National Geographic

When we were kids, it was not unusual to go into someone’s house and find a shelf full of old National Geographic magazines.  Many kids got their first look a naked adult by flipping through the pages of National Geographic, and once found, those pictures were too good not to share with friends.

In our opinion, the photography has always been the selling point of National Geographic and that is no different today when their major presence is on the internet.  From their website you can read articles about places and people near and far, watch videos, preview the month’s magazine, plan a trip or an adventure or check out the National Geographic television channel.  There is even a kids’ section.

Idea 10/10

With the addition of video and the ability to update daily, this website is National Geographic magazine on steroids.  You can search for areas of interest or just scroll through stories about places you wish you could see–or places you are glad you never will.  You can read professional articles, or you can read blogs, and respond to them with comments of your own.  You can truly visit the world from the comfort of your computer chair.

Design 10/10

National Geographic’s website is first class, not that you would expect anything less.  It is easy to navigate, the sections are well-labeled and despite all the beautiful photography, the site loads quickly.  There is a search bar allowing quick access to topics of interest.  While there is some content labeled as available only to subscribers, there is substantial free content.

Utility 10/10

Utility?  Well, a computer takes up less space than those shelves of magazines, so that’s a plus.  It can’t be folded over and spray painted to make a Christmas tree though.  The site has a search box so searching for articles on needed topics is easy, and the results were relevant to the topic searched, in our experience.  Given the reputation of National Geographic we have to assume that the articles are authoritative and those pictures sure are gorgeous.

Price 10/10

There is no cost to read this version of National Geographic.  The site is supported by ads but they are not obtrusive.  There is a shop and it is labeled as such.  A subscription to the print version and the locked web content is $19.00 per year.

Usability 10/10

Just like in the print edition of old, the National Geographic Website has top-quality content displayed on a top-quality medium.  There are articles, photographs and videos and we think most people could spend days perusing everything if only they would let themselves do so.

Who know what format National Geographic will take when our grandkids discover it, but we think it will still be around in one form or another because people always have been, and always will be, interested in other people and other places.