My 15 Favorite Web 2.0 Sites (2008)

I don't recall if I ever listed my favorite services in one post. The reason that I'm doing it now is because I feel something has changed from last year. The main change is my use of recommendation services such as: Digg, Stumbleupon and Reddit - services that I was so addicted to and somehow now are no longer my main interest.

It's not that I'm not using those services completely, but definitely not as much as I did before. Why? The answer is very simple: if I want to send a link (any link) I'll send it through Twitter or FriendFeed and most likely will get honest comments from people I actually familiar with. If I want to get updated with fresh content, all I need to do is to read my main stream on Twitter or Friendfeed. Another service that I hardly use anymore is Bloglines: I feel that I don't need to track content because the content is actually tracking me.

So what do I use on a daily-basis? Here's my list of favorites with some explanations, suggestions, and recommendations:


There's no doubt that Gmail is the center of my life. Everything starts with my email box. Unfortunately (or maybe not), not much has been changed this year, except maybe one sign about the future: Gmail Lab. In my opinion, users will have the ability to create applications built on open-social for Gmail, like it planned for Google Friend Connect.

Not that I need to explain why YouTube but l actually have the feeling that I've learned how to get the most from the site only this year. I'm visiting the site on a regular basis, subscribing to more channels and finding great videos to watch. I also think that this is the most talked about Web2.0 service ever, in terms of TV shows and Movies (Oprah, Boston-Legal, Hancock and more)

"Flickr loves you" and I sure loves it back! Although I have a list of features that I'd love to see on Flickr, for example: A Firefox addon that will allow to capture a screenshot and upload it directly to the site, or a share button from Flickr to Twitter... I think this service rocks! Be sure to check on their latest feature: The new and improve slideshow that combines photos & videos.

Let's start with the fact that I completely trust Google with their analysis report. But it's not just that, my directory - Go2web20, is a Flash based site, and only Google Analytics seem to provide full statistics over Flash.

I hate Delicious new design, it is so confusing and hard to use. But what can I say... I adores the site for years now, and the information it contains is very valuable for me, so I'm using it anyway. It's actually my main search engine.

I think Friendfeed didn't had its major breakthrough yet. Hopefully people will understand this is a great place to make true conversations, to get feedback about a site or a product, and to browse wonderful content that you really care about. However, Friendfeed needs to rash on with some new features to make the site less noisy. (a quick tip: if you own a new site/company/product, open a room and invite people to provide their insights).

It doesn't really matter if Twitter works or not, we'll use it anyway.

I strongly believe that Blip.fm found the best way to connect music with Twitter. But it is also a great music application with lots of worthy features regardless Twitter connection. Yesterday Blip.fm released a new embedded player:



Still using Facebook. However, very disappointed with the new design. At first I thought it will be more fun to use, but now I think they done a huge mistake when they removed most of the application boxes from the main user page.

If you don't own a blog and thinking of opening one, use Blogger. I remember it took me 5 minutes to open my blog, and that was more than two years ago. Lately Blogger improved the platform with new tools to help you create a shiny blog in no time.

I don't know what is it with acquired companies, but it always feels like they taking their time with the progress. Oh well, don't think there is a killer alternative for FeedBurner yet. The good news: soon you'll be able to log in to the service with your Google account: feedburner.google.com

Speaking of FeedBurner alternative... Lijit stats can help you get some good statistics about the viewers at your site. Not as powerful as FeedBurner, but it is a great addition to their main service - A fully customizable social search engine.

CrunchBase building a massive database, wiki style for new/old web companies and it's quite impressive to see the achievement so far. I'm trying to use it in my blog as much as I can, but I think it would be nice if it had a script code for blog templates that automatically add the company widgets. Also, I suggest the widget will come in lengthwise shape for people who wants to permanently place it on their site.

BlogRovR is the best tool to find out if someone already wrote about a certain site/product/company before (for credits or whatever). So if you are a blogger, I highly recommend this Firefox extension. BlogRovR also has a nice Twitter updater:


Last but not least is my site - Go2web20. So of course I'm not using it to find new content but you should, simply because I'm the content editor. But, I am using it on a daily basis as a search engine for old tools & applications that I need. It still feels like my private bookmarking site, but you can all use it as well :-)