Will you miss this friendly error message
every time you go to load a new page?
Plainfield's official city website is supposed to be resurrected at the end of this month, after being frozen in time since last October.
About time.
Begun in the mid-90s by John DiPane, the city's original website grew under his expertise in web design and management to include a wealth of information about the City and its activities, as well as information for visitors, businesses and residents. It was well-suited to Plainfield's needs.
But there was just one problem -- new City Administrator Carlton McGee. During his tenure, the site was rebuilt, at least partly, by people with whom it turns out he had a prior connection. As they say, follow the money.
When McGee left abruptly at the end of October 2006 -- or was he dumped? -- the website was literally frozen. No one in the City had access passwords or usernames to edit or update ANYTHING.
In an email to me, John, who runs a web development business, explained that he would be able to correct the situation quite quickly and easily -- if he were brought on to do so. Not a nibble from the Administration, which instead chose to embarrass the residents with the misbegotten site for going on eight months.
Here's a little gallery of screenshots, taken over the past couple of days, of seveal pages desperately needing to be updated. A complete catalog would glaze your eyes over. Be sure to check back after the relaunch.
 The header is pleasant enough, but what's the story with the 'Welcome' signs? |
 The Punt, Pass & Kick event is still scheduled for September 30, 2006. |
 Tony Grey has been gone for months. |
 Dr. Warwas was unceremoniously fired last September, leaving the Division in a turmoil from which it has not recovered. |
 The infamous 'email to nowhere' form. Any business inquiring about Plainfield would get a bounce-back message that the mailbox was inoperative. |
Will version 3.0 be better? It better be. The world is watching.
Previous website coverage --
- Plainfield Today (01/04/2007): "City website a bee in amber?" -- Issues come to light.
- Plainfield Today (01/05/2007): "City website (The Sequel)" -- Adventures with email.
- City Website: "City of Plainfield"
-- Dan Damon
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ARCHIVED POSTS OF PLAINFIELD TODAY FROM 11/03/2005 THROUGH 12/31/2006 ARE AT
http://plainfieldtoday.blogspot.com/
http://plainfieldtoday.blogspot.com/
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1 comments:
thanks for reminding folks of yet another 'open loop' that this administration has left unattended.
sometimes i worry that in the event of an emergency in plainfield, the gaping holes in the fabric of leadership here will become deadly instead of just unsightly [as they are today].
it seems to me, as a proud plainfield resident with high standards and a background in management and technology that our town is run by amateurs that seem to be interested in little more than photo ops and accounts recieveables.
what of the residents? what of the REAL accomplishments that will improve the quality of life and standing of our beloved city.
sadly our increasing tax dollars seem to be going into a well for which there is no water coming.
someone [the mayor?!?! hello!!!] needs a wakeup call and get some real management with real credentials and experience to bring forth some real accomplishments for which we can be proud of.
thanks again for all you do in keeping the eye on the ball.
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