Ajit Jaokar, a member of the Web 2.0 Workgroup has made an attempt to formulate a unified theory of Web2.0 based on re-arranging the seven principles layed outlined by O’Reilly:
- The Web As Platform
- Harnessing Collective Intelligence
- Data is the Next Intel Inside
- End of the Software Release Cycle
- Lightweight Programming Models
- Software Above the Level of a Single Device
- Rich User Experiences
Ajit’s essential argument is:
“if we consider web 2.0 as 'Intelligent web' or 'Harnessing collective intelligence'(Principle two) - and then look at the other six principles feeding into it - it's all a lot clearer” Got that? No?
What about Ajit’s wrap up then?
- What is web 2.0? It’s the intelligent web.
- What makes it intelligent? We do.
- How does it happen? By harnessing collective intelligence
- What do you need to harness collective intelligence? The other six principles!
I must say I am impressed, turning Web2.0 into philosophy is quite an achievement 
. The bigger question is: do we need a theory for Web2.0 at all? Can it just not be what it is? (what ever that is..). I guess it’s only time until we have our first Professor in Web2.0. Anyway, hats off for Ajit, it sure makes sense and sounds good. Thanks to Bill Tai for pointing me to this.
Dear Ajit
I am a librarian and wish to cite your mind map, i.e., the above image and the related text in my blog. Please permit me to do so. In case you feel otherwise, let me know.
Best.
Posted by: Dr. Mohamed Taher | May 01, 2006 at 02:44 AM
Sure np from my point of view, but I think you should address Ajit and not me ;)
Posted by: Netanel Jacobsson | May 01, 2006 at 01:11 PM
Apology (I realized that Ajit is elsewhere).
Later, I did write to Ajit and got his OK.
By the way, I have cited you for the serious questions you raise on the Theory.
Thanks and Best wishes, Mohamed
Posted by: Dr. Mohamed Taher | May 03, 2006 at 07:34 AM