The Beginning
The introduction of Web 2.0 has created a boom in Silicon Valley. Thousands of Internet companies are being launched, and many of these companies are bringing in outside investors to acquire capital for their ventures. Many of the established companies like Yahoo have taken the step of buying out Web 2.0 companies like Flickr. Many websites have began branding themselves as being Web 2.0, and they have seen a rampant rise in popularity. In some cases, many of these new online companies are surpassing the older websites in terms of traffic and popularity. The success of many Web 2.0 websites could be described as being viral in nature.

However, when many people hear about this term, they are skeptical about the hype which surrounds it. SEOmoz has taken the time to identify Web 2.0 websites that are popular, and it has given awards to the best websites within various categories. It is hoped by this award that more online companies will take the time to embrace core Web 2.0 concepts. While even many of the founders of the Internet have been skeptical about the introduction of Web 2.0, all the evidence shows that it is truly a legitimate phenomenon, something that will allow the Internet to evolve.

Web 2.0 is a Paradigm, Not a Technology
Many of the people who have criticized Web 2.0 are those who look at it from a technical perspective. Because they don't see any fundamental changes within the infrastructure of the Internet, they automatically assume that Web 2.0 is little more than a buzz word. However, this is a mistake. To fully understand Web 2.0, you must get beyond looking at it from a technical standpoint. Web 2.0 is not a technology. It is a collection of technology that is changing the way people use the web. It has turned the Internet from a place "where people receive information." to a place where people "contribute to the distribution of information."

The goal of Web 2.0 is to give power to the user. Instead of being a mere spectator, the user becomes the most important factor in the continuity of the website. Companies which use Web 2.0 principles are those which place an emphasis on the creation of a community. Perhaps the best example of this is MySpace. This company has given users the ability to create a profile of themselves on the web, and it has also allowed these users to communicate with each other, creating a digital community of epic proportions. Despite the fact that the website is free of charge to join, it is still worth over half a billion dollars.

Web 2.0 Characteristics
There are a number of things which make Web 2.0 companies distinct from companies that do not use Web 2.0 principles. These websites have their own characteristics, and these characteristics differentiate their website from those that use Web 1.0 technology. One such characteristic is the ability of the user to upload their own content. Instead of being spoon fed information from one source, all the users are able to contribute to the community. The second characteristic of Web 2.0 is the ability of companies to use the web as a platform in which applications can be built.

Unlike desktop applications, which are built on the platform of a computer and its operating system, Web 2.0 applications will use the platform of the Internet itself. Also, many Web 2.0 websites will use the same programming languages. Many of these websites will use things such as Ajax or RSS. Even the visual design of many of these websites will be similar. Most importantly, Web 2.0 will take advantage of existing Internet trends such as P2P, blogging, and wikis.

Web 2.0 Gives The Power to The People
In a day and age where governments around the world are seeking to gain more control over the Internet, Web 2.0 is a technology that will complete destroy these attempts. Once Web 2.0 because fully realized, people will not accept a "cable tv" Internet, and it is likely they won't accept it now. Web 2.0 will reinforce the idea that the Internet is a truly democratic system where anyone can share ideas without fear of censorship or ridicule. It is these factors that will allow Web 2.0 to become greatly popular.