+MiddleMojo

Vs. The Moth

A Critique on Two Journalistic Blogs

Rachel Baker

+Blog Content

Middle Mojo

1. Theme is based on Music and creativity combined

2. Q+A’s with music artists

3. Follows blog writer’s creative process of music writing

4. Includes a ‘Listening Lab’ where blogger posts music from the artists she interviews

The Moth

1. Theme is focused on the craft of storytelling itself

2. Includes podcasts

3. Does not involve the writer’s storytelling style – just other journalist’s

4. Includes a Radio show which is airing on over 200 stations

+Design Layout – Middle Mojo

+Q+A Page

+Q+A (Cont’d)

+MiddleMojo

The opening page follows the classic ‘Z’ flow of design. The brightest color box is on the top left and the right, middle square is one of the lighter colors, so the eye goes straight to the top left corner box.

It’s easily navigable. Instead of listing sections horizontally, with no distinct/unique shape, the opening page reads as a chart or a game board.

The colors of the boxes compliment one another. Each color is roughly in the same scheme.

+MiddleMojo (Cont’d)

The inside pages are convenient.

Sufficient image to text ratio

Open feel – not cluttered.

Interview page allows you to read a snippet of the interview before clicking on the entire transcription.

Organized flow

Aesthetically pleasing

+Design Layout – The Moth

+The Moth (Cont’d)

+The Moth

Opening page slightly disorganized

No leading lines

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Contrasting colors

Multiple slideshows per page

Very busy

+The Moth (Cont’d)

Radio Page doesn’t allow listeners to sample the podcasts.

Overwhelming options to choose from in every section

Summaries of stories/podcasts are very brief