A Review of Pitchfork.com:

Let’s see how they like it…
Reviewed by: Alyssa Schulte

Pitchfork, a website solely dedicated to music, primarily little-known artists on independent labels, has come to be a respected and reliable source for online album and song reviews. The site is separated by areas of interest, one of them being a link to reviews, a link that takes the user to a page so intricate it could stand alone as its own website.

“The Pitchfork Effect”: A Brief History of the Site
For a site that began with a tiny staff and little to no exposure, Pitchfork has now established itself as one of the most popular music review sites. Ryan Schreiber, Pitchfork’s editor-in-chief, began the site, hiring talented writers to pen “defiantly passionate and frustratingly capricious reviews” (Itzkoff). Although some of the reviews may be hard to follow at times, there is no denying the fact that all of Pitchfork’s writers, many of whom take staff positions to simply express themselves, are passionate and excited about what they are writing. This, coupled with the fact that Pitchfork’s competitors became more concerned with celebrity gossip and reality television, put Pitchfork on the track to success. Soon, many stores were stocking albums based on positive Pitchfork reviews, and music junkies began flocking to the site for the newest reviews on their favorite bands.

Just for Music Snobs?: Pitchfork’s Purpose & Audience
Pitchfork has its share of critics. One writer went so far as to call the site a “bastion of indie snobbery” (Dvorkin). This comes from Pitchfork reviewers’ tendencies to come right out with it. If they think a well-respected band’s new album sucks, they say it. However snobbish or pretentious the writers may come across as, however, you have to admit…they know their stuff. The purpose of the site is to provide a kind of filter, something that listeners can rely on to sift through “millions of tracks to help them choose what they do (and don’t) want to hear” (Itzkoff). The old filters, the old technology—magazines, radio, television—have “diminished in influence enough to give a player like Pitchfork room to operate” (Itzkoff). Although there are other music review sites on the Web, Pitchfork is of its own breed. A similar site, Spin.com, an online version of the popular magazine, shares many aspects, but is ultimately very different. The differences lie primarily in the content of the reviews, primarily the tone of the writing and how the music is discussed.
The music Pitchfork reviews varies drastically, from a mainstream pop artist to an obscure folk group from Sweden. There is something for everyone. Although they tend to review rather obscure artists, these undiscovered bands often go on to achieve success based on positive Pitchfork reviews. A perfect example of this is the power-band, Broken Social Scene. After receiving a 9.2 out of 10 rating, thanks to Schreiber’s glowing review, “an indie star was born” (Itzkoff). Kevin Drew, the front-man for the band, said, “[Pitchfork] opened the door for us. It gave us an audience” (Itzkoff). This success story is a shining example of Pitchfork’s tremendous influence in the music world and why such a diverse audience turns to their reviews for musical guidance.

Key Features & Functionality
The easy-to-maneuver review page is, at first glance, organized very simply. However, when you look closer, there is actually a lot going on. Organization is essential to any successful website, and this site has a clear and thoughtful layout. Reviews, for both individual tracks and full albums, are separated by date, for readers who check the site daily and want to read the newest additions. There is also a handy sidebar with options to sort reviews by “Most Read” or “Most Recent.” On the opposite side of the page is a sidebar for “Best New Music”, where you can click on an album title and go directly to the review. What makes this site more unique than other music sites is its interactivity; users can hear new songs and watch full-length music videos, as well as sign up for lala.com, a site Pitchfork teamed up with so that users can listen to songs and make their own playlists.
As with any site, however, Pitchfork has its weaknesses, weaknesses that affect the content on the review page. As Dvorkin rightfully asserts in his less-than-favorable critique of Pitchfork’s site redesign, crucial sections of the site, such as reviews and news, are lost in an “information overload, which causes the site’s many sections to fight for the user’s attention” (1).

Give Pitchfork a Try, Music Lovers
If you like music and want to learn more about the artists behind your favorite albums and songs, give Pitchfork a try. It’s not for everyone, but for those who use it daily, it rarely disappoints. This reviewer, who, by the way, happens to be one of those aforementioned users, recognizes Pitchfork’s flaws, but ultimately, respects the site for its unique way of treating music reviews and for the passion and brutal honesty of its talented writers.

Sources
Dvorkin, Eli. “Pitchfork Site Redesign: Mixed Reviews.” Flavorwire. 9 March 2009.
http://flavorwire.com/13146/pitchfork-site-redesign-mixed-reviews
Itzkoff, Dave. “The Pitchfork Effect.” Wired. Sept. 2006.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.09/pitchfork.html
Screenshots courtesy of Pitchfork.com.

Flicker Groups, Lumix LX3

Flicker Groups, Lumix DMC-LX3
By Andrew Schneider

Intro

The flicker group for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 camera is an excellent resource for the many people with this camera. It puts everyone in the world with the camera and their experiences with it in the same room. There are many groups similar to this on flicker, each comprised of similar people with similar goals. There are experts and beginners, all communicating with each other. The major components of this website to be reviewed are its structure, admin, and users. The structure is the layout, feel and kind of how the site works. The admin is the regulator of the site, and keeps the page fresh. The users are the most important part, asking questions and answering them from their own perspectives.

Site Structure

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 group is part of the larger site, flicker, which is part of yahoo. Flicker is, all about photos so most the groups reflect similar topics. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 group is “public” and has two main parts, the pool and discussions. The pool is where all the group members can upload their pictures taken with the camera and comment on them. People also ask questions on how they took that picture and people are usually happy to reply, to share their information and show how clever they were. There are over 53,000 photos on the group’s pool, all taken with the camera, demonstrating its capabilities. The second part of the page is its discussion board. This is where people can post their questions and get replies from people who had the same questions and figured them out. It is an amazing tool. It is much more reliable, quicker, and honest then getting an answer from Panasonic.com about the camera. Members simply post a question or topic and people start replying to it. Many questions can be answered on the discussion board. What is the best setting to shoot in? Where can I edit my RAW photos? How well will a third party battery work? and Where can I download the new update? The information in the boards is very accurate. There is really no reason to lie about something and there are enough people on to spot and correct errors. This is where the admin comes in.

Admin

The Admin for this page enforces the rules and keeps the page fresh. He usually relies on people reporting wrong doers, violating terms and conditions and posting inappropriate content. There is one admin and three moderators, along with the 4,486 members. The admin also ads topics to discuss and pools, encouraging people to take pictures of a theme and post them. It keeps the page interesting and engaging. The three moderators also have the job of making sure all content is appropriate and stop spammers. People will sometimes make groups and spam advertizing, porn, and other obscenities in the group’s pool and discussion board. These positions are all volunteer. Things the admin and moderators can do is make the group public or closed. Public makes anyone able to join and instantly participate in the groups boards. A closed group is by invite only. This is done to keep out spammers.

Users

The users of the page add to the discussion and pool. The users are the true life to this page. There are over 4,000 people willing to ask questions and share what they know about the camera. People ask questions like, “How do I use a histogram?” and within a six hours there are seven responses from people who know how to answer the question, for that specific camera. Questions on general photography tips are also welcome. How to photograph a new born? How to make good portrait shots with a wide angle lens? Both the users and admin make this possible. For this group, there have been little instances of users violating any rules so the discussions are always clean and professional. The pool is where members can upload a maximum of five pictures a day. There are 53,113 photos and videos in the pool and growing with thousands of comments from group members. People are always willing to share how they got the shot and how it was edited. People can discover new possibilities with their camera, such as infrared, night time, and time elapsed shots. Other sites that review the camera mostly list facts about the camera’s zoom, Mega Pixel, and aspect ratios. This group can help you when, inevitable, you still have questions, or have a problem that isn’t common. There is even a discussion for what to do if the camera is dropped and something on it does not work, and success/fail stories of people trying to fix it. The users are what make this page such a useful tool for everyone with this camera.
The idea of this web page is simple and it works. It brings everyone with the same camera and same questions into the same room. Priceless information is freely shared and exchanged by people who just want to be helpful. It is so easy anyone can use it. The structure, admin, and users of this site are all impressive.

Rating = 5/5 An absolutely wonderful, useful tool.

flicker. 2009. 15 Oct 2009 .

Browning Pump Special

Review by Pearl Holmstadt

Introduction
The Browning Pump Special (BPS) is a pump action shotgun that is popular for hunting upland game birds, such as turkey and ruffled grouse, big game, such as whitetail deer, and water fowl, such as duck and the Canadian goose. The BPS is also a favorite firearm for target and trap shooters.


Understanding Shotguns Basics

Gauge
Though many hunters prefer rifles to hunt their quarry, shotguns are also effective, and in some cases, the only legal firearm to use. Shot guns come in several different gauges. A gauge (Ga.) is the measurement related to the diameter of the smooth shotgun bore and the size of the shot-shell designed for that bore. The bore is the inside of the firearm barrel through which the projectile travels. The lower the gauge is, the larger the gun and the projectile it fires will be.

Action
The action is the heart of all firearms. Its purpose: to load, fire and eject the shells or cartridges. Shotguns are made with five different actions: a pump, a bolt, a break, semi automatic and lever. Once the shells are in the magazine, sliding the forestock towards the muzzle closes the action and readies the next shell for loading into the chamber. Once the trigger is pulled, the pumping of the forestock is repeated.

The BPS is a pump action with rigid dual-machine action steel bars. All mechanisms are made of solid steel. They are placed inside a receiver machined from a solid block of forged steel. The inflexible double slide bars are made from heat-treated steel and eliminate twisting and binding for quick and smooth operation. The result is easy shooting so that an individual can stay on target continue to shoot repeatedly in a rapid and efficient manner. A handy saw-like slide release is located at the rear of the trigger guard.


Ammunition
As with all pump action shotguns, the BPS uses a slug or shot (shotshell) as a projectile. The slug is lead used for big game. Shot are multiple pellets and is adaptable to the game being hunted. Shot are used mainly for hunting small game animals and game birds. As the size of the pellet decreases, more shot can be placed into a shotshell.

The length of the shell depends on the gauge of the gun. It should be matched exactly to the correct firearm. The size of the shell needed is always marked on the side of the firearm barrel. Placing the wrong ammunition in the wrong gun can lead to serious damage for both the firearm and the shooter. Shell casings are color coated so there should be absolutely no mistake.

 
BPS Performance
The BPS has a forged steel receiver and top safety slide, which makes it easier for the left-handed shooter to turn the safety off and on. Often safety mechanisms are located below the trigger guard. With a top safety slide a person can easily slide the safety even when wearing gloves. The following photos are of the BPS and the 870 Remington 20Ga.

What makes the BPS so unique is its bottom ejection throws shells down rather than to the side in the line of the shooters sight, which is great for the shooter who is either left-eye or right-eye dominate.

The BPS is a five shot pump action firearm, but a 3-shot magazine adaptor plug is included in the purchase. This is an important feature for the duck hunter, as the law requires only 3 shells in the gun at a time. The BPS also comes with the main chokes needed for the various quarry hunted. For instance a full choke is used for hunting a squirrel, and an extra-full choke for a turkey or a modified choke for a goose. If a hunter so desires, he or she may purchase different barrels rather than chokes, but barrels are costly. This is called the Invector-Plus choke system. It offers just the right shot pattern for any given shooting situation. Its durability stops the gasses that can get between the barrel and choke-tube.

Costs
The costs of Browning Pump Shotguns vary by gauge and model. For the 20 Ga., 8 inch barrel, the price is $579. This gun is comparable to a Mossberg, modal #54282, 20 Ga. which cost $401. It is also comparable to a Remington 870™ Express® Synthetic Compact Combo with Extra Deer Barrel 20 Ga. which is priced at $559. The Browning is higher in price due to the special features. Gun salesman Gary Schwoch of Menomonie, Wisconsin says, “Many other firearm companies have tried to corner the market on a fast and smooth pump-action firearm like Browning. To my knowledge there are no other pump-action shotguns on the market that are so versatile for shooters. Its bottom ejection feature is what really jacks up the price. Plus it’s made from the finest wood stock, reinforced steel and other tough materials.” Schwoch also said that many other imported guns are made with plastic within the firearm and also without high-quality wood.

Browning Dealers in this Area

• Gander Mountain, Eau Claire , WI·
• Clear Lake True, Clear Lake, WI
  
• Stockman Farm Supply, Wilson, WI
• Gregerson Hardwar, Baldwin, WI
• Gary Schwoch, Menomonie WI

Personal Preferences
I own both the BPS 12 Ga. and a 20 Ga., a 870 Remington 20 Ga., and a Mossberg 20 Ga. youth model. Though all work much the same, I prefer the BPS 20 Ga. to the others. The recoil when fired is tolerable, but the fact that it ejects from the bottom and the slide safety is on the top, makes a big difference, because I am left handed and left-eye dominate. It is lighter to handle than the 12 Ga., and I have found to be an accurate shot. However, when I do not slide the pump far enough, the shells sometimes get jammed. That’s why I give it a four-star rating.

Links

www.hunter-ed.com/or/course/ch2_shotgun_gauge...

www.hunter-ed.com/.../3-4_shotgun_actions.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2103896_pick-shotgun-ammo.html

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=31

http://www.remington.com/

http://www.browning.com/

Works Cited

Browning. Browning.com. 2009. 15 October 2009 .
Company, Remington Arms. Remington. 2009. 15 October 2009 .
Google Images. 2009. 16 October 2009 .
Mossberg & Sons, In. Mossberg. 2009. 15 October 2009 .
Schwoch, Gary. Private Gun Dealer Pearl Holmstadt. 14 October 2009.

StumbleUpon.com | The Web 2.0 site that has everyone talking

As the internet continues to surge forward, expanding exponentially and adding hundreds of new websites each day, it is becoming tough to filter out unnecessary or unwanted websites and information. It is also becoming more and more difficult to discover new and interesting sites, as users are restricting themselves to a few select websites that they know and use often. Enter: StumbleUpon.

StumbleUpon: What is it?

StumbleUpon is a downloadable toolbar application for three major browsers including Firefox, Internet Explorer and Flock. However, SU wears many hats. It functions as a social networking site, random website surfer, social bookmarker and site reviewer; all rolled into one powerful, 170Kb application. All of this has culminated to make StumbleUpon truly one of the most fascinating Web 2.0 sites to date.

Founded in 2001, SU has come quite a long way. By 2006, it had over 1 million users, and now boasts over 8 million registered members and grows more each day.


How does it work?

The first step users take to start enjoying the benefits of StumbleUpon is to sign-up and register with the site. At this time, users also create a personal profile and select areas of interest such as writing, music, movies, animals, video games, art, etc. These categories help determine which sites StumbeUpon will bring you to. Once the profile is complete and the toolbar is installed, the user can then click the “Stumble!” button on the toolbar and be whisked off to a random site that relates to their chosen interests.


Collaborative filtering: What the heck is that?

You might hear the words “collaborative filtering” often used in association with StumbleUpon. This phrase describes the meat and potatoes of SU. It refers to an automated process that combines human opinions with machine learning of personal preference to create virtual communities of like-minded Web surfers. Learn more about collaborative filtering here.

With the StumbleUpon toolbar, users can rate websites by clicking the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” buttons on the toolbar while the page is open. They also have the option to write a review of the website, which shows up on the user’s home blog.

SU’s collaborative filtering system can be compared to the Amazon.com item-based collaborative filter system. Whenever you purchase or rate something on Amazon.com, you usually end up getting an email or notification stating, “You liked x, we recommend y!” StumbleUpon takes this concept to the next level by “discovering” websites that fit your interests based on what the users themselves like and what other users with similar interests like.


Why is StumbleUpon better than Digg?


Digg.com is another similar site that also utilizes the concept of collaborative filtering. Unlike StumbleUpon, however, Digg operates primarily from the homepage of the site, where users can view a list of recently “dug” sites. They then have to physically click on a link that brings them to the selected site. With StumbleUpon, one simple click of the mouse on the Stumble button whenever you have a browser window open will take you directly to a random website catered to your perceived interests. I find that this is way more interesting and creative than sorting through links of popular websites. The Stumble button adds an addictive quality that s unmatched by Digg.


The Final Word:

StumbleUpon is not only an entertaining and fun application; it is also a useful tool. In fact, StumbleUpon just recently earned me 10 extra credit points in a class. We were given the opportunity to earn points by submitting a website, book, article, etc. that presented design principles in an interesting, compelling way. StumbleUpon brought me to this site, which I submitted to the professor and successfully earned 10 extra credit points. Wonderful!

StumbleUpon, without a doubt, effectively changed the way I use the internet. Before StumbleUpon came along, I used the internet for homework and Facebook, not much else. Nowadays, I can log onto the internet and be endlessly entertained by random website surfing. I honestly don’t know what I would do on the internet without StumbleUpon, it has brought me to discover new and exciting things day after day. The final word? StumbleUpon rocks, and if you haven’t already, you should download it as soon as possible.


Overall rating: 5/5


For more information, see also:

• “A Way to Find Your Corner of the Internet Sky” – New York Times article with interviews from the creators of StumbleUpon

• StumbleUpon vs. Digg – A review with stats and graphs from the point-of-view of a website owner

• StumbleUpon about page






MLA Source:

Helft, Miguel. “A Way to Find Your Corner of the Internet Sky.” The New York Times 7 Oct. 2007. 9 Oct. 2009 .

Little Big Planet Review

Game Review of Little Big Planet
Written by Kristi Scholfield for Hypertext Writing

Overview: Little Big Planet aka LBP was a highly anticipated PlayStation 3 gaming title from Media Molecule, It allows players to create their own levels using the game's robust, complex and infinite toolbox, which is easy to master with the PS3 controller. Players control doll templates also known as sackboys, the only difference in gender being what the player decides to dress them in.
The player newly created sackboy (or girl) are able to run, jump, grab and manipulate objects in the game world, which players can modify and customize to an extreme degree either on their own or through co-operative game play.
Levels can be built like classic platforming basics with specific goals mind, huge environments to explore, and pretty much anything the players can dream up that will work on a 2D sidescroller. To visualize the 2D sidescroller concept, imagine the old school Mario games on the Super Nintendo, it is very similar in the range of movement your character can do. It is a unique title solely made for the PS3 and nothing thus far has been made to rival LBP on the XBOX and Wii gaming systems.

Gameplay
The gameplay of Little Big Planet can be either single or multiplayer up to 4 players and can be expanded to multiplayer online. It is rated E for everyone meaning it playable by the masses according to the ESRB rating scale. Players can range from 7 to players in there 30’s. The game is considered a RPG or role-playing game where you play a specific character using them to complete levels and accomplish goals depending on the developers who made the game. LBP is a very customizable game and has a feeling of unlimited control of your environment.
You first start off creating your character, known as a sackboy. This initial sackboy is fully customizable (it can be either male or female) with unique costumes. However some of the changes you can make to your character are unlockable, meaning you have to play the game all the way through to collect certain accessories. Even more features are unlockable if you play the game online using an internet connection. The goal of the game is to solve different puzzles ranging in difficulty for beginning gamers to harder levels for more advanced gaming enthusiasts.
The story mode has eight themed areas, with each area containing three or four main levels, and some of these levels in turn contain collectable keys to unlock bonus mini-levels. The main story mode comprises more than 50 pre-built levels in total.


Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo

Little Big Planet Game Shot




Graphics and Appearance
The look of Little Big Planet is amazing to say the least. Little Big Planet offers it players a wonderland of textures and materials that are visually appetizing. Not only are they fun top looks at, but you’re able to interact with them as well. If you hold a piece of cardboard and want to build with it, for example, your sackboy will have the same interaction with it as you would (cardboard is light, smooth, and fairly sturdy). The life-like feel of the materials you use is mindboggling.
Not only can you customize your environment, you can design your character with a variety of clothes and “skins” (color and texture). Some of the most iconic Playstation 3 sackboys that player enjoy using are: Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII and Krato from the God of War collection.


Presentation
At it basic core, it is a simple 2D side-scroller, but with all of its added features it makes a title like this really stand out from its competitors. At first glance it envelops you with its charming characters and beautiful visuals. When you first start the game, you know your dealing with something that the developers really put their heart into.
You start off playing in the pod, which is your main hub to three different areas: Play, create and share. Play is were you will the main game of little big planet. Create is where you can make your own levels and customize your main character and in the share area is where you can share hints, tips, tricks, levels and creations with other online users through the PS3 network.
Many downloads, including minigames and other game extras, are also available on the PS3 network to add to your Little Big Planet experience. Click here for list of available downloads on the PS3 network.



Sound
Sounds was a very well done characteristic of LBP. The soundtrack to the game in upbeat and energetic while the sound effects themselves are surprisingly realistic. Paper sounds like paper, metal sounds like metal, anything you walk, tough, hit sounds nearly identical to the material. To really understand how infectious the music is.

Controls
This is probably one of the most undeveloped features of LBP. The controls are very loose, making the handling of your sackboy very difficult. With the elements added to the environment (i.e. density, slickness, stickiness) having control is key. For example, lets say your sackboy is dealing with greasy surfaces. Your ability to control his sliding is everything for beating specific levels with such elements.
However, one of the most interesting feature involving the controls is emotions. Your sackboy has the ability to show the emotion of the user. You can show whether you’re angry, happy, excited, and sad with the tap of the triangle button.

The Pros
~Creative Unique Title
~Totally Customizable
~Endless Level and Possibilities
~ Up to 4 players, online as well as off

The Cons
~ Controls could be a little tighter
~Not a “jump in” game. Understanding of title is required.
~Presents in 720p resolution


Gameplay: 5/5
Graphics and Appearance: 4.5/5
Presentation: 4/5
Controls: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5


Game Information
Also Known As: Little Big Planet,
Exclusively on: PlayStation 3

Genre: Platformer
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Media Molecule
ESRB Rating: E for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Cost: Ranging from $59.82-64.00

Works Cited
Playstation.com: The Official Website for Everything Playstation. 2009. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Super Mario Screenshot complements of Google Image Search: < au.wii.ign.com>

Ebay Review

By: Jenny Xiong
15 October 2009

Ebay Review

Introduction
EBay is a website that consumers bid for what they want. In order to sell or buy products on eBay, the individual must be a member. There are no fees in being a member. The purpose for this website is for those who want to sell anything, even items that might not be profitable to the pawnshop. The audience for a website like this are those whom want to buy things for a cheaper price, or those whom want to sell their items. EBay uses a safer way to pay for their products through PayPal. Paypal is its own website that EBay uses for payment options, not only EBay uses PayPal, there are several other websites that use this method of payment. From PayPal it states that the customer’s financial security is their highest priority and that it is protected from any unauthorized payment made from the account. EBay is a very effective website because there are many members that sell and buy products on there; not only individuals but company and name brand products are sold on eBay. Whether the products are brand new or used, members can sell them.

Another option that consumers may use for online shopping is Ubid. Unfortunately this website is not open for anyone to sell. This website only sells name brand products, its main products are electronics. The audience targeted is those that are looking for cheap name brand products. The method of payment used on Ubid is credit cards. Ubid lets the customer bid on what they want, only if they are a member. This website is effective because there are many consumers who are looking for nice things for a cheaper price, things on Ubid are brand new and all name brand items.

History
EBay has been around since 1995. On Happy News, it was stated that Pierre Omidyar was the starter of eBay. The starting name was Echo Bay Technology, but after trying to register the website, they found that the name had already been used, so it was cut short to eBay.

Ubid was founded two years after eBay and its head quarters are located in Chicago, Illinois, stated Answers. It is currently one of the largest auction websites.

Design
The design element of eBay is appealing to the audience. When one goes onto eBay there are many categories to choose from. The pictures of the products are posted up by the seller, and as many as they would like for an additional cost, however. EBay is a website that is easy to navigate; there is the search engine for specifics or one can choose from many categories including: automobiles, books, and clothing. EBay also has a watch list where members can save items that they’re interested in. Near the ending of any auction on the watch list, eBay will e-mail the user, who then can access it by clicking on the link. When one is searching for an item, there is a drop down box that can relist the items by certain categories: by price, ending soon, or nearest.



Ubid has about the same navigational features. When going onto Ubid, the front page shows pictures of products and their ending time that catches the consumer’s attention. When selecting a product, it is possible to choose whether it is nearest, cheaper, or ending sooner. Ubid has a nice feature to their website which is ucompare. Ucompare is where members can compare other prices online. In the picture, it shows an item that the customer was searching for, after finding the item and selecting it, it comes to this page where the customer has the option of comparing it to other prices. This is a great feature to have on an online shopping site. Throughout the website, there several advertisements directed towards the companies that Ubid works with, this is a great way to shop. The color scheme is attractive by using consistent colors, such as blue.




EBay vs. Ubid
In comparison to Ubid, eBay is used more and popular. Ubid is a website that sells brand name products, unlike eBay where anything and everything is attainable. Going onto Ubid, it shows that it has similar features like eBay. Ubid doesn’t have a watch list like eBay does, this feature should be put on a bidding website so that the consumer can go back and look at the items instead of having to search for it again. Wikipedia stated that Ubid's sale price fees are higher then eBay's, but it eliminates any additional payment processors. As stated on the website online-auction-sites, Ubid is a more justifiable website to buy products from because it’s reliable and legitimate, on the other hand eBay items can be listed by anyone so therefore the customer buying the product is not guaranteed that they are going to get what they expected.

Works Cited
Mullen, Amy. The History of EBay. 2009. http://www.happynews.com/living/online/history-ebay.htm. 4 October 2009.
n.p. About Paypal. 2009. https://www.paypal.com/. 3 October 2009
n.p. EBay. n.d. http://www.answers.com/topic/ebay. 4 October 2009
n.p. Ubid. 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UBid. 3 October 2009
n.p. Ubid. n.d. http://online-auction-sites.toptenreviews.com/ubid-com-review.html. 4 October 2009