Open Web Conference SocialCamp track organizer, Gerald Bauer, asks co-speaker, Linux.com journalist, Bruce Byfield, "What is the Open Web and Why Does it Matter?"

"What is the Open Web?"

Technically, it’s a term used mainly by Mozilla to indicate a vision of the web based on the Mozilla Manifesto. Sometimes, Mozilla uses the term to indicate specific technologies that it would like to advance.

Open Web Conference SocialCamp track organizer, Gerald Bauer, asks co-speaker, Google Gears developer, Brad Neuberg, "What is the Open Web and Why is it Important?"

What is the Open Web?

Folks toss the term "Open Web" around a bunch, but what exactly is it? Is the Open Web HTTP, HTML, JavaScript, etc., or is it something deeper? Rather than a laundry list of technologies the Open Web is a set of philosophies. These philosophies include:

• Decentralization - Rather than controlled by one entity or centralized, the web is decentralized -- anyone can create a web site or web service. Browsers can work with millions of entities, rather than tying into one location. It's not the Google or Microsoft Web, but rather simply the web, an open system that anyone can plug into and create information at the end-points.

As I write this, I’m on my 2nd pass through Packt Publishing's new book, Drupal 5 Themes. I thought I would address the fact that the book was written for an early version of Drupal 5 and an early version of the Zen theme. I’ve run out of time, however, so this will have to be simply a book review.

Some of you may have been wondering, why is a PHP group doing an event like OpenWebVancouver 2008. The reason is that we have held very successful conferences in the past and we would like to do more. As a volunteer run, community based group, we are a group of dedicated people who would like to bring in new people into our community who share our common interest in Free Open Source Software.

Developed a Facebook App in PHP?

For PHP enthusiasts who are looking to stretch their capabilities, Manning Press has come out with an interesting book called "PHP In Action". Unlike most PHP books, space is not devoted to the basics of web application development, but instead devoted to detailing contemporary development practices and how they can be applied to PHP.

We have just received some cuddly adorable elephants from our friends at Nexxen/PHPQuebec.

We are planning a two day conference for sometime next year and the planning group would like to hear from php users in Vancouver. We are wondering, what days would be best for people who would be interested in attending our next conference?

Do you think a weekend conference, would be best, or would you like it in the beginning of the week, the end of the week, a weekday and weekend day (Fri Sat or Sun Mon)? Does this matter to you? Post your opinion.

Yay! At long last and much preparation we have managed to upgrade our little website from 4.6 to 4.7 to 5.2. We hope you like our new look and will continue to help the Vancouver PHP community grow.