An analysis of web page and web site constancy and permanence

Abstract

We recognize that documents on the World Wide Web are ephemeral and changing. We also recognize that Web documents can be categorized along a number of dimensions, including “publisher,” size, object mix, as well as purpose, meaning, and content. This study is first a preliminary exploration into Web page and Web site mortality rates. It then considers two types of change: Content and structural. Finally, the study is concerned with understanding those constancy and permanence phenomena for different Web document classes. It is suggested that, from the perspective of information maintenance and retrieval, the WWW does not represent revolutionary change. In fact, in some ways the Web is a less sophisticated form than traditional publication practices. Finally, this study explores the “short memory” and “mind changing” of the World Wide Web.