"Can You Spot the Threats?" (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032572/)

This interactive piece from MSNBC.com left much to be desired. After 9/11, the country was understandably a bit wary about airport security, and new screening procedures were introduced across the U.S. The package was produced by Alex Johnson and Ashley Wells and designed by Fred Birchman. The music was supplied by Asim Khan while the images were provided by PerkinElmer Detection Systems. The package was narrated by MSNBC's own Natalie Morales.

Upon launching the package, Morales explains how baggage screening is our last line of defense against terrorists on airplanes. She informs us that the machines that can prevent catastrophes are only as good as the human beings that scan bags for any possible threats. We learn that before 9/11, those hired to perform this task were trained for as little as 40 hours before being placed on active duty, and many went months before seeing anything considered suspicious. She informs us that now, even with the government taking over, it still takes a well-trained human eye to discern a possible threat. She asks: is it enough?

The interaction begins when Morales explains we will be given two minutes to screen carry-on bags passing by on a conveyor belt. Most bags are harmless, but a few contain deadly weapons: guns, knives, grenades, and even explosive materials. We're allowed to stop the conveyor belt, zoom in and out, and switch from black-and-white to color (organic material, often explosive, shows up orange). After two minutes we receive a grade based upon our performance, and are warned that the longer we take in screening the bags, the more impatient travelers become (and they'll let you know it!)

The multimedia images consist of three recognizable carry-on bags: a purse, a briefcase and a backpack. These same three images are portrayed one after another continuously until the "game" begins. The rules are clear enough, and are portrayed on-screen by arrows as Morales narrates how the "game" is played.

I found the instructions to be simple enough, especially after trying to play the "Super Volcano" game. To stop the conveyor, press 'STOP.' To start again press 'GO.' The Zoom has plus or minus symbols, and the threats are as simple as clicking on buttons labeled 'EXPLOSIVE,' 'GUN,' or 'KNIFE.' I found the audio to be absolutely horrendous, even if this came out a few years ago (I'm not sure when it did). I find it hard to believe that I own a better quality digital audio recorder than the folks at MSNBC.

The first time I played the "game" I found the repetitive complaints from the passengers to be extremely annoying. I thought the process would be harder than it actually is, so I stopped the conveyor belt often, zooming in and out and switching between color palettes. After my first few tries, I found the process became easier, and soon was able to correctly identify suspicious packages within the time frame given.

Obviously, this package was intended to portray national airline security, and invoke questions as to are we doing enough in the fight against terrorism. As such, I was extremely angered by the annoying passengers complaining (in repetitively bad audio), that things were taking too long. I haven't flown often (only twice, or four times if you include the return trips), but I have never heard anyone belittle or berate the people checking our baggage. Especially after 9/11, I'd think most citizens would welcome the added safety precautions that the airlines have put in place. I don't especially enjoy flying, but I know that I'd gladly sacrifice a few minutes of my time to ensure that the passenger two rows behind me doesn't have a live grenade in their backpack.

Overall, I thought the basic message of this package was a righteous one, but thought it could have been executed better. Playing the "game" of baggage inspector was fun, but there could have been more. The lack of text and pictures certainly was a disappointment, as it seems this package was only about playing a "game" that lacked even decent audio. In addition, even though you were able to play the game over again after each try, it seemed the same so eventually you were able to pass without even really trying.

I liked the idea of showing the public what it's like to screen baggage at an airport, and hope that anyone who used this interactive multimedia gained a better understanding of what it takes to scan for threats at an airport. I'd certainly use the basic idea again, but fine tune it with better audio clips, as well as text that supports the story and even pictures to go along with it.