Web 2.0: What It Is and Why Your Agency Should Care

Everyone has heard of or remembers the Dot Com Era, that frantic time that "proved" that every person, company, organization or any other thing that drew breath needed a Web site. By early 2000, the Internet was littered with millions of Web sites that were not much more than electronic billboards, simply filled with static information. Only a handful had interesting graphics and decent content. That was Web 1.0.

With advancements in computer and networking technologies, many sites began to use database-driven Web applications where data was exchanged and retrieved on the fly during a Web session (or transaction). Most, if not all, Web sites today allow for this functionality in terms of updating content, payment/registration and all data related to the end user. This type of development is commonly known as Web 1.5. Confused? Think of it this way: Web 1.5 technology is the technology that allows your agency to process program registrations and associated payments on your Web site.

Today, the Internet is no longer a place where static content is left for ages, with documents or links randomly posted, or with contact information being only an e-mail address. And, people want more information while doing less.

Enter Web 2.0 technology. Advocates say it differs from early Web development by moving away from static Web sites, the use of search engines, and surfing from one Web site to the next towards a more dynamic and interactive experience for the user.

Park and recreation agencies can embrace this new concept to make their Web sites more of a two-way street. They can get fast feedback from users and get their message out to the community in a fast, fun, unfiltered way.

Find out more by going online and reading this issue's WebXtra at www.ILparks.org or www.ILipra.org.

Meet the Author at the Conference

IPRA Information Technology Director Dean Comber and IPRA Marketing & Communications Director Matt White will speak at the following IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference session

Friday, January 26, 9:30 am
Truffles Room
Session 901
Creating A Buzz Around Town - Blogging 101

www.ILparks.org November/December 2006 19