There are all types of websites, and many are quite sophisticated with special graphics, etc. However, my choice for the best website of 2008 is a very simple website that is quite amateur in many ways. This website is called "Pithy Life," and can be found at http://www.pithylife.com/. The website is currently under construction as the webmasters are updating it for the new year, but it will be completed January 7th, and I invite you to check out this site. It has a simplicity and charm that I think you will enjoy.
Pithy Life is a website with the function of showing people how to have a "pithy life." The home page defines pithy as "full of meaning, having substance and point." Although very amateur in some ways, it has a personal touch lacking in most websites. Throughout the site, readers are told to "Contact Us" if they have any questions or comments or do not find the information they are seeking. It has been my experience that any time the Pithy Life webmasters are contacted, a reply is received in a very timely fashion.
This website seeks to provide help for people regardless of the situation in which they currently find themselves. For example, on the "Connections" link, there are resources for people who are seeking such basics as shelter, food and medical care, as well as resources for those who are lonely and depressed. If the sites listed do not help the person meet those basic needs, then the reader is invited to "Contact Us" for help in connecting with resources in their area. Several organizations I know of have used this site in helping people needing basic resources, and I have been told that they have found it a helpful, reliable site.
If the reader is not in need of basic resources, then there are other links with suggestions for taking care of our planet, helping others, making work more rewarding, developing better relationships, becoming healthier, etc. On the "Plants" link, there is a lot of good information about raising food in these difficult economic times. The "Spiritual" link is unique in that it does not advance the cause of any particular religion but rather attempts to provide resources for a person to find his/her own unique spiritual path. Most links are changed weekly so I enjoy checking out the website each week.
I have enjoyed the "Leisure" link tremendously as I have found ideas for low-cost, back to the basic type hobbies and activities. Since I enjoy animals, I also find the "Animals" link fascinating.
The "Pithy Pocket Angels" link is an idea similar to the idea of "pay it forward." Readers are encouraged to make "Pithy Pocket Angels" and distribute them to people needing help or just encouragement wherever they go. The angels have a pocket, and it is suggested that the people distributing the angels place a certain poem in the pocket (the poem is on the "Pithy Pocket Angels" link) that encourages the recipient and also lets them know they can find more support at Pithy Life.
I have enjoyed the Pithy Life website in 2008, and I am looking forward to the new articles in 2009. Have a Pithy Life!