Interesting/Compelling web page

The web page that I chose as compellingly laid-out was that home page for thesmokinggun.com. This is one of my favorite sites to visit when I have free time at work. There are interesting, hilarious, sick, and sometimes all three types of crime related stories that feature police reports, mug shots, etc.

The site's home page features an olive, almost GI, green background that is plain and large enough to suggest a sort of secretiveness that the rest of the site supports. Balance is exemplified by the always centered along the top sixth or so of the page banner ad. Beneath it, after a space of GI green and centered in the middle of the page is a black file folder- one that would hold confidential documents. Further examples of balance are the two smaller, orange folders placed atop the large black centerpiece. One is a bit larger than the other and sits on the mid-to-upper half of the left side. The other, slightly smaller and unfolded in the opposite direction, is seated in the lower right-hand corner of the black folder. Though the two orange folders are different in size, they balance each other, whereas a single orange folder would draw much more attention to itself. Additionally, the orange folders are complimented by some orange, as well as red lettering. The orange and red text stands out against the black background, contrasting the different colors. The other headings and photos atop the black file folder and wither brightly colored or surrounded by a thin, white box; adding to the contrast. This works well because your eyes notice the sharp contrast, thus the links stand out.

The page and site itself are a metaphor. The site is an online directory, or library, of information about strange, compelling, and infamous crime stories. The home page extends a feeling of top secret information being made available to its users- like we are snooping around the CIA's filing cabinet.