http://chicago.everyblock.com/

 

The EveryBlock Web site is an informational site that provides users with a database of statistics on public listings for nine cities throughout the country. From business permits, liquor license applications or news in the area, the site allows users to search through many public records. Upon logging on users are welcomed with a search box to type in addresses or partial addresses to search the ‘happenings’ in the area. Along the side of the front page there is an interactive map that can give key happenings depending on the location on the map. Initially the site is overloaded with information and without taking a closer read under each tab it is difficult to know the type of site being presented. Because the site is bland in design layout I was unsure if it was a legitimate site, but this is not to say the features on the site are bland. The site offers photographs, an interactive map, a discussion board, and a database that prove its intention to provide information. Luckily the site is not bogged down with ads that take from attention from the content.  Curiosity drove me to click the ‘About Me’ tab and I learned that the site is generated by journalists, and it really shows how as journalists we can start looking into putting our own touch on the 2.0 world.

 

http://english.ohmynews.com/

 

There certainly is a lot going on the OhmyNews International Web site. This site offers visitors headlines to the latest stories and what the latest news is coming through the feed. In addition there is a way to see interviews and podcasts for some stories. I noticed there are also statistics on the most read stories and links to the Herald Tribune. Visitors can also vote as part on polls and see how other people are voting. I wondered over into the talk back board while visitors are actually interacting in open forums on some of the high profile issues. Photos and graphics are used in some stories but in cases would it would not make a difference there is not one present. I believe the elements used add and don’t subtract from the news content. The site takes advantage of many multimedia features that allows visitors to interact with the stories and their writers whether it is via e-mail, in a comment through the open forums. I did take notice of the ads on this page, but they were not content distracting. Something else I noticed is the speed of loading for this page was not very slow as some pages are with high multimedia content.

 

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-oj-special,0,2974848.special

 

I began by surfing the web for the typical local child death in the community or the adversity an everyday citizen may face in a given town, but then I got sucked by the nosey in me into the OJ Simpson fiasco. The Los Angeles Times has so much about the trials and a couple of stories. There are audio tapes and videos that allow the nosey me to follow the latest in the trial, I can actually even watch live from the courtroom if I want to. Talk about drawing my attention. Now I don’t know that this story would die with multimedia content, but with the many other newspapers covering the Simpson trial, I imagine this will get its share of web traffic. The videos have movement and show the action to fulfill the curiosity of so many. Because Simpson was a public figure this type of trial will draw attention. I believe in things such as court cases video can help readers decide their thoughts on the happenings because the clips provide readers with informational to be educated on the case. The movement in the video takes readers where they can not be in order to follow the story.