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Fiddling with the Optics: State Department Website Gets Makeover

Share / Recommend - Comment - Print - Monday, Jan 26 2009, 6:15PM

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New looks to government websites do not necessarily portend better foreign policy.

But that said, the State Department's just revealed new website looks great. It looks more high energy and seems to telegraph "engagement." I like it.

I'm not generally a sentimentalist about this kind of thing -- but folks do know that I enjoy the allure of a good cocktail party and a sharp looking website so discount as you like. That said, this entire site seems more welcoming, less hawkish and severe, and more vibrant than the website it replaced.

I ran into someone very close to Obama recently and congratulated him/her on the post he/she had achieved and said that you'd have an avalanche of problems and crises on your desk everyday. This person responded, for now, all we can do is really fiddle with "the optics."

At least, they are starting somewhere.

But to the designers of this new Department of State website, congratulations. Great job.

-- Steve Clemons

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Reader Comments (5) - post a comment

Posted by Dan Kervick, Jan 26 2009, 7:13PM - Link

Well, hopefully the new site will be a reliable place to get some news about the doings of the State Department. I made the mistake of making some comments over at Foreign Policy's oddly incongruous new fan site, Madam Secretary. I don't know that I'll try that again soon.

Posted by JohnH, Jan 26 2009, 7:17PM - Link

"Fiddling with the optics," i.e. a kinder, gentler bully. Just what we needed!

Posted by Tahoe Editor, Jan 26 2009, 8:04PM - Link

"But to the designers of this new Department of State website, congratulations. Great job."

... and do they know anyone who can do the same thing for TWN?

Posted by Steve Clemons, Jan 26 2009, 8:42PM - Link

below the belt Tahoe....below the belt.

;-)

best, steve

Posted by Don Bacon, Jan 26 2009, 10:08PM - Link

Actually Steve told me in a recent note that any problems with TWN are the fault of some contributors.
:-)
best, Don