Sending the Wrong Message or Secrets on the Homepage

While working as the webmaster for SFA a few years ago I learned about an important phenomenon. I learned that a website reflects the organization that built it. In 2006 Gerry McGovern wrote that "A website shows the true face of the organization as never before." This is as true for governments as it is for universities and businesses. While working on a project last month I saw some "hidden" messages that some countries were sending on their web sites both intentionally and unintentionally.



For example during the first week of February I came across this official government website for the Egyptian Presidency. www.presidency.gov.eg

Later in the month I came across the website for the government of Libya.



When I went back a couple of days later the original page was up again.

I plan to keep checking http://www.algathafi.org/ to see if the rebels can retake the web server from government forces.


Two of the remaining communist countries that still remain (at least the did when I got up this morning) had funny home pages. North Korea does not allow computers with internet connections, so their official government site is maintained by the Korea Friendship Association the funniest part is the domain for the site. The URL is: http://www.korea-dpr.com/


Cuba on the other hand maintains it's own government website. The site is regularly updated and is somewhat attractive.



Like most Government websites it have links to versions of their site in other languages. When you click on the button for the English version of Cuba's site you see this. http://www.cubagob.cu/ingles/default.htm

This page has been "Under Construction" for at least three years. I suspect that their is somebody in Cuba who can translate Spanish to English. I think it's funny because it seems to be Cuba's subtle way of thumbing its nose at the United States with their web site.


So next time you're surfing the web take a look at the hidden, unintentional or even startling messages that organizations send through their web site.


As always when you're ready to do research for class assignment, publication or just because you want to know Ask a Librarian. We can help you find the information you need "hidden" or otherwise.

R. Philip Reynolds preynolds (AT) sfasu.edu rm. 202b 936.468.1453 Subjects - Computer Science, Military Science, Philosophy, Religion, Political Science, Geography, Kinesiology

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