Depending on whom you ask, the internet in 2005 will have a much greater impact on marketing communications or it will continue to be used to augment more traditional
communications a la print and broadcast. But senior PR execs no longer can give the Web short shrift, as the gloomy days of 2001 and 2002--when corporate America thumbed
its collective nose at the internet following the dot-com debacle --recede into history. As she gears up for the 9th Annual Webby Awards, founder Tiffany Shlain--named one of
Newsweek's "Women of the 21st Century"--shared some of her predictions (below) for the top Web trends in 2005. Shlain is accepting entries for the 2005 Webby Awards until
Dec. 17; the winners will be announced in May...Contact: Jill Feldman, Michael Kaminer Public Relations, 212.627.8098, [email protected].
- Moblogs Rule: Unless you have been living on Mars with a pillow over your head, you're now familiar with the blogosphere. Ready for the next round? Try Mobile Blogs,
or Moblogs. Akin to a personal live broadcast, moblogs are updated constantly throughout the day from a blogger's cell phone or PDA. Toss in Webcams, and bloggers can upload text
and pictures throughout the day. - Revenge Of The Ratings: Americans love to watch who's winning, so why should the Web be any different? Look for use of more online ratings to skyrocket as niche sites
like RatemyTeachers.com enable users to give a thumbs up (or down) on everything. - "Days Without Technology:" Shutter the thought. To cope with what Shlain calls "Communications Deficit Disorder" (CDD), more of us will observe self-imposed "Days
Without Technology"--time-outs for those addicted to Blackberrys, e-mail, and text messaging. - "Napster For Ideas:" Using the Web as a platform, a growing movement to moderate copyright laws will change how people share creative materials, from music to
photography to software. Shlain says the implications for the arts, sciences, and academia are massive. - Scanning For Bargains: Powerful news-search services will transform shopping, both online and off; devices will allow shoppers to scan product barcodes at the mall and
discover where they can find it cheaper online.