The BBC-how is their web presence?

What is your first impression of the site? Think of the “3 second rule.” (pg 31)

We thought the site was boring, bland, simple, ads are distracting, serious. On a positive side the site appears credible and simplicity goes both ways. Perhaps that is the goal of the site.

How does this site establish credibility? How does it establish trust? Or does it? (pg 28-29)

The simplicity and name brand (BBC), work towards the credibility of the site. It also has serious stories as the headliners (not a tabloid).

            Authentic voice?-Yes

            Genuine?-Yes

            Transparency?-Not the focus

What is the general writing style?

            Biased?-Not the focus

            Objective?-Seemingly

Does the writer IDENTIFY with his or her readers, or not? How (or why not)?

No, the site seeks for more traditional objective news stories.

Does the writing style get to the point?

Yes.

How is it arranged? Is it arranged in reverse pyramid style?

The stories definitely carry a more traditional reverse pyramid style.

Is content shaped for scanning? How is the content layered? (p 32)

Because the outline of the story is laid out in the first paragraph (reverse pyramid), the content and stories are shaped for scanning. Readers can scan the loose information in the first paragraph and decide if the story is of interest.

Is the tone or rhythm of the site consistent throughout?

No, while most of the site is angled towards more serious news, if you look at the US and Canada page, it is more geared towards entertainment. Given what is going on between the U.S. and Syria, you would think that a story on that issue would be more fitting.

How does the site use headlines?

Broad subject moves into story line.

How does it use links? Effectively or not?

Yes, links to the side of the story direct the reader to other similar, relevant stories.

How is multimedia used? Is it distracting? How is it displayed on the site? Does the multimedia tell the same story as the text, or a different side of the story?

A slideshow at the top of the home page scans through the day’s top stories. It catches the readers attention, but in a good way. Multimedia seems to be saved more for inside of the stories.

How does the site “package” stories? (pg 36)

The sites packages stories by region (U.S. and Canada, Middle East etc.) and genre (sports, cars, etc.).

How are graphics used?

Used to point out the big stories on the page. The bigger the picture, the bigger the story. Graphics are used to help tell the reader what the story is going to be about.

            Too cluttered?-No

            Are the graphics consistent through out the site, and consistent to the brand?-Yes, most graphics tie the story in some way to a British angle

            Do they encourage or discourage use, and how?-Yes because they link to relevant stories

Can each page stand on its own?

Yes, because you know where you are but the story is the main focus of the page.

How is the navigation? Do you get lost? Do you always know where you are? How (or why not)?

No, very well organized and easy to sift through information.

How does the site incorporate/interact with its audience? How does it embody the social aspect of the internet (or does it)?

Limited-Promotes opportunity to follow on social media and share stories on social media. Also allows for comments to create forums for discussion. Fits theme of site however.