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Chris Harris

Flashlights as Web 2.0 Tools
February 18, 2008

Do you have a flashlight ready for the wild weather we have been having recently? Western NY keeps getting hit with wind storms and even thundersnow, so I make sure to have a flashlight handy at all times. Well, to be totally honest, I always have a flashlight with me. In the interest of full disclosure, I guess I should note that I am a total flashlight geek who is usually carrying THREE flashlights. So the question about whether you have a flashlight ready for wild weather is partly looking out for you. Some flashlight that the kids play with in the summer time and otherwise sits on a forgotton shelf or in an unopened drawer with slowly draining batteries is not preparedness.

The other reason to bring up flashlights is that they are great examples of tools that can go a bit crazy. Being a flashlight geek, I have...well, let's just say a number of flashlights. And we are talking a number with two digits here. I love my flashlights for the craftsmanship and beauty they represent. One of my favorites is my "formal" flashlight - a very small number in nickel silver that provies 5 minutes of insanely bright light (or 11 hours of very good light) from a custom 1/2 size AA battery. At the end of the day, however, these prized possessions are not sitting in a safe gathering dust. They are carried and used as tools to become scuffed and worn in an honored fashion. The flashlight itself isn't the real point of it; the idea is to have illumination when needed.

In much the same way, I share Web 2.0 sites and ideas as tools to be used to reach an end, not to be admired for themselves. I try my best to point out real situations for use because without a purpose a Web 2.0 site is like a flashlight in a safe. A really pretty idea, but nto living up to its potential. And if you don't know what is possible from all the new Web 2.0 sites...well, that is pretty much like hoping the flashlight in that junk drawer is going to be some use next time the power goes out.

Posted by Chris Harris on February 18, 2008 | Comments (1)

February 18, 2008
In response to: Flashlights as Web 2.0 Tools
DIANE CHEN commented:

My sons appreciate the flashlights you sent them this fall. A great tool should be shared with others, too. Web 2.0 tools are cool, but you use your flashlight like a spotlight to focus our attention on the most important part of the action. Thanks.