Two "lab" stories this week prompt me to add to my list of "must do's" for those offering new Web 2.0 APIs.
The first requirement is to have a contest. I was being a bit flippant about this in the past since I thought it was being over done. I have to be honest; it's not a bad idea. And, one which got SRC some quick press with a
15 minute mashup (or should I say Dashup) contest recently.
The second is to have a lab. Google has a Lab where new experimental project boil and gurgle until they come out in beta for some or all to see. MetaCarta announced
its lab recently. James Fee respectfully asks if
ESRI will soon have a lab. And, Search Engine Watch today
notes Zillow.com's new
Zillow Lab.
The lab idea works very well in the context of one of
Tim O'Reilly's rules of Web 2.0. Recall this one: experiment. I hope we'll see more labs opening soon. Gee, even Web publications should have labs for experimental stuff...
Update:6/21/06 Just read about
Autodesk Labs!
