Have you heard about this website called, "News 21- Powering a Nation" done by UNC Chapel Hill?
I think it's pretty cool. It gives all these interesting stories about what it takes to power a nation. From topics discussing how water, oil, and nuclear power can be used to either hurt or help the environment to how wind, coal, and self-motivated people can change the nation and the world, it seems like this site has it all.
Of course, this site is more than several stories about the environment, "going green," or changing the world. Much time and energy was put into charts, maps, statistics, interactive games, and a host of other things. It's all really amazing.
Along these lines, I've been reading a book called, "Click Unexpected Insights for Business and Life" by Bill Tancer. This book basically talks about unexpected internet trends that statistics reveals. It also reveals some key factors that help make an internet site successful.
According to Tancer, a site that will more than likely succeed allows for people to not just view content but get involved, meaning you can give your opinion, contribute to the site, etc. An effective site also allows people to easily link themselves to other relevant information and of course, share what they found with others. This way, you not only share your thoughts with others, you are able to find out what "everyone else" thought as well.
Topics also need to be interesting, update, and on the mind of it listeners, viewers, and sharers.
Interestingly, it seems that it is almost imperative to have something focuses on a specific group, and more specifically, youths. As Tancer said, "high school and college students-Innovators in the world of online."
Hence, because "Powering the Nation" has all these aspects and more, people of all ages will no doubt be drawn to this site.
It's exciting, interactive, fresh, informative, and just plain cool.
Check it out at: http://unc.news21.com/index.php/stories.html
