WordPress in Government
It’s a C.M.S…..not the one you think.
By Nagarajan M, IASEmail: [email protected]
WP
To Me
Is A
Itch7 Year
Why I Love WordPress?
• Expanded my horizons – into web, technology and internet
• Helped me innovate – Applying concepts and tools to right context
• Like DARPA – Internet – Internet of Things• Drone – Afghan war – delivering books–
Delivering blood for emergencies• How can we apply WordPress to right
context
• Simple and user friendly
• Most Suited for digital engagement
Sharing of Content
Building Community
• Lowest barrier to entry
• For organization
• For Users
Why WordPress
• Trends in Govt technology – Web 2.0 to Gov 2.0
• Government as a Platform – Tim O’Reilley
• To me – Government is creator and enabler of Platforms.
• Low funds – higher expectations
• Digital engagement requires Digital presence
• WP can enable digital presence with the least friction.
Where WordPress Stands?
S.W.O.T
Strengths•The indomitable WP SPIRIT• Wide User base - Community Knowledge• It helps those who need it the most.• It empowers people to help others•Low entry barrier – technology funds and adoption
•Wide options – themes, plugins and budget
Weakness•Seen as just a blogging tool•Security concerns•SPAM•Incompatibility issues – eg. WP Engine
Opportunities•Create a special install profile for Gov sector•Themes and plugins for Gov applications – eg. http://wp.govfresh.com
•Dedicated Gov community within WordPress•Awareness creation among Gov stakeholders• Engaging with Gov as a Community eg. Code for America
Threats•Domination of Drupal in Gov sector•Limited data management capability•Low level of reach out•Lack of awareness by potential users•High cost – securing, backup and hosting a WP site beyond a minimal scale.
Real Implementations….
ATVT.in
• Early 2012• Familiarizatin and training
for staff• Funding issue – no budget
Krushimela.atvt.in
• April 2013• 20 staff across 13 talukas• 3 marathon meetings• Handholding for content preparation• 30min video to 3 min clip• New way of thinking and acting• Not defined in rules• Everyone is a reporter now
Actual Government site page was embedded in iFrame to enable seamless
user experience.
• June to Dec 2012• Gujarat 2012 Election• Content preparation – handholding• Integration of existing web services
• Youtube Videos were listed using TubePress plugin
• Simple way to achieve high user satisfaction
• Search page of Chief election Officer of Gujarat was embedded to bring all services under one roof.
• Simple <iframe> embed
• Good UX
• Webcasting of Polling Booths using Ustream.Tv
A website for each and every Gram Panchayat
Inaugurated on 25th Jan 2014 (yesterday)
www.Egram.info
Village Information PortalIts in public Alpha presently since Jan 25th, 2014
Features of eGram Web
• Affordable • RT I Application• NREGA Job Demand• Disability Certificate Registration• Works Demand – CC Road, Gutterline, water
tank etc…. • Many more to come….
• Open Government – Tools needed for data creation, data management and data dissemination
• Example – www.Data.gov.in
• Drupal – US Gov Collaboration
• www.Sites.Usa.Gov - Multisite WP for Gov.
• 5 stars of open data
Technology Trends in Government
5 Stars of Data
★ make your stuff available on the web (whatever format)
★★make it available as structured data (e.g. excel instead of image scan of a table)
★★★ non-proprietary format (e.g. csv instead of excel)
★★★★ use URLs to identify things, so that people can point at your stuff
★★★★★ link your data to other people’s data to provide context
Source: www.5stardata.info
How WordPress Can Synergize
• SocialGov – Build social tools for Gov Agencies
• OpenGov – build workflow and reporting tools to gather, maintain and disseminate data.
• DigitalGov – Help agencies better engage with citizens
• MobileGov – integrate SMS, Apps for Mobile users
