Comments on: A Failure in the Making http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/2009/05/a-failure-in-the-making/ An Online Resource for Public Works Professionals Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:39:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Justin http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/2009/05/a-failure-in-the-making/comment-page-1/#comment-3129 Justin Thu, 28 May 2009 13:30:28 +0000 http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/?p=774#comment-3129 I think the major problem is that municipalities do not see the value of maintaining a website. And social media, that's a pipe dream for some! I was recently speaking with a colleague with whom I went to graduate school (he works as a planner for a small town), and he said that the Business Administrator does not see the value of a website because "it's small community." To me, that statement is ludicrous, considering the size of the municipality should not matter from a public informational standpoint. In 2009, there's an expectation that govt is on the web. It seems like everyone has a personal blog or website, from the 12 year old kid to the small business operator. In fact, everyone had a web presence YEARS ago! Why is government so different? I like your idea of a social media guidebook, but perhaps the first few chapters should be dedicated to instituting and maintaining a website. I'd be interested and happy to collaborate with you and your friend. I think the major problem is that municipalities do not see the value of maintaining a website. And social media, that’s a pipe dream for some! I was recently speaking with a colleague with whom I went to graduate school (he works as a planner for a small town), and he said that the Business Administrator does not see the value of a website because “it’s small community.” To me, that statement is ludicrous, considering the size of the municipality should not matter from a public informational standpoint.

In 2009, there’s an expectation that govt is on the web. It seems like everyone has a personal blog or website, from the 12 year old kid to the small business operator. In fact, everyone had a web presence YEARS ago! Why is government so different?

I like your idea of a social media guidebook, but perhaps the first few chapters should be dedicated to instituting and maintaining a website. I’d be interested and happy to collaborate with you and your friend.

]]> By: admin http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/2009/05/a-failure-in-the-making/comment-page-1/#comment-3128 admin Thu, 28 May 2009 12:26:51 +0000 http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/?p=774#comment-3128 Justin I agree that most of the time this sort of arrangement is a direct result of politics. As you said, another good case for why this type of information should be placed online. Do you ever wonder if the cities with lower quality Web sites just aren't sure of what they should be doing online? A friend of mine and I have been talking about creating a guidebook that would help cities put together a social media effort, but maybe we should also think of including guidance on a basic Web site. Justin
I agree that most of the time this sort of arrangement is a direct result of politics. As you said, another good case for why this type of information should be placed online.

Do you ever wonder if the cities with lower quality Web sites just aren’t sure of what they should be doing online? A friend of mine and I have been talking about creating a guidebook that would help cities put together a social media effort, but maybe we should also think of including guidance on a basic Web site.

]]> By: Justin http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/2009/05/a-failure-in-the-making/comment-page-1/#comment-3126 Justin Wed, 27 May 2009 13:22:21 +0000 http://www.publicworksgroup.com/blog/?p=774#comment-3126 A common problem, indeed. I see these jurisdictional issues a lot in New Jersey, and it's all political. Think of it like a hot potato; no one wants to touch it or take responsibility for an area that falls in the Bermuda Triangle of multi-jurisdictions. The elected officials certainly do not want to make any proclamations to that effect if it will be detrimental to their community. I agree that legal documents would be beneficial for official easements areas. By placing it online, there's accountability and ultimately "no excuses" for non-compliance. Problem is, not many municipalities (at least in NJ) have decent websites, or for that matter, a website at all. A common problem, indeed. I see these jurisdictional issues a lot in New Jersey, and it’s all political. Think of it like a hot potato; no one wants to touch it or take responsibility for an area that falls in the Bermuda Triangle of multi-jurisdictions. The elected officials certainly do not want to make any proclamations to that effect if it will be detrimental to their community.

I agree that legal documents would be beneficial for official easements areas. By placing it online, there’s accountability and ultimately “no excuses” for non-compliance. Problem is, not many municipalities (at least in NJ) have decent websites, or for that matter, a website at all.

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