tag cloud

[chechu]

What is the meaning / advantage of a tag cloud ?
Is it a 'need to have' ?

[Medyman]

If you're asking this question, definitely not. Wikipedia will supply you with a definition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_cloud). Smashing Magazine has some examples (http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/11/07/tag-clouds-gallery-examples-and-good-practices/), if you need some visuals.

They're a nice usability feature (as long as they're done properly) allowing for easier navigation, search and serendipity. You'll seen them on blogs and other content-heavy sites. So, it's definitely not a necessity nor is it appropriate with most sites.

By the sounds of it, you don't have a tagging system in place on your sites, so I wouldn't worry about it, if I were you. The tagging or "folksonomy" process has to be integrated into whatever CMS you're using.