Finding Cutting Edge Web Sites

Web Site Spotlight:
The FWA: Favourite Website Awards

I found myself asking recently, 'How do I go about finding some sites with new ideas and fresh designs?'

Many of the search engines have ceased or hidden provision of web directories that use to be the standard in search interfaces. These directories followed the sort of premise of being a phone book style index of known web sites, bringing together sites that share topics and ideas. The problem was keeping up the indexes and maintaining the content relationships.

With the decline in these indexes we also lose the chance to explore information and ideas we may not have ventured into otherwise. Provided with only a search field you must now initiate your starting point for exploring the web, and thereby limit your experiences to realms where you are already familiar.

I really get excited when I discover sites like FWA that help me to find new experiences and explore ideas that would not occur to me offhanded. I urge others to explore the sites highlighted at FWA and contribute some links. I'd also like to invite suggestions of sites that you use that also encourage the discovery of inventive and inspiring sites.

Orisinal - A Gaming Experience in Art

Web Site Spotlight:
Orisinal: Morning Sunshine

I encountered this site today that illustrates how well and artsy feel can be given to any experience. Ferry Halim illustrates a consistent ability to apply art into the Web with a number of very unique and somewhat addictive games written in Flash.

The styles used in the games show influences that include the whimsical, techie, nostalgic, and a bit of fantasy. I've enjoyed several of the games and their unique game play. I hope you find a few that you favor yourself.

Don't forget to check out the Miscellaneous category at the bottom of the page too.

And the Web Shall Entertain

Here is a few interesting places to help keep you entertained. I hope you like them. Remember to share... :-)

WEB COMICS

• Kopozky.net
• http://kopozky.net/

• OK/Cancel
• http://www.ok-cancel.com/

• Bug Bash
• http://www.bugbash.net/

• Penny Arcade! Comic
• http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic

• Comics.com
• http://www.comics.com/

FLASH CARTOONS

• JoeCartoon.com
• http://www.joecartoon.com/
  

• Homestar Runner
• http://www.homestarrunner.com/
  

• GiggleStick.com
• http://www.gigglestick.com/
  

• Goonland
• http://www.goonland.com/
  

• Mishmash Media
• http://www.mishmashmedia.com/
  

VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT

• AtomFilms
• http://www.atomfilms.com/
  

• Boneland.com
• http://www.boneland.com/
  

• FlashTV
• http://www.iwantmyflashtv.com/
  

• Newgrounds.com
• http://www.newgrounds.com/
  

• Wild Brain
• http://www.wildbrain.com/

GAMING

• vNES (Virtual NES on the Web)
• http://www.virtualnes.com/

Fantastic and Ever-Changing Technology

Boredom should not be a statement you use commonly when you refer to technology. The field of technology is changing so much and so fast that it can be quite a challenge and expense just trying to keep up with what is the current norm. The rate of change and the possibilities that are offered in the area of electronic information delivery, and specifically the Web, is so great that it has certainly gotten my attention.

I have had a strong interest in technology since my youth and pursued this into college where I got my Computer Engineering degree. Yet, while obtaining my degree I became focused on just how much the delivery of electronic information can have an influence over everyone. Information, data, imagery, music, and multiple media types in general are well represented in the Web.

What had the greatest draw for me to the Web was the potential it represented and how poorly or inaccurately this was applied. From the average personal web site to the high end corporate business sites, the Web seemed to show that most had little clue how to build anything with out problems or errors. (Even this blog is riddled with problems out of my control.) That lack of knowledge represented to me a great opportunity to explore better ways to develop and deliver electronic information, and this has been my drive for more than a decade.

What is it that draws you to the Web?