Joomla Chicago members are in for a treat on Wednesday, November 12, when Andy Angelos addresses the group on the subject of Web 2.0 and Social Networking. Andy gave me a preview of his talk in the email interview reproduced below.

JS: Why should people who care about Joomla also care about Web 2.0 and social networking?

AA: Joomla Chicago members have all decided to participate in Web 2.0 regardless of familiarity with blogs, social networks, photo sharing, RSS, etc. Adopting a CMS platform is a statement declaring "I have content and I am going to share" - this declaration is an accurate summary of the 4 year old movement.

JS: Is there a difference between Web 2.0 and social networking?

AA: Social Networking is one of the core concepts emerging from Web 2.0 along with Blogging, Photo Sharing, Video Sharing, Microblogging, Mash-ups, etc. Social Networking is often referenced as Web 2.0 or as a prime example, because it demonstrates the community power of Web 2.0 by joining people to share in an online environment.

JS: What 1 or 2 examples would you point to, to give people the big "Aha!" about Web 2.0/social networking?

AA: For participants not labeled as "digital natives" or the generation raised on interactive/social technologies, a common eureka moment is the first development of a virtual relationship. For some reason, humans behave differently with unlikely expectations when a computer screen is involved in the conversation. So when a genuine, "real world" relationship develops, the power of social media, networking and Web 2.0 is apparent.

JS: If I have an organizational or company website, what are the 1 or 2 easiest ways for me to "join the party"?

AA: Use social media search engines like Search Twitter, Twing or Google Blog Search to discover where relevant conversations are transpiring. This simple act of listening allows users to join discussions and share knowledge without ever creating a user profile or learning a new skill. The next step is to begin recreating your profile in multiple networks across the web - your relevant community might interact on NING, Tumblr, and Plurk - so creating a consistent and accessible profile enhances the likelihood of forming relationships.

JS: What's the biggest goal you hope to accomplish when you get together with the Joomla folks on Nov 12?

AA: Bottom-line - people understand how to talk on the Web. People now have the ability to participate in quick, complex, and diverse conversation. This requires a different mindset than the standard email format we are using to converse now, but the benefit is direct communication with a remote community centered on your obscure, specific, or bizarre interests. The simple act of becoming a competent "online talker" boosts your abilities as a leader, community member, friend, organizer and a host of other life positions.

JS: Thanks! I can't wait to continue the conversation on November 12!

At this writing, the event is nearly full - if you are interested in attending, please go immediately to the Joomla Chicago home page and scroll down to the registration link for the event.

Joe Scarry is head project manager for Chicago Joomla web developer and web design firm Arc Technology Group.