Practical 8

Activity 2 – Individual & Group
Visit this website http://www.talkingcock.com/
Using the criteria for evaluating websites, comment and justify whether you think this website is sustainable.

Purpose
The purpose of talkingcock.com is to preserve and advance the authentic voice of Singaporeans and ultimately, building a community of Singaporeans with a sense of humour and who enjoy life in all its complexity.

Coverage
The website covers quite a huge range of topics, mostly the latest news and happenings in Singapore. There are also many specific columns talking about many different topics.
List of Topics:
News:
- Local News - International News - Politics - Business - Sports - The Arts - News in Brief
Columns:
- Alien Talent - Another Day In Paradise - Diary of the Dragon Prince - Art with Fatt - Dear Ah Beng - Travel with Auntie - Lim Peh Ka Li Kong - Louie Chin Ooh Lui - Poet's Corner - We, The Citizens - Interview

Authority
The website is not an authoritative source as it is mostly just articles that poke fun at local events and happenings written by a bunch of Singaporeans. The articles do not have any source of information and as the writers are anonymous, thus they have low credibility and authority.

Accuracy
The facts are not very accurate as it is mostly made up of personal opinions. Furthermore, as it is a website made to poke fun at local events and happenings, the writings contain a lot of Singlish and local dialects.

Currency
The information provided on the website is up-to-date and well-maintained. The website is updated regularly with new articles talking about the latest events and happenings.

Accessibility
The website is easily accessible, no log-ins or registration required and all the information accessible are free. However, the forums would require one to register before posting.

Presentation and Arrangement
Although the layout of the website might look a little old-fashion, the information are all well presented with clear formatting and presented/arranged logically. It is also consistent in its presentation and layout. There is a search engine within the site and the topics are all listed by their categories at the left hand side of the website, allowing one to look for relevant information easily.

Usability
The website has a simple layout with clear headings which makes it user-friendly and allows for easy navigation.

Overall
Overall, I think that although the website might not be highly reliable, it is sustainable. The humorous style of writing and the way it voices out the general population's concerns and thoughts makes it popular among the people. Besides, the website is also well-maintained and up-to-date.

3. How would you react to this website if you were :
Singapore’s Prime Minister
A Singaporean
A Foreigner working / studying in Singapore

If I am the Singapore's Prime Minister, I would take the website lightly instead of offensively as it is merely a satirical humour website that is not defamatory in any way. The articles are also all clearly stated to be purely fictitous and humourous. However, I would also look at this website to see the general concerns and feelings of the public as the website is in a way, voicing out for the general public regarding current events and happenings.

If I am a Singaporean(which I am), I would laugh at the contents of the website, as it is closely related to me and what is happening around me.

If I am a foreigner/student working in Singapore, I would feel that many Singaporeans are unsatisfied living in Singapore. I would also think that the government in Singapore is incompetent with so many complains about it. However, I would find Singaporeans to be humorous and have a sense of humour as they are able to poke fun at themselves and their society.


Reflection:

This practical has help to reinforce my understanding of evaluating websites as the practical is similar to Practical 6a&b.

The games have also help to reinforce my understanding of evaluating websites.

Question 3 of the practical has helped me learn to look at a controversial website from different viewpoints and how different groups of people would react to it. This would definitely help me when I create my own website. When creating a website, it is not only for my own viewing, therefore, I need to learn to put myself in the shoes of the different types of readers and consider how other people would react to it and ensure that I would not offend anybody and be more sensitive with the content.