Similarities in web designs alarming

To the editor:

I thoroughly enjoy the online version of the Highland County Press, as there are times when I cannot sit and read the paper, or at one point could not locate one (I will not even go there). However, recently it was brought to my attention that another local paper’s website is eerily similar to that of the HCP’s website. Could that be? As much as I disliked the idea of perusing the website of another paper (particularly that one) I decided to check it out. I felt as if I were in an episode of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone.”  I opened two tabs, placed them side by side, and flipped back and forth between the two sites. If it were not for the fact that the sites obviously had different names, I would believe I was on the same site. Even the colors were the same.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with looking to other sources for inspiration; as is the case with HCP.  However, if I am not mistaken, the source of inspiration (for HCP) came from hundreds of miles away and not the newspaper down the street. Although open-source code (front end) was used in developing the web site, what made the other paper so similar was the placement of everything; from the identical drop-down menu bars (and names), tickers and videos, pictures, etc. Even the same font was utilized; in other words, the actual design of the web site itself. Let me state this: If a student of mine were to attempt something even remotely similar in a class I taught, he/she would receive a failing grade for academic plagiarism (granted, since this discussion is concerning a web site, technically it would be infringement). This begs the question “Is this truly a lack of creativity, initiative, and ingenuity? Or, is this the most sincere form of flattery?” 

It could happen. 

Although both newspapers utilize the same software company to assist in the design of their web site, the fact remains the HCP’s web site was clearly up and running before the other web site. The software company, 1up! (http://www.going1up.com/), offers 52 designs (or four footprints to get started), 22 technological categories, and over 694 other options to mix and match to create an independent web site design. In addition, there are an additional 52 categories to incorporate into other areas of the web site as well. The possibilities are virtually (for lack of a better term) endless. All it takes is a little ingenuity and creativity. No one can convince me that with a little initiative, the other paper could not have created a completely different layout with all of the options available. Here is food for thought: Why even utilize the same software company? There are hundreds of others available. I will say that within a week or so later the design of the other paper’s web site did change slightly; thereby, taking on a somewhat different appearance. 

Better, but not much. 

Perhaps, the nagging conscious or sleepless nights made the other paper change the design. I highly doubt it, though, as this would only occur in a perfect world.   

The design created by the individual at HCP is their “art” and their “signature.” Regardless that the individual utilized a software company to assist, that is beside the point. It still takes countless hours and days to put together the page layouts, edit images, and to make sure that everything flows together and is thereby visually appealing for the public. No web designer should have to sacrifice their creativity so others can take a shortcut due to laziness or lack of initiative.

Is nothing sacred anymore?

First we have the theft of the actual HCP papers, now we have the theft of artistic ideas. What’s next?  Ethics people, ethics. 

Sincerely,

Sheila Hottinger 

Washington Court House