Giuliani's New Website.... Cool
The Rudy Giuliani camp quietly launched a revamped website today that is more complete than what it offered previously, but still a shell of what it should be. Presumably the soft launch means that the camp has more to roll out in the near future. But first impressions show positive features, including the first GOP semblance of a blog and site widgets.
The new site has much more information than his previous site, including an exclusive welcome video in which Giuliani says the site will be used as to “talk directly to you.” The word “leadership” pops up several times as does Reagan’s “City Upon a Hill” theme.
In addition to the welcome video, the front page includes the requisite e-mail signup and donation links, a flowery quote from George Will is featured along with a photo album (with the broken link) and a Facebook-esque “Live Feed” that links to press releases and news stories. [RIKI PARIKH]
The site uses Brightcove, the same video distributor Barack Obama uses, for its digital media. The pages with substance are headed with a Brightcove media placeholder that features video or photos. Press releases and favorable articles are also featured under the news section. So far there are three videos on the site: the welcome video, Giuliani speaking of his record, and a clip of Giuliani’s address to firefighters in Spartanburg, SC.
The “Get Involved” section includes several action items: “Join the Cause” and “Volunteer” both link to the same form with different headings that ask for contact info and give options for involvement; “Tell Your Friends” and “Raise Money” links to the same form that allows you to send an e-mail proclaiming your support; and “Call Talk Radio,” which will soon presumably list contact info for local radio stations.
One cutting-edge feature that is unique to Giuliani’s website is the “Rudy on your blog” section, which gives you a code to add a “Contribute” or “Live Feed” widget to your own website. This is the first of its kind on any candidate site.
And though Giuliani is the first GOP candidate to include a blog-like component, “The Buzz” section is more like MyDD’s Breaking Blue than an actual blog. The quick one-to-two line headlines merely link to other stories on the site or the web. A small box notes how many views there have been, but there is no way for people to comment and no original posts.
Another interactive feature that is unique to Giuliani is the “Why Rudy” section, which allows supporters to write why they want Giuliani to win. Only two are up so far, but as they get approved, supporters will be able to directly e-mail their favorite words of support. The site also allows supporters to save and share using Digg, Google, Facebook, del.icio.us, e-mail and via RSS.
“On the Issues” features another produced video of Giulani speaking to fire fighters in Spartanburg, SC above brief stances on the issues. Interesting note: the only social issue is abortion, buried toward the bottom and emphasizes “reasonable restrictions” but “Ultimately he believes that it is a decision between a woman, her doctor, her family, and her God.”
Overall, the website is bright, clean and easy to navigate, something his GOP opponents’ sites lack but still is lacking. On a side note, it seems that the camp can't decide on a logo. Click on the Rudy Store and the merchandise does not share a single insignia.
when will rudy offically announce thats my question!
I saw his website earlier today and was impressed. About the issues section, I was very surprised that he even mentioned abortion. He also mentions gay marriage and the 2nd amendment. To his credit, he sticks by his basic positions even if there unpopular with conservatives.
i want to vote for Rudy Giuliana some of what he is for i can live with but i would like moor about him being for Amnesty for illegals. i think he will be real strong on Security.
new website coming out called ihype.com i'm hearing a lot of cool stuff about it.
new website coming out called ihype.com i'm hearing a lot of cool stuff about it.