A website about internet history and its impact on our culture, by Richard MacManus. Over 2024, I serialized my Web 2.0 memoir. Coming in 2025: more from the dot-com 1990s, and also the 2010s.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2011
The internet in 2011 saw power plays in social networking, mobile apps, cloud computing, and streaming. Facebook was challenged by Google+, while new powers like Netflix and Spotify emerged.
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The End of Web 2.0 — One Bubble Deflates, Another Starts Up
After leaving ReadWriteWeb in October 2012, it becomes apparent that the Web 2.0 era is over. I reflect on what the Web 2.0 bubble meant and how the internet industry continues to evolve.
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2012: The Transition From ReadWriteWeb to ReadWrite
After its acquisition of ReadWriteWeb, SAY Media widens our coverage but does not give the site the resources it needs. Later, several key people leave SAY and/or RWW — including me.
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Buy the Book: Bubble Blog Now Available As Paperback, eBook
Announcing the release of my memoir as a paperback and eBook. Fourteen months after I began serialising my book online, here on Cybercultural, you can now purchase a paper copy.
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The Deal Is Done: ReadWriteWeb Sells to SAY Media
In early December 2011, I travel to San Francisco for due diligence with SAY Media as it prepares to acquire ReadWriteWeb. Then, on the 14th, the transaction goes through and I no longer own RWW.
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SAY Media Offers To Acquire ReadWriteWeb
The day after the final Web 2.0 Summit closes in October 2011, Sean and I visit the SAY Media office in San Francisco to meet its CEO. In the days after, SAY presents an offer to purchase ReadWriteWeb.
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The Last Web 2.0 Conference and RWW Acquisition Talks 2.0
In October 2011 in San Francisco, I attend what turns out to be the final Web 2.0 Summit. During the event, my COO Sean and I meet with 5 potential acquirers for ReadWriteWeb.
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Before My Latest Portland Trip, I Decide To Sell ReadWriteWeb
Prior to my October 2011 trip to the US for Web 2.0 Summit (it would be the last ever Web 2.0 conference), I decide to put RWW up for sale. Then during my visit to Portland before SF, Marshall resigns.
To explore Cybercultural's archive of internet history articles, you can browse by internet era:
- Pre-web (1960s-80s)
- Dot-com (1990-2003)
- Web 2.0 (2004-2012)
- Enshittocene (2013-2021)
You can also read yearly reviews or search for a topic of interest.