TO: Dr Sun, WWWW
Instructor
FR: Alexandria Haranczak
DT: 02/14/05
RE: Genre Analysis Project:
Astrology Sites
This document contains a complete analysis of Astrology
Zone’s website, astrologyzone.com. The parts to be analyzed are who the
writers and developers of the site are, and who their main focus is in making
it. Also, the technicalities will be observed, such as the format and style
they used, as well as the graphics.
• The website doesn’t specifically say who the designers are, but it does say all the writing comes from one person. Susan Miller, the astrologer, has a brief history and description of her under the “contacts” heading, and informs the readers that she is responsible for all the stories and information on the site.
• She is represented by many images on the site, as well as contact information, a brief description, and links to how to purchase her books. Her name also appears in the title, “Astrology Zone by Susan Miller.”
• The site right away focuses the reader in on what the purpose of the site is. First of all, the title makes it apparent that it contains insight into the world of astrology. Under the title are many links such as monthly horoscope, life and love, and discussion boards if you want to ask questions or discuss with other astrology adventurers. The site is very credible because they offer such a broad background on Susan Miller and her experience in the field of astrology, as well as other accomplishments such as a business degree from New York University. She has had many books published, and they have even been on the best sellers list at Barnes and Noble. Not only is her information credible, the design and look of the document is so organized, simple, and easy to access, it shows readers she knows what she’s doing.
• The likely users of sites like Astrologyzone.com are not specifically astrology fanatics, but anyone with an interest or curiosity in the supernatural. People who don’t necessarily pattern their lives according to the stars still show interest in the metaphysical, if not for just enjoyment purposes. There are links for people who are well read when it comes to astrology, such as direct links to horoscopes and sun sign forecasts. There are also links to places that explain what the signs mean and what the phases of the moon represents, for those who may not know.
• Astrology sites are used primarily for searching purposes. People may referred to them when writing reports or studying metaphysics, but it is mostly designed for basic information purposes.
• Features of the site that are tailored for the serious and curious readers. There are discussion boards, for those who want to discuss or as questions, and definitions of terms for those who aren’t so well-versed. Direct information like horoscopes and future forecasts can also be accessed for those who know exactly what they’re looking for and doing.
• More conventional features of this site is the
contact information, the site map, and terms of use. There is an array of advertisements
and book reviews as well. Unique to this site are the links to horoscope information,
a little game to figure out your soul mate, and certain contacts and books that
deal specifically with the supernatural.
• The site, actually, doesn’t seem very logical. The organization
could be better, and the design could be less polluted. First of all, the main
page doesn’t even appear unless you figure out how to get past the “cover
page”. Links are randomly placed, and the background colors don’t
follow a specific pattern. The actual linked documents, however, provide clear
cut information.
• There are links of all kinds decorating this site. They are easy to
pick out, though they aren’t organized well. The headings are large and
well placed, and the advertisements line the borders which work well. There
is no sound, but there is a picture of the site director and books she wrote.
There is a lot of white space, so it’s not too dizzy. The heading has
a background, so it is easy to pick out. The site is designed for general web
users, so it is not too difficult to access or read. The site is, for the most
part, pretty simple.
The genre used in the astrology sites is completely different, as far as format and information, than other genres. For example, the genre used for “blogging” is much simpler in structure and information. Another major difference is how they are made, and who makes them. “Blogs” are made by individual writers for individual, personal reasons. People who look at other peoples “blogs”, do so for a sole entertainment and curiosity reasons. Most people are more interested in making “blogs” than actually reading others’.
Astrology sites are the exact opposite. They are made by “astrologers”, or those who have a lot of knowledge of the metaphysical. People don’t just create these sites, they access them. They want to keep updated on the world of astrology, they want to learn about it, or they just find entertainment in it.
The visuals in “blog” sites are limited to what individuals post. There are pictures of the writers of the “blogs”, their families, friends, and vacation spots. There may also be “cartoonish” pictures to decorate borders or headings. People create their own headings and backgrounds, as well as fonts. Each “blog” site is unique.
Astrology sites, however, have heading colors and pictures, as well as pictures of the books and advertisements posted. There is a more professional style to these sites, and the biggest difference would have to be the fact that they have advertisements. People or products that may sponsor the site or just things the site wants to promote line the sides of the pages. This shows a more professional appeal.
There are many different varieties of “blog” sites. It is basically chosen by the writer, and there are many, because “blogs” deal with a wider public input. Each individual designs their own site, whereas the astrology sites are designed by a specific person/group.
Other astrology sites have basically the same information available. Format and design may be a little different, depending on the creator, but there is always general information of supernatural phenomena, forecasts, and definitions.