The Answer
What was that question again? "THE WEST" Supports Many Kinds of Learners			Audience-related characteristics of the PBS web site "New Perspectives on THE WEST": the site was developed for different groups, not just one group with the same needs the groups that could find the site useful include: the general public, students, teachers and historians. many users of the site are not professionals, and so need its points explained in an entertaining, nontechnical way because of the wide range of materials available for "hands on" use, the site provides history buffs with the satisfaction of working side-by-side with professional historians. the site is intended for the long-term user who will invest a significant body of time in exploring it, not just the casual browser. It could be used throughout an extended period in a formal classroom situation.
Messages to Voters			the site shows both viewers and nonviewers of PBS the depth of the network's dedication to fine programming, and the widespread usefulness of its materials. In its introduction to the site, the network echoes the patriotism of General Motors. However, PBS' unspoken message is different, representing the importance of maintaining an "public broadcasting service" against charges that it is "unAmerican" because it does not compete with the other networks according to the principles of free enterprise. Instead, the network emphasizes the importance of its own perspective. Unlike the other networks which are more bound by commercial concerns, PBS allows Americans to see "beyond the stereotypes" of their history. Thus the web site also speaks to potential voters, and to government policymakers.
Appeals to Consumers			the site is intended to build "good will" for General Motors, demonstrating the company's dedication to the American heritage, and thus placing unspoken emphasis on the importance of developing the United States' strengths in the world automobile market. The company's message in the web site contains no hint of "Buy American," but nonetheless reinforces the pride associated with the popular slogan. In this respect, the site speaks to politicians and policymakers, as well as to GM customers and potential customers. the site represents the PBS marketing arm, offering consumers a variety of products associated with the TV show while emphasizing traditional American values, the site is intended for the technologically advanced, and those who advocate new technologies in education. It capitalizes on interest in the new technology of the WWW, and seeks to harness that enthusiasm to show the value of the web for a seamless combination of education and entertainment.
Spoken and Unspoken Messages on the Web			While the site contains a variety of spoken and unspoken messages, there is nothing deceitful or sinister about them. You probably noticed the unspoken messages listed above even before they were pointed out to you. If you think about it though, some groups may have "hidden" adgendas and present materials that lead you to incorrect or inaccurate perspectives. This is not meant to discourage you from using the WWW; being a careful and thoughtful reader is important no matter the medium. The fact that information is easily accessible by our computers should not cause us to suspend our usual critical judgment. The description given above is a reasonable (though far from complete) account of the audience of "New Perspectives on THE WEST." It shows that web sites can be used by many different groups at the same time, and they can serve their creators and their audiences in many ways. However, not every web site is developed for such a varied and complex audience. Many web sites have only one main audience, or are developed without any thought of who will use them, and how. Being able to classify a site's audience can help you to understand the web site and decide if its information is useful to you and your work.
Kinds of Web Site Audiences			Here is a list of some of the kinds of audiences for web sites: Sometimes the creator of a website doesn't think about audience, and just designs the site for someone like him or herself. In this case, the site may be an act of self-expression. Such a site can be useful if the creator's goals and interests match those of the person browsing the WWW. Some sites are intended to provide information or educational materials. These may be aimed at an audience of a specific age, education, or background and experience. Many locations on the WWW are "working sites" designed to help a specific group of people perform a task. Such a site may contain specific information familiar to members of that group. A WWW site may have a commercial or political purpose, to convince its audience to buy a product, or to adopt an opinion or point of view. If this is the case, you may want to see if there is "another side" to the issue.
Hands-on
			Can you think of examples of each kind of site? The next page describes some examples of sites with different audiences.
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