Emily and I have been observing and discussing how increasingly, websites are starting to act as applications. If we stray away from the computing definition of the word ‘application’, and think of alternatives such as “the action of putting something into operation”, I think of the wonders of web 2.0. What with its explosion, it’s no wonder that people are no longer receptive to static sites that talk at them. Instead, it seems that we are looking for experiences and particularly, those that we can influence – whether it’s by changing the background of your myspace page or creating a group that celebrates your peculiar interest.
Indeed, with so much rigidity and relative powerlessness over several aspects of our day-to-day life, the internet is an attractive channel to unleash thoughts, ideas, urges that might not be as easily expressed in real life. It makes me wonder then, what other possibilities this offers?
I came across an interesting page today. Sokwanele - Zvakana (Enough is Enough) is a Zimbabwe Civic Action Support Group site campaigning for freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe. They have created a google map that allows you to select breaches of democracy, see where they were committed and then link to a database that gives more information on the act.
There are several other examples of how new technologies can be used to fight for democracy. Some may argue that ‘playing’ on the internet may have negligible tangible results in the restoration of democracy but I think it’s impossible to ignore the unifying and mobilizing potential of, particularly, web 2.0. And that is the beginning isn’t it?
— Posted by Lulu
We came across this great site for finding a B&B in the UK. It combines maps with easy to use search facilities. You can then shortlist the ones you are thinking about, genius!
http://www.thebandbdirectory.co.uk/bed_breakfast_search
Posted by: Emily Wilkinson | May 23, 2008 at 09:56 AM