[Website Review] EU socialists' website worth getting to know
CAROLINE JUNGSAND
16.02.2009 @ 10:08 CET
EUOBSERVER / REVIEW - At first glance, the of the Party of European Socialists appears a bit messy and outdated, but after a closer look, the first impression improves.
It manages to not only be the hub of a political campaign, but also refers visitors to other affiliates using free external platforms.
The website is not only the hub of the political campaign, but also refers visitors to other affiliates using free external platforms (Photo: EUobserver)
The PES website introduction message states that by putting the people first, Europe will take a new direction in June. The visitor also learns that this site is at the heart of the PES campaign and a place where one can debate and read breaking news.
When looking at the content, it presents both its own campaign blog and stands as a source for related blogs written by the readers, giving the visitor a much broader perspective.
Simultaneously, the visitor is invited to register and create a personalised campaign by downloading and forwarding posters and e-cards. By doing this, the content on the site itself is not as heavy as it may be on other websites, but the online presence becomes even higher.
Members of PES member parties can register as "PES activists," and others register as "friends." The only difference is that activists are invited to organise events and meetings in the PES calendar.
Buttons and widgets can be downloaded to put on a personal site to show PES support. It is possible to see who is registered as an activist, which encourages users to interact and network together within the PES frame.
As opposed to the centre-right's website (EPP) there is not much movement. But there is an icon linking the visitor to YouTube, where all video clips are uploaded instead of being hosted on the campaign website, making them searchable and easy to find.
It also provides links to their well-visited Facebook page, with its library of documents, and a Flickr page where there are a number of pictures. RSS also offers the option to subscribe to the website.
If you take your time and look around for a while, you find the site is shareable and interactive. But it's hard to find all the good stuff since it is a bit messy.
Basically, this is a good site, which has mastered certain elements perfectly although it cannot be guaranteed that people will become involved.
Score board
(Highest score possible 25)
Design: 2
Navigation: 3
Content: 4
Cool Factor: 3
Interactivity: 4
Caroline Jungsand is a Project manager and digital strategist at the Prime Group in Stockholm, one of the leading Public Affair agencies in the Nordic Region. In 2008, she was voted Rookie of the Year in the Swedish PR-industry.
This is her second in a series of EUobserver reviews of the campaign websites from the various parties ahead of the June European Parliament elections.
