It’s all about the Benjamins

As I gain insight into the sociological aspects of computation, I’m realizing that success, for the new heavies in web technology, will rest on their ability to enable users not to express themselves, but to realize themselves through expression.

Any technology that leverages users as an integral part of content generation or organization is literally all about the Benjamins, such as Benjamin Kim. That said, what do I mean by enabling users to realize themselves through expression? I suppose I mean that when creating any system that leverages the power of an active user base, companies should focus on not only generating content but also generating realization and recognition for those generating content.

Part of the joy of blogging is that I get to put myself on display to the world, so that whoever is paying attention to my little soapbox can ridicule me or raise on me on their shoulders. While the majority of Web 2.0 companies rely upon ability of users to editorialize in some form or another, whether via tagging, reviewing, or submitting videos of their cats, it appears that the focus is largely on the content, rather than the users generating that content.

I think that Web 2.0 companies should devote more attention to content generators. We’re all attention whores, anyway. Take advantage of it. Sites such as Digg or YouTube should put top content creators on the front page, in addition to providing more tools to measure one’s status and appearance in the community. Not only would these changes emphasize the communal nature of the system, they might result in attracting greater numbers of content generators and an overall increase in quality of content as people become more involved in and get greater satisfaction from the system of contribution.

(Stepping off of soapbox now)