The Spandex Continuum is followed by Web 2.0, Twitter…

I was in high school when Spandex really took off in popularity.  It was not a pretty time of life. The memories of boys and girls running around school in shorts and leggings make me cringe.  (And, no, I was not among spandex fans.)  Thankfully it didn’t last long.  The usage settled down and Spandex was used for what it should be used for: those bicycling enthusiasts, gymnasts, etc…

Many new ‘things’ go through the Spandex continuum: 1) Intriguing;  2) Popularly used/abused;  3) Non-users are disgusted by the over use;  4) The world fetters out the most beneficial and appropriate uses; 5) Usage comes into check.  6) It is effectively blended with other similar material.

Sure, there will always be abusers which remind us of the ‘good-ol-days’ but they are few and far between (and for the most part we can ignore them).

Web 2.0 is maturing.  A lot of companies and individuals jumped on board and found a lot of ways that it has and has not worked.  The best uses are now in stage 4. Those who were disgusted by the four letter words of ‘blog’ and ‘wiki’ are now warming up to the prospects of using them and that (who would’a thunk) they might have some good uses.

Twitter is in stage 3. A lot of people are disgusted by the abuse they have seen.  That is what is at the forefront of their minds: “You are all wasting time!”  While those using Twitter are as happy as the little birdy.  Group A just doesn’t get it.  Group B says, “You won’t get it until you try it.  And, actually, you have to try it twice because the first time you STILL won’t get it.”

Be patient.  We will all get there.  We just need to move into stage 4, which some people really are.  Companies are learning great ways to effectively use Twitter and Web 2.0.

Obviously, different people / companies are on different spots with the same technologies or fads.  We are all trying them out and finding the best uses.  We should have a sign out which reads, “Construction zone: Please pardon our mess and be patient with us as we work through the continuum.”

What will follow the Spandex continuum next?