The real new web lies in off-the-cuff self-expression. Some are calling this microblogging.
It is easy for anyone to participate, because it easily integrates into your current activities:
- If you find a link on the web, share it (with friends or the world). Possibly include a bit of commentary about what you think. Example: del.icio.us
- Let people know what you’re up to. Answer from the web or your mobile phone. Example: Twitter, Facebook status.
- Upload a picture to a service that resizes and shares it. Easier than emailing digipics. Example: Flickr
And there are probably many other examples, with lots more added all the time. Each will be a tiny piece of letting me express myself during my regular routine. If it takes too much additional effort, 1) I might not do it and 2) it’s not really off-the-cuff.
The missing piece, which some are undoubtedly working on, is the connector between these, something to aggregate your digital life. Someone will figure it out and then there’ll be better ways to get a complete view of someone in near real-time.
Once these rivers of self-expression are flowing, the death of permanence will be even more obvious. Which leads me to wonder… as much as I like this off-the-cuff stuff, wouldn’t it be great if more permanent expression was just as easy?
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