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NetSquared is an initiative ofTechSoup
NetSquared enables social benefit organizations to leverage the tools of the social web.
rants of a non-profit developer
What's *really* new on the Web, as opposed to buzzwords and soundbites?:
AJAX. Ajax is a nascent scripting language that is making the web feel more like our desktops. As an interface design tool, it will transform the way we design our interfaces making them easier to use. No more refresh! It still has major issues though - including browser compatibility and inability to create unique URLS, to name 2.
Which tools best embody the new opportunities from your point of view and why?:
That font resizer control feature that many develolpers are adding to their websites. It gives the user the ability to control font size on a site. My colleagues and friends ages 50+ are so excited about this.
Who's doing the best work with the new tools (technically or in terms of social benefit or both)?:
I wish I could remember the name of the website: an organization that's using the web to allow donors to connect directly with small businesses in West Africa. Site was really well designed. Concept brillianty simple: use web to connect micro-donors to small business owners where capital is next to nothing. If I find it, I will come back and edit this post.
What's the bad news? What are the greatest barriers preventing web-based technology from producing social change?:
For large organizations, lack of willingness to loosen publishing policies and create a more free-flowing, open ended dialogue with constituents.
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