you have purchased the picture or not. 4. It’s easy for members to communicate with each other through “SITE MAIL.” Every photographer I have dealt with has been polite and helpful. 5. Creative networks are formed by online invitations, which can be accepted or declined. Networks grow over time and make participants feel welcome. 6. It has a forum for members and numerous helpful articles. 7. Yes!!! As large as this site is…it still shows up as a link to those who list their business websites, making this one of the most active, creative, and generous websites around.
I would like to nominate everyone on Seth Godin's Web 2.0 Traffic Watch List. https://www.alexaholic.com/sethgodin
Also snap.com is a nice new web 2.0 start up.
Sorry - i have to respond to Diddy. I agree snap created a very cool widget that is widely used, usefull and drop dead simple to install. It has my vote for best community widget.
Snap.com is actually a rebirth of NBC's failed portal.
“NBC Internet, Inc. was launched in November 1999 through the combination of NBC and CNET's Snap.com, Xoom.com, NBC.com, NBC Interactive Neighborhood, VideoSeeker, and a 10 percent equity stake in CNBC.com.”
As a regular reader of TechCrunch, and seeing all the Web 2.0 services and innovations mentioned there I would definitely say that you have some working hours in front of you Jane...
She'll sustain off Red Bull and pixie sticks for the next couple months.
Ah, quad Americanos here. I've had too many Red Bull and vodka nights to want to drink that stuff any more :|
But yes, there shall be work. And there shall be more work. At least the real nominations are coming in now and it isn't all spam!
Jane, does this mean you are organizing the Web 2.0 Awards Dinner too? (More fun than the Golden Globes!)
Congrats Jane. This will be great experience for you. It is also great exposure for SEOMoz - I know of at least one winner last year that has kept SEOMoz on their radar ever since.
An awards dinner ? Can we shoot it and stream it live ? We should get a funny host and guest presenters. You do that, and I'll organize the 1st annual "SEO Roast" show, with Rand as our first "Roast". We can dream, can't we ?
MyBloglog is the site this year, and I'm not even an active member, but I still see traffic and networking opportunities - great concept - although I'm getting a little sick of awards / lists (end of the year prompts TONS of lists).
I would like to nominate a rather unique company out of Canada called DNA 11 (www.dna11.com) for its use of innovation, design and temptation. It's founders have created something that is a great example of many web 2.0 characteristcs all built into a presentation that arouses curosity and adds a concept that is truely captivating.
Who has the asp blog code? https://www.aluminum-profiles.com
It would be best if you filled out an online nomination so that you can choose the category you think the site falls into, plus you can be given credit for being the first to nominate it :) The online form is here.
Maybe your Web 2.0 Awards will change some haters' minds. My favorite and apparently Yahoo's is MyBlogLog. I'm sure it will get loads of nominations and I expect it to be a big SEOmoz Web 2.0 Awards winner.
Can't say I don't agree with David on this one. Though the widgets could use some more work in terms of features. Also snap.com is a nice new web 2.0 start up.
Thank You