03 March 2008

Linkroll Overview: Bridging Society and Entertainment

This week I chose to focus on various resource materials (compiled on the left) which will help you obtain a better understanding of what exactly I hope to accomplish with this blog. In searching the Web, I discovered other sites that promote entertainment and/or social issues in some way. When I am creating a new post I use their content, which most certainly fill the criteria of the Webby and IMSA guidelines, as jumping off points, hoping that they will inspire some sort of new and interesting idea that I can further explore. The first of which is Beat Magazine, an Australian-based online entertainment magazine that adds a little spunk to current events. The bright and aesthetically appealing site excels in adding a human element to pop culture news. Likewise, TV Squad is a fun, interactive musing of current television programs. It gives a great recap of shows while the authors add in their two cents. The Hollywood Reporter is the go-to guide for anything relating to the business of Hollywood. Would you like to know how much money a studio is investing in a new movie or how good (or bad) the ratings were for your favorite television show? Well then this is your source. While the site does not come off very warm, it is not intended to be an editorial, and therefore does a fantastic job of relaying the facts of the entertainment industry. The New York Times Movie Index is also a great resource for film news. While some may argue that it has a liberal slant, it is fantastically organized, often focusing on films strong in content, as opposed to generic Hollywood blockbusters. Karma Jungle is one of the most interesting concept blogs I have ever come across. The author ponders how exactly does our social and entertainment footprint on the world affect us spiritually. Simple and sleek, it is content-rich and always fascinating. Along those same lines, Muse Free is a socio-political blog, critiquing the American value system with witty, thought-provoking jabs along the way. What this site lacks in design more than makes up for it in content. The tellingly-named Good Magazine is another political commentary, also analyzing human actions, but focusing on ways in which people can make positive changes in our world. While I feel the web page itself is cluttered, it is jam-packed with information and constantly updated. Also promoting good deeds is the Daniel Pearl Foundation, in memory of the journalist (pictured at right) slain in Afghanistan, created to inspire charitable works through media and music. If it is simply music news you are looking for, then Pitchfork Media is a wonderfully comprehensive resource of current music. The site layout is both bold and subdued, creating a community atmosphere through its blog-style articles. Last but certainly not least is my favorite organization, The Norman Lear Center for Entertainment. The blog on the site continues to carry out the center's message of promoting and advancing tolerance, democracy, and social change through entertainment. It is scholarly, well designed, and above all else-passionate-which is the essence of every great blog.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi there, nice blog! Thanks for blogrolling me :) Just thought I'd leave a note that the link in the body of the above post is broken.

 
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