Comparing AG Websites

So, I had been wondering how much of the Virginia AG's website (my assignment) is a function of the requirements of the post. Then I got the brilliant idea (duh!) to look at other state AG's websites. I started with the Maryland AG's website. His website was so much more user friendly! My "client," AG Jagdmann, has a long list of topics on the left side of her site, listing such things as "meth watch," "tobacco" and "cases of interest." AG Curran's site has links broken up into smaller chunks with headings, rather than one long list on the side. His use of color is more pleasing to the eye, with orange buttons with cute graphics. His titles are more geared to the user's needs; across the top he has headings such as "Protecting Consumers" and "Safeguarding Children." His links are divided into "Office Overview" and "Services to the Public." News releases are listed by headline, so you can decide which ones you want to click on, as opposed to Jagdmann's site, where after you click on "news releases," you get a long list of dates, and you have to decide based on that which press release you want to click on. Under "topics of interest," Curran tells consumers that a certain drug is available to Marylanders without insurance, and then lists "Consumer alerts," with those words in red. Another thing I noticed about his site is that he uses "action verbs" more, in describing his links. For instance he has "Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco," instead of just "Tobacco," and "Mentoring Maryland's Children," rather than just "Kids." Also, he gears his kids' section to teens, which makes it a little "cooler." His quick links include such things as "Prescription Drug Finder." As I told Emi last night, I'm not visual at all, but I liked the fact that he has a line between the three columns on his site, which helps to organize the information, and makes it seem less overwhelming. In short, I feel that Jagdmann's site says, "This is what our office has been working on," and Curran's site says, "This is what you need to know."