Week 3b

http://homestarrunner.com/

1) The site was powered by Adobe Flash up until recently, and still uses the same layout and functions it did while it still ran under Flash. This gives the site a relatively unique and simple layout while still providing a lot of detail (such as the rollover actions on the nav bar on the main page). Scrolling isn't utilized on this site since everything is contained in a neat little box, and it gives it an easy-to-use impression.
2) Like I said before, HomestarRunner has a relatively simple layout. It's also nice how they make a point of putting links to all of the updates in a rotating button on the top right corner of the main page. It's easy to learn if they've posted new content, while keeping it fun, creative, and simple.
3) Honestly, the design and usability aren't what keeps bringing me back. It's the hilarious cartoons on the site, even if they haven't updated in years. Almost everything on the site is identical to how it was at the site's peak of popularity in 2006.
4) It would be nice if they included a search engine to more efficiently find your way around. With so many cartoons and pages, it can get daunting to try to find a specific cartoon if you don't know the title of it. Even if you do know the title, you still have to figure out witch category that cartoon will be listed in, and that can be hard to find as well.

http://www.cracked.com/
1) The most effective part of this site is the way they make it easy to navigate the hundreds of articles on the site. They utilize a search engine, and categorize their content by type and subject. It would be nice if HomestarRunner had a system like this.
2) Cracked has kind of a laid-back feel, while it retains its comedic and snarky side. The color scheme is very nice and easy on the eyes, and they post the new content in a large feature box on the main page.
3) Much like Homestarrunner, I don't visit Cracked for their usability. In fact, I mainly use their app and mobile site to read their articles, and even then, I experience a few problems. My main reason for coming back is the comedy present in their articles, videos, and slideshows. Often, I learn very interesting historical and scientific facts from this site. That's enough to keep me coming back.
4) Cracked is often criticized for having too many ads cluttering their site. This is especially true on the mobile site, where it often becomes so bad that it becomes impossible to navigate, and the site will slow to a crawl.