The Digital Fieldsite

            As I look at the website of Providence Animal Rescue League(PARL) I find many pictures of animals, as well as paw print with a heart inside serving as somewhat of a logo. This seems appropriate enough because the animal shelter’s first priority should be caring for and loving the animals. Therefore, advertising the animals represents the animal shelter in the best manner. The first thing I notice, textually, is the phrase “LOVE is adoptable at 34 Elbow St!” This message is clever because it explains what PARL’s purpose is, and gives its location. The second most prominent texts on the home page are the links to adopt, volunteer or donate. These three actions are important for PARL as well because the opportunity for people to adopt is a big purpose of the shelter, but volunteering and donating both keep the place running. Whoever designed this website made it certain that anyone visiting would know the main purposes of PARL and how anyone can contribute to them, whether it is big or small.

            I enjoyed the easy navigation of the website, because it makes it manageable for all ages, from preteens to grandparents. This is important because the love for animals, and the desire for pets, has no expiration date. PARL’s website needs to be accessible to everyone.

            The pure basis of the website makes me assume that the Providence Animal Rescue League cares. I mean, how can you not care when your job is to rescue animals in need? Everything that this organization is about is devotion and tenderness, so it’s easy to say that this subculture mirrors those qualities. Also, the constant array of animal’s photographs leads me to feel comfort and compassion for animals, because how could you not when you face a picture of an adorable kitten? This compassion is important for PARL because it will put people in the mood to donate or help in any way they can. Looking at a plan screen full of black text, it’s easy to ignore the donate button; but looking at a screen with a cat and dog staring out you, it’s easy to feel a desire to donate.  Although this seems kind of sneaky or conniving, it’s simply necessary in order to continue their work. I think it’s pretty innocent in the big scheme of things.

            The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA) is definitely a heart-string-tugging website. The first pictures I see are those of dogs and cats looking sad and abandoned. Each picture has a name for the pet with a brief, provocative statement urging website visitors to do something, such as “Make a difference for 60¢ a day.” From this type of persuasion I sense a mildly manipulative subculture. At the same time, it is a website working for the animals; its slogan “We are their voice.” This type of work, similar to the Providence Animal Rescue League gives every reason for me to assume the subculture of ASPCA is caring and ultimately for the betterment of animals. One thing I find interesting about this website is that the acronym is prominently displayed, while the actual name of the organization isn’t. I suppose the reason for this is the long title, but I feel like having the actual name is important, especially for people like me who aren’t familiar with the organization/acronym.

            ASPCA has a broader website because it has a lot of information. It has similar links to PARL, such as donating, adopting, etc. but each link has sub-links underneath it. They also have an additional animal cruelty link, allowing those visiting the website to report animal cruelty and many articles related to cruelty such as hoarding or how to recognize it. Although PARL’s website is separate from ASPCA it makes sense that they are linked because PARL is simply a more focused, local version of ASPCA.