TOP 5: Sites

In Networked Media, we were asked to make a list of the top 5 sites we gravitate to or use as resources – prioritising sites that incorporate an element of interactivity or have a ‘niche’ quality about them. This is my list (in no particular order):

1. SoulPancake and it’s corresponding YOUTUBE account. SoulPancake was created by Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) that’s creates different web series about the human experience. One of the more well known series SoulPancake has produced is Kid President. As well as Rainn Wilson’s talk show Metaphysical Milkshake in which he talks to everyone from office costar Mindy Kaling to Deepak chopra about lifes big question’s at the end of these episodes he frequently asks viewers for their opinion on one of the ‘big questions.’
2. LennyLetter was started last year by GIRLS creator Lena Dunham and showrunner Jenni konner as a platform for women to speak on feminist issues. The Site and Newletter feature essays, works of fiction, interviews and artwork. The site features a comment section that asks the readers to be apart of the conversation. For instance, in Joy Bryants essay Stop Telling Me I should have Kids many women responded with there own personal stories of motherhood or decision to not be. I also follow Lenny Letter as well as Lena dunhame on Instagram in which they do daily posts that frequently ask viewer partcipation In November Lena dunham asked her insta followers to respond with a picture of them ‘feeling themselves’ and adding the hashtag #lennyletter to be feature on lennyletters instagram: 
3. Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls “Founded by artist Amy Poehler and producer Meredith Walker, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls organization is dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. We emphasize intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend.” Smart Girls features video content, essays, and poetry by the likes on Amber Tamblyn. Though this site is definitley targeted ladies younger than myself I gravitate towards it as their message corresponds with what I would like to do professionaly: encourage, enrich, and educate young girls.
4. AJ+ an offshoot of the Al Jazeera Media Network produces short – generally 3-5 minute – video segments  and documentaries on the going-ons of the world. I frequently share their videos via facebook and find it to be a interesting news source (though certainly not what anyone would refer to as ‘straight news’)
5. Hypable is where I go to for all my fandom needs. Hypable doesn’t exceed at having that much original content and is definitley a by product of the popularity of the ‘listicle’ but I promise none of the articles begin with ‘Why you should date the _______ girl..” But it does have plenty fan written articles on almost any show or movie series you may be obsessed with. Plus the user comments can get pretty funny!