CNN.com has a plain layout which makes it easy for the user to locate stories that interest them.  At the top of the homepage is the nameplate and a search bar. 

The search bar is great because it allows the user to search the website for the particular topic that interests them.  Beneath the searchbar are the sections of the website (World, U.S., Politics, Crime, Entertainment, Health, Tech, Travel, Living). This is a wonderful way for the user to click the section that interests them and see only the headlines associated with it. Underneath the sections, "hot topics" are listed (Election Center, Academy Awards, etc.). This "hot topics section is actually difficult to see because it is very small. 

The homepage is divided into three columns.  The column on the far left showcases, using a photograph, the main story of the moment.  Below it are other top stories.  The middle column lists the most recent news headlines as well as the most popular headlines. This gives the user to ways to look at what news is important right now.  The far right column is designated for interactivity.  It allows the user to watch videos, find out information on the stock market and vote in polls.  This column also has a feature called "iReport."   This feature allows users to send, share and see their stories, photographs and videos on CNN.com. I really like this feature, because it gives users a chance to contribute to the site and feel as though they matter.

Once the user chooses a headline that interests them, the story page has a similar setup to that of the homepage.  The top of the page is identical to the homepage.  Beside the story headline is a feature calles "Story Highlights." This is a short, bulleted list of the main points in the story.  This is a great feature for users who are interested in the story but don't have time to read it. There is a column of the right of the screen that shows other popular headlines, videos and topics. Toward the bottom of the page, there is a section that entitled, "We recommend."  It is a section that shows stories recommended based on previous browsings on the site.  I feel that many users would not see this section because it is at the bottom of the page.  

CHARACTERISTICS

The most noticeable characteristic about CNN.com is that it is interactive.  It not only allows users the option of being linked to similar stories that interests them, but it allows them the opportunity to be journalist themselves through the "iReport" feature.  Polls on the homepage make it easy for users to participate in them.  

Because CNN is foremost a broadcast channel, there is an extensive amount of videos to correlate with almost every story posted on the site.  This gives users the option of reading and/or watching the news on their computer.  There are also many wonderful photographs for each story on the website giving the user a glimpse into the story.

With that being said, CNN.com makes sure that they not only produce a good broadcast channel, but also a good website.  They use the information they obtain for the channel and reproduce it in a web-acceptable format.   Because CNN is such a leader in world news, the user knows they are getting the most up-to-date information on developing stories. The main story on the homepage is changing constantly.

Something interesting CNN.com does is list stories in two categories: "Most Recent" and "Most Popular." Some people look for entertaining news that might not have the most news value.  By listing these sensational stories under "Most Popular," it gives people a way of navigating more easily to them.  An example would be a story on Britney Spears.  While Britney's actions do not have national importance, many people want to read about her.  The "Most Recent" is more for the stories that the journalists deem important while the "Most Popular" is for the stories that the public deems most interesting.  

WRITING

All stories are written in printed format, not broadcast format.  The stories on the website are not merely a replica of what was spoken on the show.  The writing is very concise and to-the-point.  Short sentences make it easier for the user to read the story on the computer screen.  

The "Story Highlights" feature is an excellent way for users to get the gist of the story.  These bulleted points are written very concisely. 

LINKING

CNN.com contains many links.  On the homepage, almost everything written on the screen is a link, taking the user to different sections and stories.   However, there are not very many links throughout the stories themselves.  In several stories that contain issues or places needing additional background information only had two links throughout the story, leaving many subjects in the story unknown.  I think that CNN's extensive information base could use links more and better to enhance the user's knowledge of a story. 

READER SERVICES

CNN.com does not recquire the user to register in order to use the site.  This increases usability of the website.  Not many people would go through filling out online forms just to read the news on a site when they could go to CNN.com and immediately get the news.

As mentioned above, the website offers many services to the reader, such as participating in polls and reporting their own stories.  The site also allows users to register for podcasts , text message and e-mail alerts and desktop alerts .  CNN.com also has a fanpage on Facebook.com.

IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements to the structure are minimal.  I would recommend that the "We recommend" section on story pages be moved towards the top of the screen as it is more relavent to the story than the "Most Popular" section. There should be more links within the stories to give additional background information on unfamiliar topics.