new factor
Keeping bookmarks on the web was new, and solved the multiple-browsers problem.
wow factor
Tags were a single clearly articulated innovation with direct personal value.
dumb factor
It didn't make you think at all.
me factor
It allowed me to show off the cool stuff I was reading and thinking about, and it was even simpler than blogging: I didn't have to say a word about them.
you factor
Obviously.
hit factor
Joshua Schachter was well known and trusted.
nice factor
del.icio.us was carefully designed, with a novel utilitarian look that stayed out of the way.
Good overview: Technology review on del.icio.us
I don't think it was new --- DeepLeap failed in 2000, and there were "keep your bookmarks on our web site" projects in the 90s. I agree with the rest.
Posted by: Kragen Sitaker | December 03, 2006 at 01:22