[imc-baghdad] Support / Web Site

[spikeymike at rnetmail.co.uk]

I agree absolutely - all systems set up will be passed to local groups as soon as this is possible.

To continue with the Web Site, I would plan to do the following:

1) Initial decision to use dadaIMC software - this seems the best choice as it does seem to work with both english and arabic text.  See recent posting to imc-tech list.  This will need to be customised to suit the baghdad project.  It would be really helpfull if some people could post stories in both english and arabic, and feedback comments about the site to this list.  It's not too late to change to another software, but once we start building an archive of stories then it is more difficult to change.

2) Logo / Design.  Ramzi could you / would people like to make any input about the design of the site, mainly a log to go at the top, and maybee a colour scheme [eg the bristol site is very black, which has been said to have anarchist overtones.  The palestine site is more white and friendly].  I would go with white myself.  I have not seen a copy of the paper yet, but it sounds like we should / could use the design of the paper / log if there is one on the site, to make a visual link between the two.

3) Content.  The main point here surely is to get real news from iraq out to the world at this time, as well as to people in iraq.  Please can people help gather resources, links, articles and post them to the site.

4) Translations.  It seems like people from outside iraq could help with translations at this difficult time.  The open publishing system would allow translations to be posted alongside any articles on the site.  I urgently need to find someone to work with who can translate to and from arabic, otherwise this project could become a farce.

5) Learning.  We all need to learn to use the site, and to administer the site, and to help the local group to administer the site.  Co-ordinating passwords is going to be difficult - this is usually supposed to be done by word of mouth [not telephone / email], to avoid abuse.

6) Domain names.  Chris has provided http://www.almuajaha.com which should come online in the next few days.
In the mean time, the address is http://baghdadimc.dyndns.org

I have contacted new-imc informally about the domain name.  I believe we should have enough from previous postings on this list to start the new imc process - I'm sure the procedures are not intended to be difficult and bearocratic!  I will try to collate the text from Ramzi's previous mails and make a formal submission, unless anyone objects to this.  I see no problem with imc volunteers from other groups helping a new gruop in this way.

I also made an enquiry to citri.org about the indymedia.iq domain, which should in truth belong to the emerging imc group in iraq.

7) Hosting.  I seem to have taken this on and I am very excited if I can help in this way.  I am happy to co-ordinate technical stuff, and I will upgrade the server provision as necessary as the progect moves on.  There is a lot of support for this here in Bristol.  I also notice that palestine imc may need help and my help is open to all imc groups around the world in this way.

That's enough from me for now.

Ramzi - it's so inspiring to hear from you at this time!  Keep up the good work, we are thinking of you all, but we feel so helpless.  I will write you - is there a postal address?

Send me anything and I will put it on the site for you.  Write to: Bristol Indymedia, Box 3, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, BS1 5BB, UNITED KINGDOM.  I will send money with Jo or Julia for postage.  Solidarity.

Mike