Week 6 Report

Features I liked and why: From the blogs features revolving Web posts by the editors and other contributors. Most of the time, content is from whatever meme or trending topic is hitting the inter webs today. Notable posts include an analysis of the product placement within Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce's music video "Telephone," which I commented on, as well as George Lois' new book inspired by the collection of his covers currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The feature is what really updates the Web site and keeps people coming back. Even so, it's not something I would RSS and follow all outside of this project, mostly because I'm not interested in receiving Interview-style celebrity updates all of the time. Furthermore, the blogs differ in editorial tone from the magazine, which is acceptable given Interview's celebrity-on-celebrity formula.

What's not working with the site: Same as last time. However, the Web site is featuring more colorful photography on its revolving slideshow of posts, which helps to balance the stark black and white design of the site.

What's not there that I'd like to see: I'd like to see the commenting area increased a bit, since the size of comments is limited to so many characters, which isn't specified before you submit a comment, potentially cutting off some of your response.

How the competitors' sites compare: Overall, the same. New content is propagated but still appears in the same package. Not much to update here.

Week 5 Report

Features I liked and why: The bottom of the Web site, before the contact, advertising and general up-keep, features an alphabetized reel of Interview's articles. Called Browse, the feature lets users select a letter and then displays some related articles. If no letter is selected, the system automatically chooses one and revolves a few suggested-reading clips.

I thought it was interesting in that the articles are alphabetized, which isn't a method you see other magazine Web sites employ when people browse their repository of articles. I thought it was not only convenient, but also allowed for greater discovery of articles that may otherwise be overlooked.

What's not working with the site: Really, the same problems as last time. The color scheme of the site doesn't bother me anymore, really, because the starkness of the layout is accented by the color photography and in-house advertisements.

What's not there that I'd like to see: I'd like there to be a way to order old issues of the magazine. Right now you have to contact syndication, which can be quite the process. A basic store setup would be wonderful.

How the competitors' sites compare: Mostly the same as last week. W magazine has some different merchandise you may receive with a paid subscription and offers a "buy W and Vogue for $1/issue." I actually got a direct-mailing from W the other day, which was surprising. Maybe if the bag wasn't red and a clutch I would have subscribed. :P

Week 4 Report

Features I liked and why: I enjoyed playing with the registration system on Interview's Web site this week. Users create rudimentary profiles which act as keys to a few features otherwise overlooked. For example, after registering, users can archive articles, and other content, they like by putting it in their "library." This collection can then be retrieved from a CSS application at the top of the page no matter where they are on the site. It's handy in keeping track of your favorite writers and personalities. You can also share the content on social media sites.

What's not working with the site: Again, the content organization. Not much to update this week.

What's not there that I'd like to see: When a user registers for t

he site he or she can select to receive email newsletters. I've yet to receive a newsletter. I think if Interview is going to advertise this feature it should deliver, or at least elucidate its lack of email service.

How the competitors' sites compare: The competition has remained the same. V especially is pushing the purchase of its magazine, which you can no longer do in

single-issue print format (it must have been a popular cover -- Dakota Fanning, Gabourey Sidibe). Overall, the sites lack a reason to keep visiting. As a print consumer, I'm content with viewing these specific magazines from my airplane seat, 32,000 miles up.