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Unit 14: Collaborating via Blogs and Wikis

Does the blog have a CAPTCHA for commenting? Notes
Does the blogger reply to comments?
11. Is there a means for readers to subscribe to the RSS feed or to subscribe to receive new blog
posts by email?
12. How intrusive are the ads?
Is the blog content above the fold, or does advertising occupy the best real estate
positioning on the blog?
Are there pop-ups, pop-unders, toolbars, etc.
Are the ads minimal in number, tasteful in appearance, and in keeping with the
content in the blog?

Task On the above mentioned points, assess a blog of your choice.
14.2.2 Features of the Blog to be Evaluated

Blogs are not equal in terms of the quality of information provided and should always be
evaluated carefully. The quality of information relates to the following attributes:
Relevance: Information is relevant if it relates to the subject under investigation.

Accuracy: Information is accurate if it is factually correct – or at least known not to be factually
incorrect.
Clarity: Information is clear if it is well written in accordance with the rules for clear and simple
writing.

Brevity: Information is brief if it is succinct and to-the-point.
Depth/detail: Information is detailed if sufficient information is provided to give the reader a
clear understanding of the subject matter.

Timeliness: Information is timely if it is up-to-date.

!
Caution Some of these attributes conflict – there is a tension between brevity and depth,
and it is difficult to maintain a blog’s timeliness and accuracy.

14.2.3 Criteria for Evaluation

For the purposes of this course you should be able to evaluate blogs according to the following
criteria:

Design: Blogs should be well designed for speed, accessibility, transparency and clarity.
Ease of Use (usability): Generally the same standards are applied as for website usability. However,
there is some discussion as to whether this is appropriate. Both sites provide numerous useful
links on usability.
Navigation: Navigation is one of the most important aspects of designing for any website, but
the challenges associated are more sensitive for a blog or any content heavy site. Some designers
take it as a mechanical task and they design the navigation accordingly.

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