Web 2.0, Virtual Communities and Global Neighborhoods

There is much discussion about the changes and opportunities created by Web 2.0. The Internet infrastructure combined with tools for the average user have created an environment where all of us can participate and communicate with others that share our interests.

This weekend my Father and I were talking about his role as President of the Rotary Club in his region. The challenge in today's fast paced world with both the husband and wife working is finding time for fellowship and participation in your community. Web 2.0 is enabling individuals to participate in communities and build relationships online, at whatever time of the day you find the cycles.

Reading blogs of individuals I will be meeting at the upcoming WOMMA conference gives me some insight into their latest thoughts and opinions on common topics. This will allow me to build more meaningful and relevant relationships.

So, my observation is that our online discussions enable more meaningful offline discussion and allow us the opportunity to build relationship and participate in communities we may not otherwise have the opportunity to be involved in due to the demands of our everyday lives.

Our competitor, Cymfony, announced a new initiative today called Influencer 2.0. This appears to be targeted at educating the market on the opportunities for listening to and participating in the Web 2.0 world. Given the lessons of adoption in PR Measurement, this level of education is critical to moving the market forward and increasing adoption. I look forward to the conversation.