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

Related Posts

RIS Recommends: Ministry of Truth : Whitehouse Web Site

RIS Recommends: HUMINT, IMINT, MASINT, SIGINT, OSINT: Finding What Shouldn't be Found

Is the Whole World Going Broke?

Over the past couple of weeks many of us have been growing more and more concerned about the fiscal crisis on Wall Street that is spreading to what the pundits call "main street" (in other words, all the rest of us who don't work on Wall Street). Over the last couple of days it has become apparent that there is now an international crisis. This morning everything sounds so bad that a worldwide depression is being talked about.

For sometime now our university faculty has added international studies to the curriculum in a growing number of disciplines. International business, hospitality, nutrition, political science, anthropology, communication, etc. I won't even attempt to name every program that includes international or intercultural components. All of us have become more aware of how internationally intertwined so many aspects of our lives have become.

Here in the library we often have questions from students looking for demographic, trade, and cultural aspects of other countries. This semester we are pleased to announce the addition of a database to our library that will help immensely with the cultural aspect of these assignments. The database is called CultureGrams Online. Aside from the population and government statistics that you can find in a number of country profile products, this database includes information on family, housing, diet, recreation, dating and marriage customs and several other aspects of lifestyle. Check it out when you have a chance. You'll find that it will not only be helpful academically, it will also be useful for Scout Troops, university and civic organizations, or planning your next vacation. Everything from recipes to common courtesies and greetings is covered. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."

Bernice Wright bwright@sfasu.edu rm. 202j 936.468.1528 Subjects - Agriculture, Forestry, Human Sciences, Human Services, Speech/Communication

"weirdest library design EVAR"

Jessamyn West in her excellent blog featured a new library to be built in Prague. This is definitely a one of a kind. It looks like something that belongs on the set of Star Trek. This 48 million extension shows both vision and bravery of the government. To understand the daring of the undertaking view pictures of the project at bd the Architects Website. You can read more about it at: http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3082843


This is an image of the interior of the current National library in
Prague.
Photograph by Francesco Villa
Today's challenge find the location of the old library, and the future site of the new library.

Good Luck!

Send comments and pictures of the weirdest or coolest library architecture you have seen. We will take the best entries and post them on the blog.

	R. Philip Reynolds preynolds@sfasu.edu rm. 202b 936.468.1453 Subjects - Computer Science, Military Science, Philosophy/Religion, Political Science/Geography

One Place Where You Will Probably Never See a Legislator

Images From Google Earth
See if you can guess the Library.


38*53'19,89"N, 77*00"16.36"W

Interior Photographs by Horacio Arevalo
Panaramio

	R. Philip Reynolds preynolds@sfasu.edu rm. 202b 936.468.1453 Subjects - Computer Science, Military Science, Philosophy/Religion, Political Science/Geography