I started reading Slashdot, but thought the plot dragged and the characters were poorly developed.
online journalism review
Laura Ruel and Nora Paul, writing in Online Journalism Review, neatly wrap up simple, do-it-yourself methods for Web usability tests.
The article picks up on time-tested methods I have used and liked. But its real benefit is the clear explanation for people who may never have conducted such user research, or who might otherwise make quick excuses for skipping this critical step in a Web architecture project.