A4.5: WWW-Evaluating Resources I

Site Name and URL:  Better Dog Food at http://www.betterdogfood.com

Accuracy:

1. Does the author cite sources used to develop the site?  No, the author does not cite sources used to develop the site.
2. Is it possible to verify the legitimacy of these sources?  I did not see any sources therefore I can not verify the sources.
3. Does the background of the author point to knowledge of the website covered?  The author of the website is the management team.  One of the authors designed and digitized Today’s Breeder Magazine and the other owns a dog.  I do think the authors have knowledge on what is covered.
4. If the site is research-based, does the author clearly identify the method of research and the data gathered?  This is not a research-based site.

 Authority:

1. Do you recognize the author’s name? No, I do not recognize either name.
2. If you don’t recognize the name what type of information is giver about the author?  Position?  Organization affiliation?  E-mail address?  Biographical information?  Rebecca Hargrave is the President and Chief Creative Officer of betterdogfood.com.  She developed Today’s Breeder Magazine and her e-mail is petchick@betterdogfood.com.  Carl Malmud is the Chairman/CEO/Founder of betterdogfood.com.  He is a frequent international speaker.
3. Was the site referenced in a document you trust?  The site was not given to me in a referenced document it is part of an assignment for a class.

 Objectivity:

1. Determine what is the aim of the author or organization publishing the site.  To sell animal products to people with pets. 
2. What is the purpose of the website?  It is an advertisement for several different pet products.
3. Do you trust the author or organization?  The website seems legitiment.  The products that are being sold are linked to other sites for purchase and those sites are well-known.

Currency:

1. Is a date clearly displayed?  Yes, the site has a date of 2000.
2. Can you determine what the date refers to?  Yes, it refers to the copyright date.
3. Are the resources used by the author current?  There were no resources.
4. Does the page command routine or continual updating or revision?  Yes.
5. Do the links on the page point to the correct Internet site addresses?  Some of the links do while others are no longer available.

Coverage:

1. Are the topics covered on this site explored in depth?  No, they are not.
2. Are the links on this site comprehensive or used as examples?  The links take you to products, so they are comprehensive of the product that is being sold.
3. On this site, are the links relevant or appropriate?  Yes, the links take you to pet products or tell about the company.
4. How valuable is the information provided?  It is valuable to pet owners.