Joining the History Web...

     The time has long since passed when computers used to take up whole rooms, and were only able to run mathematical computations and the like.  While few people have a whole garage that they can devote to storing a computer, everyone has the room on their desk, and even their lap, for a personal computer.  Even more so in the past few years, internet technology and access to it have changed so much that anyone with time and drive can host a web site.  Historians are no exception.  Yet while the technology is available to everyone, this doesn't necessarily mean that everyone should run a website.

     The truth of the matter is that there are steps which need in order to put a web-site together, and those who would run in haphazardly without taking time to consider them will end up being underwhelmed with the end product.  Time must be spent contemplating what kind of content you want to post.  Whether it be images, videos, text, or audio, there are decisions which must be made concerning things like quality and storage.  This being said, a well thought out approach will yield a web site which both impresses and informs.

     Two examples of well thought out websites with history-oriented content are the Center for History and New Media and the Virginia Center for Digital History.  Although both sites are well executed and provide access to reams of content, there are differences between the two.  For lack of a better word, the CHNM site just comes across as being, well, "sleeker".  While the text-heavy content of the VCDN website is a little daunting, the combination of images and links found on the CHNM site is far easier for the viewer to engage with.  While appearance isn't everything, when dealing with the reams of information that the internet presents, it helps make the viewing process far easier and more enjoyable.   

    Once one gets past the initial gloss, both sites show themselves to be great resources for historical information.  Both sites offer numerous links to a number of different kinds of resources.  Both offer resources for K-12 teachers looking to improve their classroom material.  Both sites also offer links to digital collections and exhibits online.  Of course, there are differences in content as well.  For example, the Research + Tools tab on the CHNM homepage offers access the popular Zotero extension for Firefox, links to ongoing digital research projects, and even books made available online in their entirety. 

     If you are thinking of putting together a history website, looking at the competition is a good place to start.  Visit both of the websites, and make sure to take time to explore their links and content.  Both sites are of good quality and present numerous examples of what (and likely some of what not) to do.