Evaluating Web Site Content

Three billion documents and growing every day is one way of defining the content of the World Wide Web (WWW). It’s not surprising that it’s difficult to find something when you want it. As many of us know by experience, the WWW is not indexed. The way to find information is to enter key words into a search engine. Even then, you are not actually searching the entire Web. At best, you’re only getting a portion of what is out there. Different search engines lead you to different possibilities. What happens when you do get results? Are there some sites that are better than others? Are there sites that just aren’t to be trusted? The WWW is an incredible source of information, but we must be careful when using it. Information that we get needs to be evaluated. There are a number of different Web sites and it is important that users know the difference between them. Here are some examples:

1. Vanity pages are people’s individual pages. They usually are biographical in nature. However, some people maintain Web sites of specia interest topics. This isn’t bad, but you need to compare the information on personal pages with Web sites from different authoritative sources.

2. Promotional pages are out to sell a product. They are not much different than an ad, but usually contain far more information.

3. Informational pages provide information on a large number of topics. Many professional organizations, countries and companies maintain these sites.

4. Update pages are to keep you tuned into the latest happenings. Newspapers and television stations all maintain “current” update sites.

5. Propaganda sites exist to alert you to their interests.

6. Instructional pages are set up to teach about a new subject. Many educational and professional institutions run courses on line. You usually need to register and pay a fee to take their courses.

7. When it comes to evaluating the content of a site, here are a few helpful hints to get you better acquainted with using the WWW:

1. Use clues for finding the source. For example: government sites usually are listed as “.gov”, “.mil”, or “.us”. and individual country sites have a code. For example: us, nl, etc.
   ∑Not-for-profit organizations use “.org”.

2. Determined accountability for the Web site.

3. Read all of the links that are located on the Web site. Some of these might be: about us, philosophy, main page, resources, links.

4. Try to find out if the author of the information is an expert or someone interested in the topic. If you can’t find good credentials then be cautious of the Web site. Check when the site was last updated.

5. Check out the links provided on the Web site. Sometimes these are referred to as additional sites or references or related links. Take the time to compare the information from the original site with the links. It is possible for people to create false references. Be careful and read carefully. Make certain that the sources are reliable.

• Practice Honesty. Don’t take images or content that are copyrighted without permission.

• Some Web sites will allow copying of their material if they are given appropriate recognition.

• Keep language clear and concise. When sending e-mails make sure that your subject line announces your topic. Keep the message short. Reread it for clarity and sensitivity. Never use all capital letter. In the world of e-mail it is viewed as screaming.

• Don’t get involved in chain letters.

• If you feel that you are reading information that violates the law, forward it to the Washington State Attorney General’s office.