Paul Lomax - Two Point Oh

This five minute film is the best definition of Web 2.0 I’ve seen (well spotted Natts) - not because it’s the most accurate or the most complete - because it’s the most inspiring.

The Machine Is Us/ing Us

John Musser (of Programmable Web) in association with O’Reilly Radar and Tim O’Reilly has written a 100 page report on Web 2.0 principles & best Practices. The report claims to explain why Web 2.0 matters and how you can make the most of it.

In 2004, we realized that the Web was on the cusp of a new era, one that would finally let loose the power of network effects, setting off a surge of innovation and opportunity. When O’Reilly’s Dale Dougherty came up with the term “Web 2.0” during a brainstorming session, we knew we had the name our conference. What we didn’t know was that the industry would embrace the Web 2.0 meme and that it would come to represent the new Web.

This report is for those who are ready to respond to that shift. It digs beneath the hype and buzzwords, and teaches the underlying rules of Web 2.0—what they are, how successful Web 2.0 companies are applying them, and how to apply them to your own business. It’s a practical resource that provides essential tools for competing and thriving in today’s emerging business world. I hope it inspires you to embrace the Web 2.0 opportunity.

- Tim O’Reilly

There report is available to buy from $395, or you can download the free excerpt which includes a rather good executive summary.

Here is a selection of the best of web 2.0, social media, marketing and web development blogs that I attempt to keep track of:

• 456 Berea Street - Swedish blogger Roger Johansson posts articles, tutorials, and comments on subjects related to web standards, accessibility and usability.
• CopyBlogger offers copywriting tips for online marketing success. Written by Brian Clark who is an “Internet marketing strategist, content developer, entrepreneur, and recovering attorney”.
• GigaOM.com is an online news and weblog published by Om Malik, formerly of Business 2.0 magazine. It delivers technology news, analysis and opinions on topics ranging from broadband to online games and Web 2.0.
• Greg Yardley follows the development of the internet - both the services delivered over it and the technologies that enable it.
• Infectious Greed - Dr. Paul Kedrosky is a venture capitalist, media personality, and entrepreneur and blogs about technology, venture capital, & finance.
• Joel On Software - Joel Spolsky rants about software development, management, business, and the Internet.
• LifeHack - The phrase LifeHack describes any hacks, tips and tricks that get things done quickly by automating, increase productivity and organizing. Lifehack.org provides provides news and articles which able you to get things done in a faster pace.
• Marketing Pilgrim - Internet marketing consultant and expert Andy Beal keep their finger on the pulse of internet marketing news and get the scoops and interviews to keep you informed.
• Mashable - Pete Cashmore, a new media expert, writes the world’s largest blog focused exclusively on social networks. 
• Mathew Ingram - Mathew Ingram is a technology writer and blogger with the Globe and Mail, a national daily newspaper based in Toronto.
• SlashDot - Slashdot is ‘news for nerds’
• TechCrunch - TechCrunch, edited by Michael Arrington, profiles and reviews new Internet products and companies - particularly those companies that are making an impact (commercial and/or cultural) on the new web space.
• Zeldman Presents - Zeldman Presents is the blog of Jeffrey Zeldman, founder and executive creative director of Happy Cog, publisher of A List Apart and author of Designing With Web Standards.