The new WhiteHouse.gov brings new media to the forefront
The new WhiteHouse.gov site design has gone live today along with President Obama's inauguration, and I must say I'm impressed. The design looks great, and there are a number of new media features that really stand out to me.
First, they have a blog! And the first blog post, by New Media director Macon Phillips, touts communication, transparency, and participation. Is this Washington DC or am I pitching a client? :-)
Even more impressive is this quote:
"One significant addition to WhiteHouse.gov reflects a campaign promise from the President: we will publish all non-emergency legislation to the website for five days, and allow the public to review and comment before the President signs it."
All of this is pretty groundbreaking in my opinion. Not that a blog is necessarily groundbreaking, and technically speaking citizens could always review legislation, but the concept of a presidential blog and easy, open, and online citizen review of legislation...that's just amazing.
Obama is keeping true to his promises of modernity. Things such as bringing on a net-neutrality supporting Julius Genachowski to head the FCC, the new WhiteHouse.gov, a New Media director, promises of broadband expansion, etc...I think we're finally headed in the right direction.
Whether it be Obama or anyone else in the future, Democrat, Republican, or an independent third party, let's hope this sets a precedent for future administrations to follow.
posted on 01.20.09