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"Information Made Easy"
February 5, 2000
Jessie Coffey
Any one who has attempted to find specific information on the World Wide Web has encountered one undeniable fact-there is a LOT of information out there. While it is not impossible to find something specific, it is not always easy. A newly developed web site-http://www.ehow.com-is aiming to change that. eHow.com is designed to allow the everyday user find the information he or she is seeking in an easy and efficient manner. The site reduces the need for Boolean logic within search terms and eliminates the aggravation of mismatched results.
Upon entering the eHow.com web site the user is presented with a text box in which to type his or her search term. The search engine has been designed with practicality in mind. For example, if a user wanted to research the etiquette and expectations of hosting a formal tea, the search string in a traditional search engine has the potential to become complicated: "tea+party-music" would be necessary in order to find results on hosting a tea party, but to avoid results about the musical group. In the eHow.com site a user simply enters the request in everyday language: "how to host a tea party" will generate specific results. "How to make a paper airplane," "how to roast a turkey," "how to mix a sangria"-everyday questions can be easily answered on eHow.com. The results are presented in a step-by-step format and followed by a number of relevant tips, a difficulty rating, and a shopping list of items that may be necessary to complete the task. The user can also select to have the web site send him or her a reminder to perform the task on a certain day, or to send the information to a friend.
If the search query cannot be answered the user can submit an e-mail address to the site administrators. As soon as the information becomes available it will be e-mailed directly to the user. Additionally, even if eHow.com was unable to provide information on a specific search term, the site creates a list on the left side of the screen of relevant web sites. Do you have advice or instructions to share? The site also provides an option for the user to submit information that he or she feels may be beneficial to others.
On the main page below the search box, the eHow.com site presents four drop down menus-two of which are "Top 10 eHows" and "Something for Nothing"-which offer items of interest and popularity to site users. The opening screen also offers a daily eHow article as well as the links to related sites. The menu bar to the left of the screen provides links to the eHow newsletter, a number of eHow centres, and instructions on using the site. The right side of the screen shows a number of index tabs that allow the user to navigate other available options such as the opportunity to register with the site, keep a record of performed searches, or link to an online shopping centre.
The site is by no means inclusive but it is an easy place to begin an information search. It provides accurate and easy to follow information that, if it does not answer the question precisely, will at the very least provide a background. The provision of links relevant to the search queries allows the user to venture into the mass of online information with the confidence that he or she is searching in the right direction. Thanks to eHow.com finding the right information does not have to be an aggravating event.
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