Novel uses of the Internet

One of the greatest advantages of the internet is it’s infinite potential to accommodate any venture. Over the last few years, with the growth of numerous 2.0 sites there have been many efforts to use the web for a more specific, goal directed and referential purposes. I have always thought that one of the important subjects that the web could act as an useful medium is - History - an academic, obscure, often regarded as a boring subject. In recent times, one such effort to make it more accessible directly to the seekers has been the British Library digitalising the vast archive of 19^th century newspapers. You can access it here. I am sure one can find many interesting stories hidden in those archives there.

The other, exciting and impressive effort is from India - called The Indian Memory project. It is an assortment of historical photographs sent by netizens to make a grand collection of Indians and Indian history across times, cultures and classes. Started by Anusha Yadav it is one of the most novel uses of the web I have seen in a long long time. Have a look here and contribute if you can.