Information for the Masses: Another Dose of Links

In a previous post I evaluated a collection of internet sources using Webby Awards and IMSA guidelines. Today, I would like to continue this endeavor and provide a second assortment of information deposits. The intention is to uncover unknown sites that contain quality content; however, I would like to start off with an exception. The Economist is a popular and well-praised resource, delivering analytical articles about current affairs with the purpose of revealing market developments. Typically, a site as well known as The Economist will not be listed here, especially since its affiliate blog has already been mentioned. Nevertheless, the consistent and eminent quality this site provides is unparalleled and should be a daily reader for anyone interested in economics or finance. Unfortunately, unrestricted access to the site requires a subscription and may not be an option for some users. Economist's View, on the other hand, is a free blog that delivers multiple posts per day. The author is an economics professor at the University of Oregon who provides insightful expositions on current economic activity. The site is also frequented by many readers and a great place to interact with others. Regrettably, posts depend on quoting generously instead of providing unique analysis. Contrahour is a blog with exactly the opposite qualities. A period of three months can lapse between new content, but the writer tends to be very technical in nature and supports arguments with in depth reasoning and charts. Though not the best daily resource, contrahour provides specialized breakdowns that are rare to come by.

Economic and financial data is imperative for analysis and should always be at the fingertips of those trying to understand the market. For example, EconData.Net is a wonderful tool for gathering information. It is essentially a library of external web pages, breaking down inquiries by subject and provider, with a simple and navigable layout that makes for convenient researching. However, the site is bare of other important materials. On the contrary, The World Bank and International Monetary Fund are two resources that provide data and statistics as well as relevant publications. Both of these invaluable collections are important in understanding an ever expanding, global economy. Unfortunately, articles and briefs supplied on these sites are specifically geared towards international developments and commerce and do not provide general analysis. For a broader perspective on economic theory, one can turn to the Library of Economics and Liberty, Economic Policy Institute, or the National Bureau of Economic Research. With previous authors and members consisting of Nobel Prize winners, their goal is to deliver high quality, unbiased research. The paper topics on these sites range from labor markets to education and are a great help in following the developments of modern economics. Their use, however, will best be utilized with a specific purpose. Finally, I present a site with arguably useless posts. Between the Hedge's format is extremely difficult to follow and the synthesis of information is far from exemplary. Fortunately, the site's linkroll is impressively extensive and broken into accommodating categories, redeeming the blog of its major flaws. The site is a great portal for daily information.

As I've stated before, feel free to post links in the comment section and I will review them.