Unfortunately, the HTML and CSS that makes EveryBlock so useful is not included in this release.
I'm not sure why the Knight Foundation didn't insist that these components be part of the release, unless the designers were paid out of a separate budget.
I understand that releasing these components would have led to clones of the site, but I think, to a certain extent, that is one of the goals of the project.
EveryBlock could have been successful with any number of designs, the interesting part about the site is the data and its organization. I agree that it's great looking, but a site doesn't have to be great looking to be a hit (Craigslist for example).
To me, it would have been nice to have the design to use as a starting point.
It also seems that it's part of the source code of the site.
When reddit went open source, they included their CSS, images, HTML, etc. I think this makes it easier to get going. Reddit and EveryBlock are going to continue to innovate enough to differentiate themselves from the clones.
I also hope they've included the mapping code/JavaScript. I haven't had a chance to look through the source to see if this is the case.
I'm not sure why the Knight Foundation didn't insist that these components be part of the release, unless the designers were paid out of a separate budget.
I understand that releasing these components would have led to clones of the site, but I think, to a certain extent, that is one of the goals of the project.