The White House on Pennsylvania Avenue isn't the only presidential home getting a renovation today. Barack Obama's virtual home, WhiteHouse.gov, also has a brand new look to go with the brand new presidency.
Inside the New WhiteHouse.gov
A revamped WhiteHouse.gov went live during Obama's inaugural ceremony this afternoon. The site features a modernized interface with rotating news headlines and an official White House blog. Upon its launch, the main headline proclaimed: "Change Has Come To America." The blog section followed suit with the title: "Change Has Come To WhiteHouse.gov."
Obama's WhiteHouse.gov also offers links to various presidential agenda and a "briefing room" that will host clips of the president's weekly video addresses. Photo slideshows and information on appointments, proclamations, and executive orders will be made available in that section as well.
Limited Interaction
Interestingly, given the ongoing focus on interaction and community involvement, the site does not appear to have an open comment function within the blog section or any other area. There is, however, a "contact" page that offers an HTML-based form to submit questions and comments to the president.
"President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history," the page states. "To send questions, comments, concerns, or well-wishes to the President or his staff, please use the form below."
The introductory blog does suggest more opportunities for interaction could arise as the weeks wear on.
"Citizen participation will be a priority for the administration, and the Internet will play an important role in that," the site says. "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."
Launch Issues
Of course, no change is without its share of issues. The site offered a link to Obama's inaugural address before it was actually online, and the first blog post stated Obama had been sworn in before the ceremony had been completed. Still, the virtual transition appears to have gone more smoothly than the last (and only other to date): When President Bush first took office in 2001, his WhiteHouse.gov launched with broken links and template messages in place.
Posts
7 comments:
So far "Change is here". He seems to be sticking with most of what he said he would do.
Is this going to change the way the White House operates? I sure hope so.
@Robin...let's hope so robin. i'm interested in his open and accessible policy in the White House. Being a president is a very complicated job, let see how this policy stands regarding certain important issues in the future.
Sigh... I wish that Obama's stand for the big change will Transcend from his office to malacanang but I guess it would require more than Obama to change our government officials...
...kumbaga milagro na lang ang makakapagpabago sa kanila bro kc inugatan na hehehe
A lot of hope is being placed at the shoulders of this man. I just hope that he delivers.
The design on his virtual whitehouse just proves that he does know how to use the internet to his advantage. Judge from the number of followers he has on Twitter:)
Yet another great post. BTW, I will send you a private shout, soon. I need to tell you something:)
Looking forward to when change comes to his slogan...
So far he is doing what he said he would or at least trying. We will see what the future holds over the next year or so.
GOBAMA woo!
So sorry I haven't been commenting/visiting lately!! =( As you see, even my blog is basically abandoned =( just been really busy with school. My weekly hours doubled this semester. I have no free time. I only have 1 day to myself a week. =( Oh well.. at least next semester it's going to be a little lighter in hours.
-Nurse Jen Doll
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