Week 8, Task 19: Discover any site from the Web 2.0 awards list

I chose the Web 2.0 site called Upcoming. Here is a link: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/. It is a site sponsored by Yahoo that lists upcoming events in the country. You can search for events by location or type of event. Events can also be sorted through by either searching the tags placed on events by other members, or using the event categories suggested by the website. You can also join different groups. The advantage here is you can join a like-minded group of people who like to attend the same rock concerts, craft shows, art shows, etc. that you do. They can also help you stay aware of the different events coming up. Groups also can hold discussions.

I liked the site because it could be a quick way of finding something fun and social to do on a day off. The down side is that it isn't as flush with activities as it could be. It seems to be mainly a techie arena at the moment. There are about 55 pages of groups and approximately 85% of those groups only have 1 member (the person who started the group obviously). I see a lot of potential here. It could be a great social tool! I really think Yahoo should put some advertising $$$ behind it so the word gets out to the non-Web 2.0 crowd.

I definitely think there is a use for this website as far as the library is concerned. It is a free marketing tool for events!!! How wonderful! You have to love any free PR. In fact, I started a group called Maryland Public Libraries. I am going to get the OK from our Director extraordinaire and our lovely Lisa Harrison 1st but I thought it would be great to put our Calendar of Special Events, as well as a link to our web page, on the site. I would like to send out an invitation to other Maryland Libraries to join the group so they can list their activities as well. Plus, discussions can be held to discover new programming ideas and the success and failure of past programming. Plus there is a RSS feed so you can stay on top of what is going on in other Maryland Public Libraries (if we get enough interested parties). I hope that word of mouth, if not advertising $$$, make this site grow! The possibilities are endless.