I admit it. I usually “get” new technologies. I was likely one of the first 1000 people or so in the country to actually buy a DVD. I had a passion for home theater before home theater was cool. A typical and almost classic “early adopter”. Challenged and invigorated by new ideas, easily distracted by the new shiny object in the room, and likely to get all excited about it too.
That said, I have to admit, there are a slew of things that are new, shiny and all the rage these days that I just do not understand!
4 Overhyped Web Technologies
- Mobile – From where I sit, I see the need to occasionally (VERY occasionally) consult your phone to see info on a business or other web site. I do not see this as a new wave – a technology demanding of new standards and advances so everyone can surf their mobile environment 24/7/365. I guess I really don’t get the hype of this one.
- Micro-blogging – having not really fully embraced my inner blogger yet, I am still struggling to understand how this works, or why i would want to pursue it. I admit it, the buzz about twitter creates multiple head-scratching moments around the McGinnis household.
- Click to Call – While I know the “action” represents the all-important conversion point, why anyone would feel the need to point and click instead of picking up the phone and dialing is a mystery to me. Perhaps this explains why Google abandoned the idea with Maps?
- Second Life – Or more broadly, any life but real life. Play dress up, pretend to be someone you are not. Create a fictional, alternative life/personality. Live out your fantasies. Scratch, scratch, scratch….. Sounds a lot like childhood to me. Grow up.
There are likely more than just these four, and I’ll be sure to circle back and update or add new posts as I come across more. In the meantime, I am interested in others’ opinions on the subject.
