New Orleans Help from Webmasters

can we help?

[dibbern2]

We know this message doesn't belong in this forum, and we expect Brett will move it to the appropriate place. We posted here because this is the forum we are most familiar with.

We are thinking: can't the webmaster community do something to help in the New Orleans disaster?

We have a client in New Orleans and from them I have learned how vital it is to get emergency messages up on their websites. I know of things like temporary phone numbers and temporary email addresses, but there are probably many other needs.

We are guessing there must be hundreds of internet businesses who have suffered, and who might be unable to get access to their websites to make changes. Surely there are many who simply don't know how to change a web page, and can't reach their local webmasters.

We can donate time and skills to help someone, and perhaps you could too.

If this makes sense, and you are interested, we'll need some of the brain power available in webmasterworld to figure out how we could get the word out.

We know its not saving lives; but helping someone keep their business going could be very important in the months to come.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Walt & Jo Dibbern

[icedout]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I read about the horror that is taking place in New Orleans, I am so grateful that fortunately neither me, nor any of my loved ones have been caught up in this tragedy. If you haven't caught up on what's happening, you should - it's really devastating and these people are begging for help.

I ask all of you to ask yourself what you can do to help these people and do it now. Even a $10 donation, if given by millions of people can go a long way. If you can give more, do what you can. Many of you are blessed to have websites that receive huge traffic or large mailing lists. You will probably do more to help by putting a link to the Red Cross (or any charity you want) on your site, or sending out a mailer to your list. I saw a lot of this going on after the tsunami, for some reason I am not seeing as much of that now - these people are our fellow Americans, we would want everyone to help us if we were in their situation.

[rmccollom]

Absolutely. I made some personal relationships with the locals in New Orleans at the last conference. I keep waiting to hear from my buddy I've emailed back and forth since June to answer.

Of course, she doesn't have access (if she's still alive) but I offered her and her friends to come live with me (and find possible job opportuinies).

This is a nightmare going on down there. God bless you kids and I hope you are alive!

[Gabriele]

I'd like to give my solidarity with american people involved in this tremendous disaster. I'm italian, but this tragedy
make us one. Excuse me for my poor English. If I can do something for New Orleans people, please let me know.

Gabriele, Vasto (Italy)

[dibbern2]

Thanks G.

This idea just doesn't seem to be getting wings, but who knows? Will check back in a little while.

[jdMorgan]

dibbern2,

It's a great idea, but far down the list of priorities for most people in that area. They're dealing with problems of potable water, food, shelter, medical needs, security, sanitation, and locating family members, so concerns about business are probably very secondary at this time. After a few weeks or months, business concerns may become more important. But a huge amount of communications infrastructure needs to be repaired or replaced before they can even become aware that you're making this offer.

I've put up links to emergency-relief organizations on the sites I control, and commend that approach to everyone at this time.

Jim

[Hawkgirl]

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