"Uses web framework, creates functionality; knows Python/Ruby, Javascript, AJAX, Flash(?), HTML, databases."
This is a very weak description of what a hacker is by the way.
This is a very weak description of what a hacker is by the way.
perfect = hackernews
horrible = digg.com
I feel like the "uses webframework python $buzzword, javascript $buzzword $buzzword $buzzword" speaks to this. SOOO many websites have got too many distracting buttons and things to click on, and no actual <i>content</i>. Look at something like craigslist...its perfect. It's clean, and it gives you only the information that you want.
Look at hackernews...same thing, nothing but content...yes there is some of that web2.0 (i hate that term) sauce on it, but it is a compliment to the content, not the main attraction of the site.
ADD X TO Y GIVING Z.
z=x+y
Digg's audience is more into fashion/style/cool stuff. So they should get some colors and a few gradients here and there.
I actually think Digg's design is very low-key.
Rater than comparing hn with digg, the comparison I saw somewhere was with http://www.newspond.com/ - an example of a site that looks nice (if you like gradients and glasy, round corners), at the expense of usability (only 3 posts per screen height etc). The first time I visited it, I was genuinely impressed by what they've archived, visually. But I've never been back since.