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 This week’s readings are diverse, to say the least. The reading that spoke to me most was the manuscript by Rozema and Webb on “Web 2.0.” Since most of my energy devoted to reader’s response will be expended in a classroom presentation, I’d like to use this space to write about Web 2.0 and all of the new technologies — some of which I’d never heard of before.

 Blogs aren’t new to me — or, at least, the concept isn’t new. I used to check into CompuServe years ago (well, 15 years ago, to be exact) and respond to postings by other computer users. I spent most of my time in the forum devoted to comic books, and as a professional in the field at that time I got access for free. One person would post on a subject — say, whether the new artist on The Incredible Hulk was any good, for instance — and other users would follow with responses. You could respond to the person writing the initial post, or you could respond to other responders, much the same way one would respond in a blog.

 That said, I’ve never had a blog of my own. And responding to other people’s blogs? Who’s got the time for it? My Internet use is usually focused and to the point. If I need information on something, I navigate straight to Google, run my search, and read what I need.

One thing that caught my attention in particular was the RSS aggregator. Great concept! I’d never heard of it before. That’s the sort of thing that could be quite useful to me (provided it didn’t clog my inbox!).