I wanted to call attention to the staff recruitment blogad that John Kerry has put here on BMG and a lot of other progressive blogs. We are putting together a internet team that will be based in Boston (probably on Portland St. or thereabouts). If you are interested, or you know of someone that has the skills we need (we are particularly in need of a graphics designer and a programmer), please visit the Netroots Team webpage and look over the job positions.
It’s always been my experience in campaigns and organizations that an internet strategy is better executed with in-house staff. This team is going to come together quickly, and I expect it will make a national impact while being an ally with the online progressive movement.
cos says
In general, this sounds like exactly the kind of thing I want to work on. When you get to the specifics, though, none of the positions are right for me. For example, you want a web developer – experienced with Ruby on Rails. I’ve done some major mod_perl projects, but haven’t yet touched Ruby on Rails (though I’d like to try it sometime, this doesn’t sound like the environment for a first try).
<
p>
However, I notice a hole in the team: Usability doesn’t seem to fall under any position’s description. It also seems to be one of the biggest problems with political web sites: lots of flash and sizzle, but with some notable exceptions, poor usability (especially for the elderly, colorblind, sight-impaired, and computer-illiterate, but also for the rest of the population). That’s something I have experience with and would love to help your team with, on a part time basis.
<
p>
So are the positions set in stone, or would you consider adding a part time position for web usability?
jerome-armstrong says
They are pretty much set with what we need at the minimum. I agree with you on the need for a premium on usability and interface ease of use. We’ll just have to make it happen with the team in place in the meantime, and hopefully be able to bring in that sort of expertise as things are developed.
cos says
Well, you know where to find me!
<
p>
I’m currently running usability tests for a social networking web site startup, BTW (well, we just finished a series of tests, I’m writing summaries and making recommendations, but the next round will start soon). I’m working part time on a flexible schedule, so am available for part time (or contract) work on very short notice, and I live on the red line.
goldsteingonewild says
Are there any limits on someone’s campaign committee (like Kerry For Senate) spending for a purpose that is not election/re-election?
peter-porcupine says
I am more familiar with OCPF than FEC, but usually, you can spend money on activities outside of campaign related expenses, if they will enhance your political future.
<
p>
An especially ironic appelation in Mr. Kerry’s case.
lynne says
I’d love to apply (graphic designer) but it’s in Boston, plus I have too much work to take on a full time position (I’m self-employed). It’s very tempting though…given the reasons the team is being put together.
<
p>
Imagine! Being paid to work on a political project I believe in, instead of constantly fitting around (and sometimes putting aside) paying work to do so. LOL
<
p>
My husband would be pleased, anyway… đŸ˜‰
jerome-armstrong says
Graphics designers have their way with the world, and so do programmers đŸ™‚