In my talks with communications teams, I break down the eras of the Web into two categories – a) the days of the ecommerce Web (aka the bubble years) and b) the era we are in now, of the social Web.
There are a number of differences between these two eras of the Web, but lately I’ve been noticing some striking similarities. Not the least of these similarities is the growing number of tools that are driving the growth of the connected Web, but which may also eventually lead to its downfall.
In this new era of the social Web, it seems like everyday there’s a new tool to fix a problem that either doesn’t exist or that there is a tool that already addresses the problem. The barrage of Twitter apps is a great example of this.
Some days I think that, like during the bubble days, everyone I meet will eventually work for or have just launched a new Web company.
I understand the value of innovation and creativity as a way for the market to push the boundaries and improve (so forgive the tone of hyperbole, and indulge me for a few more lines.) But, at what point does innovation reach saturation and there is a need to step back and look at what we’ve created to focus on improving the experience of what we’ve birthed.
Someday soon, if you’re not already, we’ll all have to answer the “so what” question. Maybe it’s time to focus more attention on listening and metrics and less time on the chasing the latest shiney new gadget that will bring us social nirvana.
I’m sure my friends on Twitter will have something to say about this. Let me know what you think in this PollDaddy poll.
Post-apocalyptic 