Evolution of social software

CHRISTOPHER ALLEN traces the evolution of social software in a peer-reviewed online essay that may become a cornerstone of discussion in the field of blogging and electronic collaboration. Along the way, his discussion meanders into spaces familiar to anyone who has used computers in communications, including PLATO and groupware. He omits BBS communities and the reach of the first generation of CompuServe users.

The timeline provides an interesting social dimension to the development of computing.

• 1940s — Memex
• 1960's — ARPA and Licklider
• 1960s — Augmentation
• 1970s — Office Automation
• 1970s — Electronic Information Exchange System (EIES)
• 1980s — Groupware (Part 1)
• 1980s — Computer-Supported Collaborative (or sometimes Cooperative) Work (CSCW)
• 1990's — Groupware (Part 2)
• 1990s — Origin of Social Software
• 2000s — Evolution of Social Software
• 2000s — Changing Definitions of Social Software
• 2010 — Future Thoughts on Social Software

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Christopher Allen -- "Tracing the evolution of social software"
Raefer Gabriel thinks it's hyped. Adina Levin explores why we may need a new term of reference.
Adina Levin -- "Social Software: What's New"
Social Computing Alliance is developing creative uses of a new generation of technologies with profound social implications.
Norman MacIntosh -- Social Software of Accounting and Information Systems John Wiley & Sons (June 1985) ASIN 0471905437
David Wooley -- "PLATO: The emergence of online community"

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