A lot of the news and events of the site are really just for people in the UK or for people who visit the UK. However, it is helpful if one needs information on William Shakespeare’s life. They also have the plots of the different plays which could help one in picking what he might be interested in watching and/or reading.
It’s interesting to see how the charity, intends to make Shakespeare’s hometown an interactive experience for tourists. I like how they turn into a museum of sorts, while keeping up with the whole Shakespeare motif, for a more authentic experience.
The site is simple, which makes it easy to understand. All the things necessary for anyone looking for information is there, so it’s a nice way to find what you’re looking for and see what else you can find. But the design of the sight didn’t really stand out for me though, but i like how it’s functional. it makes it handy!
This site is an independent charity. I like this site because it’s easy to use / navigate around. It doesn’t have that much information except that you can find out a lot about the life and times of William Shakespeare. They even have a page for kids who, at an early age, can learn about Shakespeare. They can even buy their very own ShakesBear! 🙂
First of all, I like the clean and efficient nature of the site and because it is simple and easy to navigate it doesn’t intimidate potential visitors. The mere fact that the site is about a charity makes it appealing because it is for a good cause and it helps preserve Shakespeare’s memory through numerous ways. 🙂
One thing’s for sure: these people know their shakespeare. I was really impressed by the huge list they gave in the performance bibliographies section, and all with proper citation too. Student that I am, I can’t imagine doing that kind of thing for a living. I also appreciate that they have an extensive user input section, which kind of brings the whole thing down to earth and makes it more welcoming.
Woops. Ignore the above one. (can the admin delete?) Read this comment instead.
This is an example of something being exactly what it sounds like: Shakespeare houses. I’m honestly quite amused to see that someone actually went to the trouble of buying up the properties associated with Shakespeare and turning them into tourist attractions. Capitalism much? From another point of view though, I guess it’s an interesting way to look at his life.
The “Dig for Shakespeare” link caught my eye right away. It seems that people can check out the recent archeological digs at the site and/or can play a video game simulating the experience online. Honestly, it’s hilarious how they’re trying to squeeze as much money as they can from the place that even digs are “for sale”. As someone who has been to Stratford-Upon-Avon and with shot glass and pencil sharpener souvenirs to hold onto, the amusement park-like feel of the place is not new to me. Again, it’s admirable how the Trust aims to promote Shakespeare not just through the thrill of experiencing a real-life archeological dig or through making his birthplace as appealing to the tourists as possible, but also through seminars, museums, and other less-exploitative means.
The site iself’s simple and attractive enough. The page dedicated to the archeological dig though (I really can’t let this go, can I? :D) looks like the menu for an online game, as expected.
I think the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website clearly shows how it caters to the millions of people that know Shakespeare in one way or another and want to know more or rather, experience more, about him and his time. It has links that direct visitors to a library and archive with information that can help students and researchers – but beside these links it also has those that focus on the events and activities happening around the premier Shakespeare tourist destination (next to the Globe theater), his hometown of Stratford-upon-avon. In my opinion, this is the peak of the Shakespeare “fandom” or the whole cultural idea that enshrines Shakespeare, immortalizing him as a saint, either for his literary genius or for the almost cult-ish mysterious but “valid” iconic status.
On a side note, this is a great resource for my multimedia essay so I like it 🙂
At first glance, this website seemed like a travel site for me. But after clicking the different links of the site I was amazed at what was actually in the site. Some people just seem to really live and breathe Shakespeare. Shakespeare has affected not only the world of literature but the entire world as well. I mean really, Shakespeare’s houses? 🙂
I think the coolest thing they do is the re-enactment of life during the Tudor era! They do this in the site they call, “Mary Arden’s Farm”. I’ve always been interested in this era because of the stories about Henry VIII and his wives. I’ve also just been generally curious as to how people lived back then; how did they brush their teeth?; how and where did they do number one and two?; what kind of food did they eat? I visited Casa de Manila in Intramuros last year and I got to see how people during the time of Rizal lived. They used the strangest yet most innovative instruments like a coal pan fastened on top of a block of metal as an iron and a gigantic cloth-covered piece of thick cardboard fastened to a pulley and suspended from the ceiling as a ceiling fan. It really enabled me to place myself in those times, so I hope I get to visit Mary Arden’s Farm and the other Shakespeare houses someday too!
I did not expect that the site had such content. It’s a very good thing that they have great charity programs like these that promote Shakespeare’s literary works and plays. Because of that, many are inspired. No wonder there are so many writers today who just figured out their profession all because of Shakespeare. BTW, nice houses!
If you wanted to get to know Shakespeare as a person during his era and not just the “dude who wrote this and that,” hen this is the site to visit. Not only will you get to enjoy his plays, but you will be able to relive the way people felt during the time they were watching it for the first time in that era – unfortunately, this is only available in the UK.
Sort of an introduction to Shakespeare website. Don’t want to praise it. I Hate it. It’s just for beginner readers, who didn’t have any background yet of Shakespeare. Need something more of push, with better content and more information overload.
The Trust’s website is being re-created and you will see a whole new interactive site with forums, blogs and opportunities to post your comments directly to the site – after 18th April 2011. Plus all the usual links to the world’s second largest archive and library collections relating to Shakespeare – and all available free of charge! half of the references in the world to Shakespeare’s life are in this archive and you will be able to access directly our Shakespeare expertise. look out for twitter events too, like #askshakespeare. The Trust is entirely reliant on income from visitors to the houses and receives no public subsidy – so please allow the Trust the chance to promote its more commercial activities too. How else can it look after Shakespeare’s unique physical legacy and make it available for the world to enjoy?
Being the most significant Shakespeare charity in the world, this site plays a big role in promoting the uniqueness and exquisiteness of the literary works of the great William Shakespeare. This site is very effective in doing this because not only does it cater to high school and college students, the usual stage to study Shakespeare’s works, but also to the younger generation. By being user-friendly and colorful, it attracts the kids to explore the site and at the same time, learn about Shakespeare.
I am reminded of the class’s discussion on ‘experience economy’ when it says “Leading the world’s enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s work, life and times.” “Enjoyment” is prior to “understanding” which implies to me amusement before learning. “Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens” occupies a big space which makes Shakespeare more of a tourist destination than a study. Nevertheless it is very accommodating of its website visitors, as it is simple and well-organized, and thus encourages one to lingeringly navigate and browse through the contents thoroughly despite the vast amount of information it offers.
Transmedial Shakespeare 
A lot of the news and events of the site are really just for people in the UK or for people who visit the UK. However, it is helpful if one needs information on William Shakespeare’s life. They also have the plots of the different plays which could help one in picking what he might be interested in watching and/or reading.
Francisco FAlgui
Hi – the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website is being recreated – look out for the new site being launched on or about 18th April 2011.
It’s interesting to see how the charity, intends to make Shakespeare’s hometown an interactive experience for tourists. I like how they turn into a museum of sorts, while keeping up with the whole Shakespeare motif, for a more authentic experience.
The site is simple, which makes it easy to understand. All the things necessary for anyone looking for information is there, so it’s a nice way to find what you’re looking for and see what else you can find. But the design of the sight didn’t really stand out for me though, but i like how it’s functional. it makes it handy!
This site is an independent charity. I like this site because it’s easy to use / navigate around. It doesn’t have that much information except that you can find out a lot about the life and times of William Shakespeare. They even have a page for kids who, at an early age, can learn about Shakespeare. They can even buy their very own ShakesBear! 🙂
First of all, I like the clean and efficient nature of the site and because it is simple and easy to navigate it doesn’t intimidate potential visitors. The mere fact that the site is about a charity makes it appealing because it is for a good cause and it helps preserve Shakespeare’s memory through numerous ways. 🙂
One thing’s for sure: these people know their shakespeare. I was really impressed by the huge list they gave in the performance bibliographies section, and all with proper citation too. Student that I am, I can’t imagine doing that kind of thing for a living. I also appreciate that they have an extensive user input section, which kind of brings the whole thing down to earth and makes it more welcoming.
Woops. Ignore the above one. (can the admin delete?) Read this comment instead.
This is an example of something being exactly what it sounds like: Shakespeare houses. I’m honestly quite amused to see that someone actually went to the trouble of buying up the properties associated with Shakespeare and turning them into tourist attractions. Capitalism much? From another point of view though, I guess it’s an interesting way to look at his life.
The “Dig for Shakespeare” link caught my eye right away. It seems that people can check out the recent archeological digs at the site and/or can play a video game simulating the experience online. Honestly, it’s hilarious how they’re trying to squeeze as much money as they can from the place that even digs are “for sale”. As someone who has been to Stratford-Upon-Avon and with shot glass and pencil sharpener souvenirs to hold onto, the amusement park-like feel of the place is not new to me. Again, it’s admirable how the Trust aims to promote Shakespeare not just through the thrill of experiencing a real-life archeological dig or through making his birthplace as appealing to the tourists as possible, but also through seminars, museums, and other less-exploitative means.
The site iself’s simple and attractive enough. The page dedicated to the archeological dig though (I really can’t let this go, can I? :D) looks like the menu for an online game, as expected.
I think the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website clearly shows how it caters to the millions of people that know Shakespeare in one way or another and want to know more or rather, experience more, about him and his time. It has links that direct visitors to a library and archive with information that can help students and researchers – but beside these links it also has those that focus on the events and activities happening around the premier Shakespeare tourist destination (next to the Globe theater), his hometown of Stratford-upon-avon. In my opinion, this is the peak of the Shakespeare “fandom” or the whole cultural idea that enshrines Shakespeare, immortalizing him as a saint, either for his literary genius or for the almost cult-ish mysterious but “valid” iconic status.
On a side note, this is a great resource for my multimedia essay so I like it 🙂
– Meggie Ong
At first glance, this website seemed like a travel site for me. But after clicking the different links of the site I was amazed at what was actually in the site. Some people just seem to really live and breathe Shakespeare. Shakespeare has affected not only the world of literature but the entire world as well. I mean really, Shakespeare’s houses? 🙂
I think the coolest thing they do is the re-enactment of life during the Tudor era! They do this in the site they call, “Mary Arden’s Farm”. I’ve always been interested in this era because of the stories about Henry VIII and his wives. I’ve also just been generally curious as to how people lived back then; how did they brush their teeth?; how and where did they do number one and two?; what kind of food did they eat? I visited Casa de Manila in Intramuros last year and I got to see how people during the time of Rizal lived. They used the strangest yet most innovative instruments like a coal pan fastened on top of a block of metal as an iron and a gigantic cloth-covered piece of thick cardboard fastened to a pulley and suspended from the ceiling as a ceiling fan. It really enabled me to place myself in those times, so I hope I get to visit Mary Arden’s Farm and the other Shakespeare houses someday too!
I did not expect that the site had such content. It’s a very good thing that they have great charity programs like these that promote Shakespeare’s literary works and plays. Because of that, many are inspired. No wonder there are so many writers today who just figured out their profession all because of Shakespeare. BTW, nice houses!
If you wanted to get to know Shakespeare as a person during his era and not just the “dude who wrote this and that,” hen this is the site to visit. Not only will you get to enjoy his plays, but you will be able to relive the way people felt during the time they were watching it for the first time in that era – unfortunately, this is only available in the UK.
-Anne Simpao
Sort of an introduction to Shakespeare website. Don’t want to praise it. I Hate it. It’s just for beginner readers, who didn’t have any background yet of Shakespeare. Need something more of push, with better content and more information overload.
The Trust’s website is being re-created and you will see a whole new interactive site with forums, blogs and opportunities to post your comments directly to the site – after 18th April 2011. Plus all the usual links to the world’s second largest archive and library collections relating to Shakespeare – and all available free of charge! half of the references in the world to Shakespeare’s life are in this archive and you will be able to access directly our Shakespeare expertise. look out for twitter events too, like #askshakespeare. The Trust is entirely reliant on income from visitors to the houses and receives no public subsidy – so please allow the Trust the chance to promote its more commercial activities too. How else can it look after Shakespeare’s unique physical legacy and make it available for the world to enjoy?
Being the most significant Shakespeare charity in the world, this site plays a big role in promoting the uniqueness and exquisiteness of the literary works of the great William Shakespeare. This site is very effective in doing this because not only does it cater to high school and college students, the usual stage to study Shakespeare’s works, but also to the younger generation. By being user-friendly and colorful, it attracts the kids to explore the site and at the same time, learn about Shakespeare.
I am reminded of the class’s discussion on ‘experience economy’ when it says “Leading the world’s enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s work, life and times.” “Enjoyment” is prior to “understanding” which implies to me amusement before learning. “Shakespeare’s Houses and Gardens” occupies a big space which makes Shakespeare more of a tourist destination than a study. Nevertheless it is very accommodating of its website visitors, as it is simple and well-organized, and thus encourages one to lingeringly navigate and browse through the contents thoroughly despite the vast amount of information it offers.