When the words “Web 2.0” crop up in conversation, I have come to accept that the first, almost instinctive, thought that comes to mind is Facebook.  And why shouldn’t it?  With Canada boasting the largest number of Facebook accounts, it seems that almost everyone, including pets and, more strangely, stuffed animals, have signed up.  Facebook has revolutionized our online experience; no more having to wonder what old friends are up to, no more awkward phone calls, no more waiting to share online discoveries, no more forgetting birthdays, no more...  If I was to sum up this online experience into one word, the word “community” seems appropriate.  Your Facebook page forms your community and, within this community, information flows comfortably from you to others and vice versa.  All community members share a platform upon which thoughts surface, discussion occurs, discoveries uncover, and personal updates are realized.  It is this concept of “community” that I feel defines Web 2.0.   

Web 2.0 is literally the next generation of the internet going from a ‘push’ of information to viewers, like commercials on television, to now a ‘push back’ interactive conversational platform.   From a client standpoint, this is the holy grail of information gathering – it’s difficult to imagine any other method where you can gather such volume of information in both a non-intrusive and non-biased manner.  Importantly, Web 2.0 tools that serve as the medium for communication, such as video, pictures, audio, online social networks (such as facebook, del.ici.ous, or digg) are not just limited to harvesting information from a client’s consumer markets but also harvesting information from a client’s workforce.  Companies often fail to realize valuable information nested within their own organizations.  It has been shown that collective information from the entire workforce is a much better predictor of business goals, such as product success or project timelines, than predictions from any one expert acting alone (for more on this, please read "The Promise of Prediction Markets").    

Bottom Line:  Stripped of its jargon, Web 2.0 is simply an online platform upon which information freely and comfortably flows amongst all, or in other words, it brings the world to you and introduces you to the world.

Dhushan Thevarajah
Mar/Comm Communicator
Monday March 9th, 2009

When a client or potential client calls to discuss an ongoing project or possible project, we often get asked the question “Can you do it?”  Whether this question is directed towards our services or budget, I always ask them the same question in return; “How much time do you have to dedicate to the project?”  Another frequently asked question, especially for projects with tight deadlines is “Can we make it?”  My answer to these questions is always “Yes” if it is understood that the best outcome is most often made possible when there is effort from both sides.  As a creative agency it is vital that our clients understand that their input, cooperation and most importantly collaboration is essential.  I’m continuously amazed when we are approached to take on any sort of project whereby the clients expectations are ‘just do it’ without the proper steps of communication between both parties.

(Last time I checked we threw out the crystal ball when we moved offices :-)

We are in the business of understanding our clients’ needs through a stringent methodology whereby we get to know the people behind the business, the business itself, the strategy, and their customers. Just remember, as much as our reputation is on the line for the work we do; it’s our clients’ project, their baby so to speak and so it IS very much a team effort to bring the vision to life. Deadlines and responsibilities need to be honoured and met on both ends…nothing deadens the creative faster then a painfully long, drawn out and interrupted decision making process – it kills the excitement of the launch!

Bottom line: asking creative to ‘just do it’ without any sort of mutually communicative efforts and preparation is like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in a t-shirt and sandals thinking it’ll be warm at the top because its closer to the sun…

Vanessa
Co-Owner/President
Wednesday February 18th, 2009

2009 will be an interesting year for SmallWorld Media Group! Thus far we have been the recipient of over 15 regional, national and international awards in total all within each of our vertical markets of Economic Development, Tourism and Corporate. We have expanded and welcome our new strategic partners Prisma Light, Storm Film, and RubberPixel each specializing in their respective fields of CGI video animation integration, radio, TV, film and stop motion film.

We are looking forward to continued growth with our existing and new clients and hope you enjoy the launch of our new website designed to showcase the creative and strategic work we have produced for our clients.

Take care,
Vanessa