Foreword
We live in an unprecedented period of time when almost any individual or organization can be left feeling somewhat unsettled by the changes taking shape in our society. Many years ago when helping to build AOL, I saw firsthand how change could be a positive force as the Internet truly leveled the playing field in terms of access to information and empowering individuals through interactive communications. Today, we are witnessing further advancements in technology that are going so far as to change the social fabric and the kind of networks that define our world.
The Web has changed dramatically from a place full of content “destinations” that one would seek out, to content and information that is broadly shared and delivered on an instantaneous, distributed basis. Where and how we consume information, how we engage with brands, organizations, people, and issues we care about are all shifting. But what’s more, if you’re not shifting with them, then you’re running the risk of falling behind. To better enable keeping up, tools that used to be out of reach are now easily accessible. Technology that used to cost thousands is now low cost or available for free and easily accessible. One person can do the job of two, three, or in some cases an entire department. Tasks that seemed impossible just a few short years ago are becoming more reasonable today.
The same holds true as we look at our “offline” world—we’re no longer limited to our old networks and ways of interacting. ...
