Assignment 1: Favorite sites

The first assignment in Internet Production is to mention a few of my favorite websites and one that I don't particularly like. I use a few websites religiously. They are Facebook, Google, Youtube, Twitter, and Pandora. I also find my self using plenty of other sites as well, like JSU's Blackboard and email system. I don't usually make take the time to actually buy a newspaper, but I do view and read articles online. A couple of my favorite newspapers are the New York Times and USA Today.


I favor the New York Times for their easy navigation and user friendly way to find and search for particular articles. It is a classic newspaper and the website is designed pretty much the same way. Being that it is a classic, they are sure to have very newsworthy stories.


I like USA Today for much of the same reason; however, they tend to have a lot more color in their design. I like that certain articles grab your attention by the color content. Back in the 80's this was the first color newspaper and they have a lot of expectations to live up to these days. 


Like most people these days, I do have a Facebook. I check my Facebook regularly, and most of the time multiple times a day. I have had my account for about four years now. I like the user friendly design of the website. Everything you need to know about navigating through the site can be found there. Facebook is not only a social networking site, but it is a way to keep in touch with people pretty much all over the world. I share my thoughts, opinions and most of my pictures there. I keep up with friends on Facebook so much easier than I ever could with phone calls, text messages and emails. Its the new way to communicate and meet new people.


Another site I absolutely adore is Pandora. Pandora is a way to listen to your favorite music and artists (and its available in a FREE version). Pandora is also very user friendly. It provides an easy way to create your very own customized stations. It allows you to pick and choose which songs you like and don't like that they suggest. It is set up a lot like an iPod would be, by listing you stations as iPod would with play lists or albums.


Since I have to choose a site that I don't prefer, it would have to be TMZ. Their designs may be eye catching and up to par, but the value of the newsworthiness isn't. Making celebs icons and idols isn't news. I don't care that Marc Anthony got a new tattoo with his new lady friend or what famous people look like when they get rained on. I do find that the site is user friendly, but some of their stories lack definition in my opinion.