It seems like Web 2.0 is going to do its best to help the emergence of Web 3.0.
For years, I maintained that the business model that Web 2.0 operates under makes it impossible for it to transition to something like we are developing. The fact that these companies are tied to Wall Street, with Twitter now being an exception, means they are beholden to what has earned profits.
In short, a transformation is not in the cards. There could be some minor changes that adjust things but the core essence is going to remain in place.
This is simply how the business world works. The shareholders of those companies want growth, not revolution. Radically altering what works, even if it is for survival tends not to be in the cards.
We see this now starting to play out in real time.
Tweets Not Visible Unless Logged In
Elon Musk is taking another bold step.
We have all seen Tweets that people embed into their websites. These are often shared on other social media platforms. Yet now, reports are these will not be visible unless logged in.
Until now, logged-out users were still able to check out tweets and user profiles, but at least for the time being, they'll have to either sign up for an account or plug in their login credentials to see whatever unattributed meme Twitter owner Elon Musk pinched today. The Verge spotted the issue, which Engadget has confirmed on multiple browsers and devices.
This is an interesting twist. Of course, we have to question whether it is smart or not? While this could appear to be a catastrophic move on the surface, it might depends upon what Twitter is.
Many feel it is a social media platform. This is true but is that how Musk views it? His outlook might be a bit different.
To him, Twitter might be a data center. If that is the case, this is a very logical move. The goal is to collect as much from each person as it can. Having people logged in and tracking what they do is the best approach.
Of course, users being nothing more than data creators for the richest guy in the world might not sit well.
Welcome to Web 2.0.
YouTube Banning For Ad Blocking
Not to be outdone, it seems the Google family is upping its game.
YouTube is evidently upset they are not getting more in ad revenue. We are now seeing them ratchet up the consequences.
YouTube is looking to take a more aggressive approach in preventing viewers from using ad blockers while watching videos on its platform. As BleepingComputer reports, people have been posting screenshots on social networks like Reddit that show a pop-up notice warning them that their player will be blocked after three videos.
This might not be a big deal to most users. However, if people start to get upset at YouTube over this, we could see some of the alternate platform gaining even more traction.
On its own, this is not going to kill YouTube. Nevertheless, this is something worth watching.
Users And Companies At Odds.
The central problem with Web 2.0 is the users and companies behind the platforms are at odds with each other. Both have different objectives with the users being trod upon.
For them, it simply is the experience. They are not benefitting financially so advertisements are a hindrance. Of course, corporations do not feel this way since it is their gravy train.
They do not care about the user experience except how it feeds into revenues. If a degradation in that means more ad money, they are all for it.
And that is exactly what we are seeing.
Enter Web 3.0
We are now to the point where a new model is emerging. Here we see the idea of a community owning its activity. Under this scenario the users are also the ones who potentially benefit. This is one of the powers of tokenization.
Here we see how the desires fall into alignment. When an ad is placed on a Web 3.0 platform, depending upon the set up, this could benefit the users holding the token. Now we see the financial benefits going directly to the community as opposed to some faceless corporation (or Elon Musk).
Under Web 2.0 the users are the product. It is that activity that is monetized and given to someone else. This might not be the case with Web 3.0.
It is a radical transformation and one that cannot easily be altered by the traditional companies. They can try to alter things all they want. That said, the basic premise is going to continue for a long time.
This is where Web 3.0 can step in.
We are seeing a game that involves billions of moves. Any activity done on Web 3.0 is a reduction in that on the other. This is no different than moving money from the banks to cryptocurrency. Each dollar that shifts alters the scales slightly.
It is where we see the network effect kicking in. We know how this works when adding users. It does the same in reverse. Each person removed from the system to elsewhere has a greater than -1 impact.
For now, Web 2.0 appear intent on helping Web 3.0. It does not realize it but the quest to squeeze more money out is on. This is how corporations operate.
In the meantime, we just keep building and spending more time on Web 3.0. That will help the numbers there, ever slightly shifting the scales.
It is a long process and sometimes your enemy can be your best ally.
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