Forgotten Web 2.0 Giants: A Look Back at Nine Failed Sites
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Chapter 1: The Rise and Fall of Web 2.0
In the mid-2000s, I embarked on a part-time Master's program where part of my research focused on what was then termed Web 2.0. But what did "Web 2.0" truly signify?
At its core, Web 2.0 marked a pivotal shift from a static Internet experience—akin to reading a brochure or magazine—to one that encouraged user engagement and contributions. A simple analogy can be drawn between Encyclopaedia Britannica and Wikipedia to illustrate this change.
Many platforms from this era have not only survived but thrived, largely due to their innovative designs and functionalities. Facebook stands out as perhaps the most iconic among these, along with YouTube, Twitter, and newer entrants like Medium. However, there were numerous other Web 2.0 startups, over 130 of which I encountered, many of which have vanished without a trace and, frankly, left little to miss.
Yet, some sites seemed poised for greatness but ultimately failed to endure. Here are nine Web 2.0 platforms that once appeared destined for success two decades ago but have since faded into obscurity.
Section 1.1: Digg
Digg enjoyed immense popularity in the late 2000s as a social bookmarking and aggregation site, boasting a simple yet addictive design that allowed users to "dig" or "bury" stories—akin to a more stylish thumbs-up or down. However, after Facebook introduced its "like" button, Digg's traffic plummeted, and a disastrous redesign in 2010 only worsened its fortunes. Once valued at $175 million, Digg was sold for a mere half a million dollars after its decline. Although still operational as a news aggregation site, it is but a shadow of its former self.
Section 1.2: Friend Feed
Friend Feed was a social networking site that aggregated content from various platforms, offering users a personalized feed to share with contacts. Despite its clever concept, it never gained traction in the rapidly evolving social media landscape. After Facebook acquired it in 2009, expectations were high, but the lack of a clear strategy led to its eventual shutdown in 2015.
Subsection 1.2.1: Delicious
Delicious was a pioneering social bookmarking platform, allowing users to bookmark and tag websites for sharing. Founded in 2005, it became synonymous with the concept of tagging content by subject. However, after Yahoo's acquisition in 2005, it quickly faded from prominence, leading to its closure.
Section 1.3: Google+
Google+ aimed to take on Facebook but launched in 2011 when Facebook had already solidified its dominance. With a constant churn of features and redesigns, Google+ never amassed a sufficient user base to sustain itself, ultimately shutting down in 2019.
Section 1.4: Last FM
Last FM was a music-centric social networking site that analyzed users' listening habits through a feature known as 'auto scrobbling.' While it initially thrived, CBS's acquisition in 2007 led to a subscription model that turned many users away. The rise of streaming services like Spotify further challenged its viability, and though it still operates, it’s far from its peak.
Section 1.5: Friends Reunited
This social network allowed users to reconnect with old friends and classmates. Launched in 2000, it quickly amassed millions of users but fell into decline after being acquired by ITV in 2007, ultimately shutting down in 2016.
Section 1.6: StumbleUpon
Founded in 2005, StumbleUpon functioned as a social recommendation engine via a browser plugin. Despite its initial success, eBay's acquisition in 2007 and a lack of direction led to its closure in 2018.
Section 1.7: Friendster
Once considered a frontrunner in social networking, Friendster had over a million users before Facebook launched. After declining a $30 million offer from Google in 2003, it couldn't compete with Facebook’s rise and eventually transformed into a gaming site before shutting down in 2015.
Section 1.8: MySpace
MySpace was once the king of social media, overshadowing Facebook until 2010. Known for its customizable profiles, it lost its edge following an acquisition by Rupert Murdoch's News International, leading to a steady decline. While still operational as a curated music and news site, it attracts only a fraction of its former audience.
Chapter 2: The Legacy of Forgotten Platforms
Here are nine platforms that seemed destined for greatness yet now languish in obscurity. If your favorite isn’t included here, stay tuned for a follow-up piece—Nine MORE forgotten sites that once looked like they’d rule the Internet.
The Internet As It Was In 1996 - 90's Websites - YouTube provides a nostalgic look back at early web design and the sites that once ruled the Internet.
I Found A Disturbing Cult Website On Deep Web 209... - YouTube explores the darker corners of the web, contrasting with the more familiar platforms discussed.
In conclusion, many of these platforms faltered primarily after being acquired by larger tech or entertainment companies, which stifled their original innovation. As they struggled to compete against giants like Facebook and YouTube, many faded from collective memory. How many do you remember?
For those interested in a trip down memory lane, check out my next article on Nine Incredible 80s and 90s Computer RPG Series We Still Remember Today—a celebration of the depth and creativity of earlier gaming experiences.
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