A Tale of Two Sites

Most folks associated with campaigns will tell you that a campaign website is the new yard sign. It's been like that for at least the last ten years I'd say - so maybe it's not all that new. But really, the website is the central hub for disseminating campaign information. It's all very interesting how campaigns develop their sites, what they post, what the new/latest add-on or plug-in features they choose to use, etc...

But what about domain names? Consider NY Assemblywoman Jane Corwin's (for Congress) site JaneCorwin.com, then consider JaneCorwin.org

I'll wait while you take a look at each...No really look at BOTH sites.

Notice anything different?

The .org site is from the opposition. I doubt it's directly from the opposing candidate's camp but certainly it's not from a fan. My favorite part is the bogus slogan: "Together we can make delicious soup from the bones of the poor." As opposed to the official one: "Together we can build a bright future that is lit with prosperity and opportunity."

The truth is, I think the .org/bogus site is actually the better site. Cooler graphics, better features. They've actually gone to great lengths to make it look official, with crisp photos, a Twitter feed, rotating banners, and links to official sites like ProjectVoteSmart for voting records.

It'll be interesting to see the reaction to the bogus site. It's humorous, but cuts fairly deep. I suspect as many people will go to that site as do the official one. And perhaps the publicity of a bogus site may drive more traffic to the official one - kind of a no publicity is bad publicity scenario.

Campaign 2000 was one of the first Presidential races to really use the web as it came of age. At the time George W Bush bought a number of domains, anything from BushSucks.com to GeorgeWBush.com (.org/.biz/etc). People at the time thought it was a bit overkill, but I think larger campaigns should think about purchasing domain variations for very reason Jane Corwin is facing right now, not to mention possibly having to shell out chunks of valuable messaging dollars to purchase a domain (see this story on a squatter back in 2000).

Anyhow, one of those goofy things that comes up in a campaign. It'll be interesting to watch or should I say See Jane run...She does look rather regal standing next to a firetruck.

Update (like five minutes after I first posted I know!): turns out it's this guy, the Green Party candidate and a notorious prankster.