Being a Critic

In preparation for my next web project, I was asked to explore an informative website. I chose to visit http://www.mdsci.org/, the website for the Maryland Science Center. Being critical of how the website was composed, I searched for information on the site’s creator. I quickly found, at the bottom of the page, this information. After clicking on the link for The Berndt Group Ltd, I found what I needed. The Berndt Group is a website developing group in Baltimore, Maryland that was established in 1991. The group has designed websites for a variety of clients including Johns Hopkins Institutions, Loyola College of Maryland, and the United States Social Security Administration. The Berndt Group seems to be a reputable company, and talented in designing websites.

This website is easy to use, no matter your age. With a list of page options, located on the left side of the page, users can find what they are looking for. To further narrow one’s search, subcategories also appear when clicking on an area of interest. When looking at a page, a navigational tool helps visitors know the page they are on, in relation to the site. Because I am the type to click on things, without knowing where it will take me, I enjoyed this option. It is also useful for knowing how to relocate a particular page in the future. A site map is also available, which clearly shows the layout of this site. If all this is not easy enough, the search option allows you to find what you need without browsing through the entire website.

One of the most important things I have learned, thus far, in my Writing for the Web course is how crucial the design of a website is. With this gained knowledge, I can better evaluate a website. After considering the design of http://www.mdsci.org/, I found it to be well designed. With a white background and plain black text, everything was easy to read. Also, the paragraphs were kept short, with the perfect amount of pictures to keep the interest of visitors. In my opinion, the Maryland Science Center’s website was a great example of what an informative site should look like.

Spreading Happiness

For the second week in a row, I am commenting on a humorous website that I visited. This week, http://www.thehappyguy.com/humor-articles.html, happened to be the site. Skimming through the humorous articles about life experiences and tips on living, I learned more about the creator, David Leonhardt, also known as “The Happy Guy.” Leonhardt is a man of many roles; he is a public speaker, consumer advocate, and also the writer of a happiness self-help book. His purpose in maintaining this website is to help those in search of happiness.
There was a series of articles that I found rather entertaining. These articles all had to do with Leonhardt’s take on working from home. In “My Career as a Work-from-home Hermit,” he describes his life which consists of not showering and wearing pajamas all day. I enjoyed hearing about his weekly outing each Tuesday, taking out the trash. Other hermits could benefit from this article’s useful tips on how to avoid showering which include wearing many layers and a lot of cologne. Next in this series was “Pajamas Fashion Primer.” Here the Happy Guy tackled questions from other work-from-home hermits. It was amusing to read Leonhardt address problems like “casual Friday’s” and at what point wearing pajamas becomes a fashion emergency. Lastly, I read “Work-from-home Office Humor.” In this article, Leonhardt took typical office policies and adjusted them to his work-from-home lifestyle. For example, on the topic of inventory control, Leonhardt’s concern is not preventing the theft of office supplies, but rather the cupcakes in the kitchen.
Thehappyguy.com was a fun website to explore. I enjoyed the creator’s humorous take on his experiences and life in general. Although, I did not think the website was as funny as I had expected, I would still recommend others to visit it at least once. Leonhardt’s purpose to spread joy to those lacking it is admirable and I think he is doing well with this website.

A new way to watch commercials

This week I visited www.veryfunnyads.com, a website containing commercials from all over the world. While viewing the first ad that I came across, I noticed the addictive nature of this site. Naturally, I was sucked in and soon browsed through and watched many of the commercials posted.
Now, although I was hooked on these commercials, I am not the type to take the time of day to watch commercials. Being the habitual channel surfer that I am, I rarely watch a show in its entirety and the beginning of commercials is usually my cue to move on to another station. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy entertaining commercials, but between all the lousy ads for political nominees and used car dealerships, I find sitting through a block of commercials rather boring. However, this website was anything but boring and I must say, there was not one commercial that I did not enjoy.
As I watched commercials under the “top rated section” one that I really enjoyed was a Swedish ad for Calve Sauzen condiments. The description, “a teenager gets caught in an awkward situation involving a wiener, mustard, and a sexy model,” says it all. I commend the company’s clever marketing of a not-so-exciting household item.
The Calve Sauzen ad was one of various commercials that I loved. The TBS owned website is a great place to surf for quick entertaining ads without having to sit through boring ones that are usually aired on television. Basically, if you have a few free minutes in your day and you enjoy a good laugh, this is the site for you. Being able to search by brand name or country while having descriptions of each commercial, makes it easy to find one that will interest you. This well thought out and well designed website may have started a new addiction for me and I will be sure to visit veryfunnyads.com again.

Check out the Calve Sauzen ad! http://veryfunnyads.com/ads/25340.html