question for Clark supporters – what do you think of the new blog?

[pruner]

http://www.forclark.com/

overall I think there's too much content on the page.

I also think requiring registration/log-in will end up diminishing the number of comments posted, just like it has done on the Kerry blog.

that being said, I think the design itself is pretty aesthetically appealing, and some of the new tools (like the ranking system) are good ideas.

[xultar]

1. It SUX!!! Too busy, complicated and fussy...KISS Keep it Simple Stupid

[madfloridian]

2. Pruner, you draw fire from others toward Dean folks when you do this.

However you mean it is not the issue. Most of us do not try to draw out others, and I don't think you should. Meant kindly from one Dean supporter to another.

[pruner]

3. I don't know what you're talking about…

my comments are not about Clark, but rather about his blog.

xultar, who's a Clark suppporter, seems to agree with my assesment.

[madfloridian]

4. Some might construe it another way since things are so touchy here.

That is what I meant. I have not been there yet.

[RandomUser]

5. You don't need to register/log-in to comment

I also think requiring registration/log-in will end up diminishing the number of comments posted, just like it has done on the Kerry blog.

You can add comments without register or logging in. It's just that your comments will appear as anonymous.

[pruner]

7. oh… that's a good idea

I prefer no log-in at all, but if they're gonna have one I think this is the smart way to do it… as opposed to what they've done at the Kerry blog where you MUST register to post comments.

[RandomUser]

10. The login is not purely for the purpose of comments

Registration gives you a blog as well, the ability to rate posts, and post articles and polls besides comments.

The articles you see on the blog can be written by any grassroots supporter who register, not just the campaign staff like the other candidate blogs.

For instance, Pruner, you can register, and write an article. And if enough people like it, they vote for it, and it gets posted to the front of the blog. Whereas on other candidate blogs, the content is strictly controlled by the campaign staff.

Registration here means more than just posting comments.

Also, creating a registered account allows people to follow your thought trails. If someone read an article you wrote and decided they liked it, they could click and find out what articles by other people that you like and have rated. Thus, they can track down other things that may be of interest to them, or find out your comments on other issues and your stances. It creates a sense of community and interweaving threads of history and recorded interactions.

I think there are still some bugs they need to work out on it, and it may have some flaws, but so far, I'm getting used to it. It is a bit better for information digestion than the old one. You don't have to wade through 300+ comments to find what you want. The informatin is more content sorted and discernable.

They've recently added a general discussion thread near the top that seems to replicate the rambling general purpose chat-like forum of the comments section in the old blog.

[pruner]

12. thanks for the explanation

I plan to take an in-depth look at the site when I've got some free time tomorrow.

my original comments were based only on a cursory glance.

:)

[ajacobson]

6. I've grown to like it

It was a little funky initially but I think it is ok. It seems like its starting to get a critical mass of participants. I like the individual state blogs, good for communication. The Michigan staffers are utilizing it for announcements, very cool. The subject/constitutency blogs aren't getting much traffic, I don't really understand why they are not getting more use.

[Kahuna]

20. I like it too. That whole website is a lot more lively...

and inviting than it was initially.

[FrenchieCat]

8. I like it....

It's like a multilayered home, lot's of crooks and cranies to explore. It's actually a lot of fun, but sophisticated. Just got to dive in there and learn. Those too shy to learn the different communities wind up on the main blog only.

[pruner]

9. I think you meant NOOKS & crannies

like an English muffin.

:)

[FrenchieCat]

18. Hey, I'm French, OK?

[pruner]

19. I don't mind you being a Frenchie…

it's the 4 Clark part that bothers me.

;)

[FrenchieCat]

21. That's the best part!

Remember that the French said NO to Bush's war......

Well I am saying say yes to Wes!

He is definitely the one that will Beat Bush....The others are a gamble.

Just telling it like it is!

[pruner]

22. here's what I think about your "telling it like it is"

[DemCam]

11. They have essentially given us everything...

simple general discussion...just like the old page...

blogs out the ass if one wants to plow through it all so we can all just rant and rant and rant...which we all wonder why we should do such a thing if no one is reading it...but then maybe we should ask ourselves if maybe it was such a good idea to rant and rant and rant just because we could...and folks were forced to at least glance at our rant.

Now who knows if anyone will ever find those rants...but then it gets to be really tricky here...and maybe even pretty philosophical...cause...does a rant that isn't read make a sound?

The blog is good...it's just that change makes us squeal like a pig stuck under a gate.

Go Wes...will see you in a few on Letterman.

[RandomUser]

13. There's always the general discussion thread

They recently added a general discussion thread on the top that's suppose to be like the rambling chat-like comments deluge on the old blog. So if you're afraid they won't see your article, you can just post your rant as a comment in that massive general discussion thread. :)

[tokenlib]

14. The window is cluttered and currently too many clicks to get there.

I understand the transition is still ongoing. But they need the one-click link on the homepage to the blog. They also need less clutter once you get there. Some of the die-hards are adapting, but those with less motivation will find it too much.

[andym]

15. They did a good job with the Scoop software

They did a good job with the open source Scoop software,
which is also used by dailykos.

I'm impressed. Should be very good for both organizing
grassroots and for chatting. Looks like the General has hired
some pretty good software people.

[Skwmom]

16. I like it.

It cuts down on the manipulation from the paid Deanie disrupters.

[Bread and Circus]

17. Overall, I like it...more to it...but we are not Neanderthals...

as some would believe :)

Also, overall, I think the website is much improved.
I think they have done an excellent job.

Win or lose, I am proud of Clark.

[SahaleArm]

23. The good and the bad.

Good = Interface allows for localized groupings (cities, states, and special interest groups). I'm used to using a multi-layered, threaded interface. The general discussion keeps the old blog style around within the new interface. Build your own blog.

Bad = Newbies will have a tough time navigating with a steeper learning curve. Information overload with so many options, can get a bit annoying.