1.Preserving Historic Theaters
What kind of content is on the site (what exactly is it about?) -- Historical information on the performing arts halls, theaters, movie palaces, and even drive-ins that were built across the United States, how they can be part of urban renewal, and how to make that happen.
What is the goal of the site (what is it trying to do?) -- Provide a historical perspective, often through case histories of successful theater renovation projects, and how-to informtion for those who undertake these renovations in their communities.
Who is its audience? (age, gender, etc., etc.) -- Theatre historians, preservationists, and concerned citizens. I imagine anyone planning on dealing with city government needs to be as well-educated as possbile on the subject of theater preservation.
How webby is it? What does the website do differently/better than can be done in print? -- The user can go immediately from the historical background and case histories to sites where they can connect with the State Historic Preservation office in their state, as well as experts in various aspects of theater restoration. There are also links to seminars on restoring theaters.
How easy to use is it? Does the navigation make sense? -- The site is very easy to use, and nice-looking, though certainly not flashy. Maybe because it's part of the University of Maryland's website. Some of the links look like they've been included to beef up the site. For example, there's links to topics such as "restoring your historic home" and the restoration of Ellis Island."
2. Cinema Treasures
What kind of content is on the site (what exactly is it about?) -- The motto of this site is "Discover. Preserve. Protect." Discover what theaters are in jeopardy. Preserve as many as possible. And protect the rest from demolition through advocacy efforts. You could spend a lot of time just reading and being inspired by these Davids vs. Goliaths.
What is the goal of the site (what is it trying to do?) -- To be the advocates for historic theaters through a network of very involved, roll-up-their-sleeves individuals. Who is its audience? (age, gender, etc., etc.) -- Anyone devoted to movie theater preservation. I suspect it might be an older rather than younger group (45-plus maybe) -- if only because people in this age group would have had the opportunity to see movies at some of these theaters, even if the theaters themselves were past their glory days.
How webby is it? What does the website do differently/better than can be done in print? -- It really allows a lot of information-sharing for both the general user and its members. For example, I could click on "theater guide" and check on the status of Cleveland's historic theaters by name, location, closed or open, standing or demolished. Meanwhile, members are in the "for sale" area looking for theater curtains or even at old theaters for sale. It's pretty interesting, reading their comments...almost like people who can't walk away from a yard sale without buying something.
How easy to use is it? Does the navigation make sense? -- There's a lot of print here. Small print, too, which seems a little overwhelming at first. A lot of places to click. It's actually kind of addictive -- reading about which theaters have recently been torn down and which ones are about to re-open.
3. Theatre Historical Society of America
What kind of content is on the site (what exactly is it about?) -- Provides information on over 8,000 U.S. theaters, and encourages research on American theaters with an eye to preservation.
What is the goal of the site (what is it trying to do?) -- Like "Preserving Historic Theaters," this site has an educational mission and is dedicated to recording and preserving "the architectural, cultural and social history of American theatres."
Who is its audience? (age, gender, etc., etc.) -- Also like "Preserving Historic Theaters," theater historians, preservationists, and concerned citizens. However, there is a subtle feeling to this site that says "monied" and "pedigreed". Almost as if the people coming to this site are well-heeled and can afford to get involved in the hobbey of theater renovation.
How webby is it? What does the website do differently/better than can be done in print? -- There's an on-line photo gallery, links to historic theater web sites, a listing of major articles from some of the organization’s publications, and a guestbook to sign and/or read. Maybe it's that the home page includes a slide show of renovated theaters for the 2008 "conclave" (how about using just calling it a tour of fixed up theaters?) that the site has a "privileged" air.
How easy to use is it? Does the navigation make sense? -- The site is easy to use, though I would not call it attractive. Every page is black with gold, red, and blue type. Kind of garish. On the plus side, there are numerous links to stories of successfully restored theaters. Again, esseential ammunition for anyone attempting to raise funds or deal with their local government.