Choose two different websites that you visit regularly. How does each of these websites establish itself as a place (a "site") to visit? Compare and contrast the ways each site uses the conventions of the web, the computer, and the material world to create its space. Which approaches are more or less successful? Why or why not?
Two of the several websites I visit on a regular basis are ThinkGeek.com and LiveJournal.com.
ThinkGeek is a website that sells varying items catered to the "geek" stereotype. Items ranging from books analyzing the philosophy of The Matrix trilogy, to replicas of Star Wars lightsabers, to caffeinated soap are all sold at this website.
Livejournal.com is a weblog (aka blog) community website that hosts over 800,000 individual users and user communities. Users can congregate in various user communities with similar interests, sharing ideas and other things, including songs, pictures, interesting URLs, or even things such as ideas for source code for certain open-source software.
ThinkGeek is a website that allows for easy access to a number of different items useful for the "geek" culture that's so pervasive over the internet. Though not necessarily a website that has universal appeal, even casual users of computers and electronics can find a large selection of items that may suit their fancy. The website itself is very easy to navigate, with a not-too-flashy approach to advertising the items they have for sale, while also giving the user a nice sense of scope as to what sorts of items they can find at ThinkGeek.com. LiveJournal is a bit more confusing for those who don't know about the world of weblogs. Though they may be in essence virtual and digital diaries and journals, the process of customizing your blog to be your own can be a daunting experience. Other than the fact that some advanced knowledge may be needed to customize one's blog, the early stages of just creating a simple blog with no bells and whistles is a very easy task. Though both websites are very well done and have user-friendly layouts, LiveJournal is likely a better website in regards to accessibility on the internet and the physical space it provides. The number of servers is likely to be larger, as well as the user base both potentially and currently.