SECTION 4: EVALUATING WEB SITES

INTENDED AUDIENCE

A Web site's INTENDED AUDIENCE is also important. The best Web sites are clearly focused on their purpose and target audience. The information that the site provides should then be appropriate to that audience or purpose or mission.

A Web site does not have to be for everyone: it is okay for a Web site to be geared to a particular audience. For example, some HIV/AIDS Web sites may focus on Women's issues. Other Web sites may be intended for other audiences or users.

When you find Web sites, look it over and decide if you can determine the following:

• Is the site's intended audience made clear?
• Is the point-of-view or agenda stated or made obvious?
• Is the purpose of the site clearly stated?

On the next few screens, we'll look at examples of Web sites that clearly tell users who the intended audience is.

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