And I think to Myself... What a Wonderful Web!

Web Evolution.. Can I get an Amen?!

As first-world as it may sound, Tim O'Reilly and his World Wide Web shakeouts may be some of the best things to ever happen to me. Seeming as how I used Web 3.0 to further look up information on the topic of Web Evolution, viewed the class blog (Web 2.0), and observed several informational Web 1.0 sites, it is safe to say that I use the web as a platform in my everyday life.

After researching the topic on oreilly.com, I have a much better understanding of Web 2.0. My description of Web 2.0 would be any situation where I can control the information that is put on the web. With examples like blogging, social media, Wiki's, etc, Web 2.0 provides a much richer user experience and participation.

Web 2.0 absolutely has surpassed the hype of excelling past Web 1.0 via a user standpoint. No longer are we in the days of strict publishing, stickiness, and Netscape. With the accessibility of any user go to on the World Wide Web and share their opinions, photos, and videos, we have all become "publishers" on the Internet. Though some of the lines can be a bit blurred when it comes to Web 1.0 and 2.0, as evolution typically is, I know that Web 2.0 has allowed us to see how applications work and allow us to change the content, making the Web a better place to be.

So is this a positive or a negative thing? Though having content management systems on most websites during the Web 1.0 era may have been a good thing, there was much less freedom and interaction. I believe that the transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 is only positive. There are still admin controls on many websites (I.e. Wikis), and the world has the right to chip in.

Web 3.0 is also a beautiful, beautiful thing. I cannot imagine a day without my search engine, and have not been able to since I was introduced to the simplicity of Google in my elementary  school days. With the world at my fingertips, I can have the answer to almost any question I may have borderline instantaneously. Semantic intelligent computing (Web 3.0) is a gigantic milestone for education. With millions of devices to access the internet with, we can improve learning outcomes by giving several sources and options for a student.

I personally have a hard time fathoming which direction Web 3.0 will go into, because I see no need for improvement in what I already have. Upon further research, I believe Web 3.0 will develop into Web 4.0 will be the "3-D Web". Due to bandwidth power and storage of the internet these days, it may be here sooner than we think. I believe Web 4.0 is about intelligence, and a completely virtual personalized experience. Though having everything personalized may be an advantage, I could see people getting concerned with their privacy. The only real way to tell how it will affect the world is to have it put into effect.

Web Evolution - A Revolution.

The evolution of the World Wide Web has evolved the world respectively. From Web 1.0, the "Syntactic Web", to Web 2.0, the "Social Web", and to present day Web 3.0, the "Semantic Web", the World Wide Web has evolved from File Servers to Artificial Intelligence in less than two decades. So where did it all begin?

The idea of "putting content together" can objectively describe Web 1.0. With a typically read-only server, it focused on private user and company homepages. HTML was the translator between the website and the user. Content was produced and monitored by Content Management Systems and Administrators, published, and then consumed by users. Though Web 1.0 is still used by thousands today, it was surpassed in 2001 by the Web 2.0 shakeout.

According to an article by Tim O'Reilly himself, the concept of "Web 2.0" began with a conference brainstorming session between O'Reilly and MediaLive International. The Web would soon be viewed as a platform where users control their own data. Innovative companies such as Wikipedia, Flickr, and BitTorrent have optimized user control and have allowed "everyday people" to contribute to the World Wide Web. This social web connects people through the use of social media, networking, blogs, email, and conferencing. Introducing XTML, XML, and RSS to the mix, Web 2.0 has offered syndication and participation to the world, allowing users to choose instead of forcing them to use what is already made.

Web 3.0, The Semantic Web, is a Web of data retrieval. Rather than searching and categorizing web pages ourselves, Web 3.0 reads and sorts websites for the consumer. Using RDF (Resource Description Framework) and URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers), the Web is able use describe to represent information about resources, making it quicker and easier to be consumed by the user. According to g2techgroup.com's timeline, other highlights of Web 3.0 include Intelligent Collaborative Filtering, Artificial Intelligence, and Knowledge Management.

With increased processing power, bandwidth, and storage, Web 4.0 could develop sooner than we anticipate. Daniel Burrus, blogger at Big Think, explains that we are "creating a curve of exponential change". The "3D Web" could offer "inter-spatial places" and "showrooms". Burrus also describes the up and coming Web 4.0 as personal and ultra-intelligent, customizing each experience to the every particular user.

Since the World Wide Web has been used on the Internet, we have seen astronomical technological advances. The way we communicate and live our lives is impacted every day by Web. Whether we are speaking of Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0, or dreaming of Web X.0, there is no doubt that the World Wide Web will continue to evolve, and change our lives forever.

WikiHow draft... DIY Pallet Coasters!

We have all seen the thousands of pallet DIY crafts that create wood pallets into coffee tables, bookshelves, shoe racks, and even bottle holders. But what about a pallet project that isn’t made from a pallet at all?

With only $5, you have the gateway to create cute and cozy pallet coasters for your home, or as a gift. What will you need? Just a standard package (100) Popsicle sticks, hot glue, a ruler, scissors, a silver permanent marker, and a cup of coffee!

To start, take your Popsicle sticks and measure them each out to 4” long. With a pencil, mark just the tips off of the stick to ensure that you will have a rectangle shape to your stick.

Next, take some scissors and cut off the tips of the Popsicle stick. Your result should be a 4” rectangular stick.

Once your sticks are all cut, pour some coffee into a bowl with the width long enough to hold all of your sticks. Dunk your sticks in the coffee and let them sit for an hour to give them an authentic skid color.

Take them out to dry. Once the sticks are dry to the touch, it's time to construct your mini pallets!

First, you are going to form the base of the pallet. Take two sticks and lay them parallel on an even surface.

Then, take your hot glue and make a thin line perpendicular to your stick along the very edge.

You will then take another stick and place it on the glue, again perpendicular, and hold to fasten.

Wa-la! You have started your pallet coaster and are ready to finish the base. Make the same glue line on each end of the parallel sticks you have laid out and repeat the previous step.

At this point, the hard part is over (phew). Your next task is to lay out the 7 top Popsicle sticks evenly apart across the top. TIP: Lay out the sticks before you begin to glue them, this will ensure all the spaces are even.

You should see your pallet take shape. Once it is completed, all that is left is to add the nails! No, not real nails. With your permanent marker!

Add two little silver dots side by side at each end of each stick. These little dots will resemble nails on a life size skid.

Each pallet coaster is composed of 12 popsicle sticks. A complete four pack coaster set will require 48 popsicle sticks (a standard package at the dollar store has 100 sticks)

OPTIONAL: You can stain, paint, Woodburn, or draw on your pallet coasters as you please! I have provided just the basic guide.

For a gift, feel free to buy some twine and create a bow on each direction. The twine will give it a rustic (and expensive) well put together gift look.

Thank you for reading!

WikiWho? WikiWhat? WikiHow?

If you tend to be a curios person, as soon as you were of age to use the Internet you may have quickly found a love for Wiki's. Wikipedia, "The Free Encyclopedia" has been extremely helpful in many people's life in defining things they may not otherwise know, as well as creating interest in topics by providing several sources and subcategories. Though many may not be familiar yet with WikiHow, it is beyond exciting to indulge in the thousands of "How-To's" and have the opportunity to create your own. The big question is, what are you good at, and what hasn't been covered by WikiHow's thousands of contributors?

If you know how to pinch a penny, you may be well seasoned in Do It Yourself crafts. A creative, inexpensive gift to make friends and family are DIY Pallet Coasters. These mini-skids are perfect for any home, and you can customize them with stain, paint, and wood burning. The materials cost under $5 to obtain. All you need are: pop-sickle sticks and hot glue. Stain or paint is optional. This craft is quick, easy, and not on WikiHow!

Cutting fruit may seem like an easy task, but there are many techniques and strategies. One fruit cutting technique that is not on WikiHow is a Honeydew Melon. A provided step-by-step instruction on an efficient way to cut and chunk Honeydew Melon is practical and useful for users on WikiHow.

Last but not least, many people have siblings, younger or older. Writing an article about setting examples for a younger sibling to follow is an article that will help older siblings set a positive example for their younger sibling. There have been times and occasions where younger siblings have asked siblings things over their parents, because siblings are often easier to approach than a parent, and you are closer in age to your sibling than you are to your parents. You must be open-minded,, courteous, and most of all, loving. You must choose choices that you know they will see and reflect on. You must set a great example you’re your younger sibling to follow, and desire to teach others to do the same.

Creating a WikiHow is an enormous learning experience for those who are not familiar with creating a Wiki. Being able to contribute to the world from the comfort of your own home is revolutionary. An exciting part of creating a WikiHow page is that after writing about either your topic, may it be a DIY project, cutting fruit, or setting an example, Web 2.0 will forever be changed by your contribution to WikiHow.

Positive changes in Social Media

Photo: brafton.com

Leaving an away message on AOL Instant Messenger used to be the one of the most simple and instant ways to update those on your "friends list" with what you were up to. A simple, "With the girls, text it!" “Away message” on AIM was enough to let your friends know what you were doing. There would be no updates until you were finished and back on your desktop computer.

Now a days, "being with the girls" is documented by Snap Chats, Tweets, Facebook Updates, and Instagram posts directly from your cell phone. So many people are wondering, is this instant and constant update in our lives positive or negative?

It all depends on the user.

Social media is only as intrusive as you let it be. The responsibility of the user plays a crucial role in how social media affects one's friendships, professional relationships, and life. If you choose to update your 600 Facebook friends with your exact location and plans for the evening, that is your risk to take. On the other hand, the check-in feature can be a quick easy way to document memories with loved ones, and places you have been or are planning to go can be a fun conversation starter with your fellow users.

Privacy settings play a huge role on how "invasive" social media can be. With options to be seen by the public, your friends, or only you on many social media sites, you really are in control.

Social media has helped shape and cultivate many support groups, charity events, and fundraisers. Being able to participate in an event by donating or writing a message from the comfort of your own home is revolutionary. I would like to shine light on an extremely positive fundraiser I had personal online success with. In 2007 my uncle died tragically and unexpectedly. Facebook assisted in spreading the word of a fundraising event just after his passing. Without the use of Facebook, the hundreds of online donations would not have been made. Without the sharing of the post, these strangers from different states perhaps would not have heard my uncle's story. I am thankful for the ease and simplicity of sharing stories and getting feedback through social media.
Social media will continue to grow in the future, providing more instantaneous updates on our lives. Just a few years ago we were leaving away messages at our desktop. Now, I can talk with you face to face with the click of a button while out for coffee. I see the path of social media twisting and turning it's way even deeper into our lives whether we choose to accept it or not. More and more people are signing up with social accounts to stay connected with friends, colleagues, loved ones, and sometimes people we have never met. Being responsible and having online etiquette is essential for the safety of anyone using online accounts. I hope social media is continued to be used         in a positive way.