GENRE ANALYSIS OF HOPE NETWORK
Helping People in Need
Welcome! This analysis is designed to give you a behind the scenes look at Hope Network, an organization set up to help individuals with disabilities, mental illness or other disadvantages. Their mission is to "enhance the dignity and independence of persons who have a disability and/or are disadvantaged." They believe that everyone is made in the image of God and should be treated as such. Therefore, their goal is to help others reach their optimal potential as human beings. Click here to connect directly to their site.
Hope Network's organization have written and developed this particular website in order to give individuals an opportunity to explore their organization and gain an understanding of their purpose. The members of the production team for this site are not made visible to the public or the visitors of the site. The behind the scenes work is credited to all staff members involved in creating and maintaining the site. The overall look of the website is professional yet personable. It's purpose is to draw in people from all ranges of the social spectrum, not just those involved in the professional medical field. They want to make known their mission to help others in need, including the disabled and disadvantaged. When first entering the site viewers will see a menu, one of which lets the viewer know About Hope Network. They provide a mission statement within this section representing their goals for the success of their organization as well as the services they provide. This drop menu also provides links to their affiliates, information about their history, as well as a list of people on the Hope Network Board. Within minutes of entering the site it is easy to see why their organization is growing and thriving. Based on the overall view of the website I think people will feel that they can rely on Hope Network to provide for any needs they have. They show a genuine concern and a need to help others, which I feel puts the user at ease and makes them willing to give the organization a try. |
The audience of this site includes professionals in the medical care field, current and future clients/patients, businesses and corporations, church organizations and communities, sponsors and affiliates, and other interested parties. Their home page includes separate links for Services for Individuals, Services for Business and Industry, and Services for Churches and Communities. The network's site wishes for users to explore their particular area of interest by clicking the appropriate link. For example, if the user is seeking individual services they will click the Services for Individuals link, which will take them to a page providing a location near them and any other necessary information they need. Also, if you are interested in donating money to help the organization there is a link for that as well. |
I feel that the site is very navigational for all ranges of users. The format of the site as well as the organization make it an easy site to explore. The site is set up in such a way as to fit each user's specific goals. For example, if you are a church or community outreach program you can click on the link Services for Churches and Communities and be directed to a page specifically to fit your goals and needs. This particular link for Churches and Communities has a mission statement all its own and provides information on outreach opportunities and other ministry programs available to the public. Just like other aspects of Hope Network, this part of the site speaks of caring concern for others and a heartfelt need to help those in need.
|
I feel that the site's level of formality is neither too high or too low. It has a professional appeal for those in the mental health services or any other outreach/support services. It provides the necessary information health professionals may need to do their job effectively. They can access this site for information on how to get involved with the organization and they provide ways to help others, including offering a range of employment opportunities and volunteer projects. On the other hand, it is personable and appealing to the average user. The language used throughout the site is not too scientific or methodologically based, like some mental health sites can be. You would not need to have your Ph.D in health sciences or psychology to understand the language they use. Instead, it is aimed at reaching individuals on a comfortable level of formality- one that is suitable for any reader viewing the site.
|
As I mentioned earlier, the site is professionally done, but also gives the user a sense of comfort and familiarity. The site is easily navigational given the easy to use links and drop tabs at the top of the home page. All links are clearly labeled and bolded when appropriate to avoid confusion for the reader. The pictures used in the site help maintain the personal appeal of the page. They show real people helping others. I feel that the images give the viewer a down to earth mentality in which they feel at ease and at home. The people of Hope Network are here to help and service all ranges of individuals and I feel their website greatly reflects that humanitarian style.
|
After viewing a range of other sites in this genre, I have discovered that most, if not all, of them have the same look and feel as that of Hope Network's site. They are all easily navigational, fit the needs of users, and encourage furthur exploration about their organization. Take a look at some other sites in this genre, including Hope Network's affiliates: Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
|
I am currently earning my B.S degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. This is the type of site I will likely be involved with in my future. My goal is to help others and Hope Network is exactly the kind of organization that I would be interested in getting involved in. Since I am also minoring in Creative Writing I hope to use my professional and creative writing skills to contribute to the success of such an organization. Perhaps I will work directly with a website in this genre, maintaining it to fit the needs of the organization. I feel that my skills in these areas will greatly contribute to my success in a professional atmosphere. Hope Network's website has made me realize the importance of successful communication. A mission statement alone can contribute greatly to how the user views the site. The goal is for the viewer to want to learn more about the organization and hopefully take advantage of the services they have to offer. This is essential in any type of health organization, where the focus should be on the patient and getting him/her the help they need to thrive. I hope to impliment this same attitude of professional care and concern in my future endeavors in the mental health community. |
See my parody page of Hope Network