Web designers/online activists THANKYOUPATRIOT.COM needs your help!!

[frictionlessO]

Badly... Sorry to shout, just wnted your eyes to look this way.

I posted this info on Saturday but it was a slow weekend around here, Im hoping some of you weekdayers might be able to help.


Back in January at the height of the Boxer Rebellion I came up with an idea to thank Boxer, Conyers, Tubbs-Jones and all those election fraud heros. Well I didn't come up with it as much as just sorta posted it first, I think.

The idea was to have an informative site with pics and links back to the election reformers along with thank you pics ala http://www.sorryeverybody.com ,
that site was born and christened http://www.thankyoupatriot.com .

We wound up with about 60 pics of which about 50 were DU'ers. In fact that entire site was conceived and thought out right here on DU. If you want you can start on this thread
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...
and back track all the way through each original post to the very beginning of thankyoupatriot, its a fair lesson of online activism at DU. It really showed me how active minded we are here and that we can move fast when we need too. That site was up and running within a few short weeks thanks to the valiant efforts of DU'er Chili who not only donated space and money but lots of time working on it.

Chili has had a crunch for time at home and cant devote the time she wants to revamping the site for the DSM. Chili has told me she would hand over the reigns of the site to another volunteer. I told her I want this to be a sharing thing because I want her to come back to her baby when the site needs her and she has the time.

Sooooooo, after all that I'd like to say I need volunteers for building the site. Once I have 2 or 3 we'll really get moving fast.

The most important volunteers I'm going to need as soon as the site is ready are DU'ers who have developed lists of libs/progs/dems (you know, like-minded people!) and who frequent other boards and sites. I will need you all to run out there screaming about this great new site dedicated to people thanking those involved with the DSM, in pics!! Just imagine if a fourth of the people who signed Conyers letter took their pic for this site!! Thats powerful... thats something our elected officials and their staff can look at and say "these are people, people we are fighting for"...

Again right now I need some volunteers for site building, people who want to spread the word when its ready, and here on this thread I'd appreciate any other ideas you all might have in regards to looks, links and other things.

If nothing else try and help me keep this thread up were its viewable.

Thank you for your time and efforts,
FricO

PS If you have suggestions about the site start posting them on this thread as it helps keep it kicked and could give us a good starting point.

[Coexist]

1. kicked

and recommended - can't help with the site - but I'm happy to help with the search!

[frictionlessO]

2. Nice and quick, thanks! Must find web site builder!

Its gonna be like a reunion!

[DemReadingDU]

3. recommended, n/t

[frictionlessO]

33. thank you! n/t

[katinmn]

4. I can help with lists but not site building

I don't have any skills in that area.

:kick:

[frictionlessO]

6. Thanks Kat, peoples lists are gonna be whta drives this thing in the end

anyway.

We'll find someone soon I hope for the building.

[unhappycamper]

5. I have company coming & will not have any time until the middle of August.

But, I have posted many pictures of rallies around the Boston area in the MA forum. You may use any of the pictures in any of my posts. Should you decide to use any of these, please grab the pic off photobucket, as I'm getting killed with bandwidth.

[frictionlessO]

34. Thanks very well may do!

*giggles*
I adore the poo flags!

[goclark]

7. lick for all your hard work

[frictionlessO]

47. BWAH!! How'd I miss that typo!! That is soooooo much nicer than a kick!

Thank you!
(kidding, thanks for the kick!)

[helderheid]

8. don't know if I have time

but I have the skills - I have to prepare a presentation to all Utah Dem County leaders this Saturday but should have more time after that!

[frictionlessO]

13. You might be the one after all is said and done, theres just a couple

more people with design skills Im hoping will show up. Once we get the info on who and what the site was built with and what its limitations are we'll see who feels most confident about it and go from there, I think... sound like a good idea??

[katinmn]

17. Are you going to ask them for a resolution to impeach Bush?

:) I know that's a lot to ask. But Nevada and Wisconsin Dem parties have done it.

Glad to see Utah Dems are listening to your progressive voice!

[helderheid]

18. thanks!!

Not a bad idea!! :) Too bad our only Dem Congressman is a DINO for the most part. It's mighty red in these here parts.

I have applied for a job with the State party - should know in a couple weeks if I get it or not! :) Us progressives are taking over ! :)

[katinmn]

22. I hope you get the position!

You can use your network all over the country to help educate them on the alternative to failed conservatism.

Has Dr. Dean set up an office there yet for grassroots organizing? I know it's the goal to have one in each state, and they're going after the hard ones first.

[helderheid]

28. DNC money should show in July

We're lucky in Utah that our Salt Lake Couty Mayor is Peter Corroon - Howard Dean's 1st cousin! :)

[frictionlessO]

24. Have I told you lately how cool you are??

I :loveya: activists!!

[helderheid]

29. moi??

You you you!!

:hug:

[frictionlessO]

31. Ahh you make me...

:blush: :hug:

[EFerrari]

9. Thanks, fric.

:kick:

[frictionlessO]

20. no no no thank you!

really...:hug:

[kliljedahl]

10. What software was used initially on the site?

Keith’s Barbeque Central

[frictionlessO]

11. Not sure at all, but am trying to find out right now, are you interested?

Trying to nail all this down is hard for a net shlump like myself. Are there other specifics I need from the original designer to get the new designer before they know if they can handle it?

[kliljedahl]

12. Just wondering actually, it does make a difference

Graphics design software too, although not as crucial.
Might be interested a little, but don't have tons of time.


Keith’s Barbeque Central

[frictionlessO]

21. Ok I'll be sure to let you know when I find out...

Thanks for inquiring and bringing that up!

[Jo March]

14. I'll help with lists of groups and such

I'm not a web designer by any means but I'll be glad to send out promo messages to the folks on the lists that VOTE has.

[frictionlessO]

15. Knew I could count on you Arnheim!! Thanks for showing up and your offer

Its gonna be like a reunion on this thread soon!

[Jo March]

45. LOL! It is a reunion!

All we need now is some food and a crazy uncle!

[EFerrari]

16. Arnie! Thanks! n/t

[IndyOp]

19. I've designed a couple of sites -- could you tell me more

about what you want?

My sites:
<http://www.cchomeopathy.com> - small
<http://www.indiana.edu/%7Epsych/undergrad/> - huge

I am in the midst of selling my home and moving, so will only be available off and on -- if you wanted a starter page that someone else could develop I might be able to help with that. I would need to know more about what you want. Also how I could get access to the files currently posted on ThankYouPatriot - in order to modify them for their new purpose.

[frictionlessO]

23. I'm working on getting the technical aspects now hopefully will have them

soon, maybe tomorrow night... Depends on how quickly I can get the original designer Chili to answer, shes so busy that there will be a bit of a delay Im sure.

I'm working on a short list of what I think will be needed. I will post it in the main line of this thread by tonight, but I'll PM you as well with it.

Thanks for your offer as well!

[BeTheChange]

25. Are you going to...

Redesign, or are you going with the current look and feel?

PS. It doesn't really matter what the site was deved in, it html and sliceless.. so nobody has to have anything other then notepad to manipulate it.

This definately isnt rocket science.

I wish I could offer more help but I already maintain and dev enough nonprofit sites to know that my husband will kill me if I take another one on.

[frictionlessO]

26. Once we get a designer or two commited we'll know for sure about

the overall layout since much of it will depend on their skills Im guessing. I'd like to keep the site that is there right now, as is but moved to its own section (ie thankyoupatriot.com/electfraud or something) and let the redesign be the front. The colors should maybe be different to set it apart from the orange background which was chosen in solidarity with the Orange Revolution.

I'd also like to see a switch with Gov. Officials(along w/ short bios and have the pics be clickable links back to their individual site) being in the side bar and the gallery taking up the bulk of the main page. Most of the people coming there will already know about Conyers and some of his cosigners, the people coming there will be coming for the gallery... for the same reasons so many of us went to sorryeverybody.com . Im still thinking on other ideas that I'd like to put forth and have DU'ers give feedback on.

Its rocket science to me, then again most science is!

Thanks for asking and wanting to help, but dont get yourself in trouble with the hubbie!

[IndyOp]

27. I like the overall organization of the current site --

but would want to use a more red-white-blue theme. The color orange and the orange ribbons are significant in relation to the stolen election, but not DSM issue.

I love the gallery of representatives we are honoring - pics and statements. I'm hoping someone else would write the statements.

I would want to increase the visibility of the pics of people - that is what I loved most about "sorryeverybody.com" - pic after pic of people.

I'm not a graphic designer - I could do a starter page and let someone with more talent take over.

[frictionlessO]

30. Well that is pretty much what Im thinking as well...

Though like I said I think the pic gallery should be on the bulk of the page with the Officials on the side bar.

Go on and start that page and as we move on we'll let others at it, iffin you feel like it that is.

[EFerrari]

38. IndyOp! Thanks so much! If you or fric tell me what you want

written or revised, I'm in for that.

[frictionlessO]

40. I'm not excatly sure of that myself yet... Indyop, ideas??

Thanks SF!!

[EFerrari]

41. I'm writing into a deadline today, but will check back tonight

:hi:

[IndyOp]

42. Let's brainstorm --

Is the focus on the new page Congressman Conyers and other reps who are pushing for investigations of the DSM? or is the focus Congressman Conyers and everything he is working on right now? or what?

What else do we need?
A list of all reps (senators?) who are pushing for investigation of DSM.
A list of links we want to put on the page -- link to DU, links to news outlets; links for taking action...

What else do we need?

:kick:

[frictionlessO]

43. This is what Im thinking as far as focus...

1, DSM letters (Conyers and Kerry both, but with Conyers as the big space lead so to speak). There should be links to sign onto Conyers as well as a link to a page with all Senators contact info (I know I've seen a couple around) so people can bug them to sign Kerrys.

2, The get out of Iraq movements, my understanding is that there is one in the house and one in the senate. Both need to be linked and their respective endorsers named and linked (probably no pics as space is limited).

3, Louise Slaughter (D, Rep NY)has a petition for investigating 9 billion and counting that has gone missing in Iraq. I think this is very important in finding certain administration culprits and war profiteers. It has gotten minimal notice so far but it is important and directly related to Iraq. Link to sign that one as well.
--------

We developed a link list pretty fast last time, though many of the sites never linked back to us. I think they will this time though.
We obviously need to link up to all the DSM sites. Maybe the soldiers sites like op-truth. Also we must link to sorryeverybody.com as our inspiration. That site was soooo important those first weeks after the elections.

Of course we have to have the powered by DU link as well.
---------------

I want a list of all those who voted no on the war in the first place.
Followed by lists of the respective initiatives signers outlined above as well. As new signatores come on we'll update them and send out hearty congratulations for coming aboard.
-----------------------

Finally I really really think we need to let the DSM and all further evidence lead the site this time around... Whatcha think of all that??

[IndyOp]

44. I like all of that...

If we had to give a one sentence statement of our mission, what would it be? Boiling down your post above -- it might be:

"Those in support of this site wish to thank the people who are working to reveal the lies told by those who lead us to attack Iraq; the identities of those profiting from the occupation; and those working to get our troops out of Iraq."

Edit as much as you like...

:kick:

[frictionlessO]

54. Hmmmm Im gonna put that in an orginal response to the thread in bold.

Ask people to contribute on it. This a good one to start for the community input portion of our little project here.

[IndyOp]

46. Also - could you start gathering links? (nt)

[frictionlessO]

50. I'll get working on the links tonight. Thanks for your time Indy! nt

[IndyOp]

62. We aren't yet clear about the content of the site...

I know that we want to include a description of the efforts of each member of Congress who has acted -- Congressperson's Conyers, Waters,...

Examples:
<http://www.thankyoupatriot.com>

:kick:

[mzmolly]

32. kicked and recommended.

:hi:

[frictionlessO]

35. Thank you MzMolly!!

:hi: :hug:

[mzmolly]

36. Noooooooo,

Thank YOU! :hi:

[understandinglife]

37. Recommended. Great effort, fric!!

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4173.htm


WE THE PEOPLE .... WILL NEVER FORGET

"... we sent our young people into harm's way without leveling with the American people." - Congresswoman Pelosi before Congress, 16 June 2005

Peace.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us - Impeachment of Bush and Cheney; indictment and prosecution of all members of the Bush regime who participated in the deception, should be campaign promises of any candidate worthy of our vote in the 2006 Congressional elections.

[frictionlessO]

39. Thanks UL... a lot of peoples effort though... including yours, is what

will make this a great site!

[EFerrari]

48. Kick for garybeck who does not get pissed off.

lol

:kick:
:kick:
:kick:

[MelissaB]

49. Afternoon kick for a great idea!

[frictionlessO]

51. Gary has himself pretty busy, wont be able to play with us on this

project for anther couple of weeks...:-(

That pisses me off man!! lol

[BigBearJohn]

52. Kick

[EFerrari]

53. kick

[frictionlessO]

55. MISSION STATEMENT!! (suggestions here)

Quoting from Indyop earlier.


"If we had to give a one sentence statement of our mission, what would it be? Boiling down your post above -- it might be:

"Those in support of this site wish to thank the people who are working to reveal the lies told by those who lead us to attack Iraq; the identities of those profiting from the occupation; and those working to get our troops out of Iraq."

Edit as much as you like..."

Ill just add that I have a single sentence statement in mind but Im not posting it till some of you do.
:evilgrin:

[frictionlessO]

59. HEY!! Mission Statement is easy, c'mon ye great minds of DU!

perdy dirdy please??;)

[EFerrari]

63. I don't know if this is bettah. More swipes will follow

We wish to thank the patriots working to reveal the lies that led us to attack Iraq, and to expose the profiteers of this disastrous decision. Your work will bring our troops home and will restore the honor of our nation.

[frictionlessO]

65. Nice ...very nice. I like it very very much.

thank you!

[IndyOp]

56. Three possible titlebars -- comments, please!

This is a red-white-and-blue theme. We could use a billowing flag as the backdrop to the page. I may need to adjust the colors in the title bars below to match the red and blue colors in the flag picture that we might use for the background...

In any case, a few notes about what I have so far: When I set the 'fill' to linear it generated a bar with blue and red on the ends and purple in the middle - I like it - it signifies to me the growing agreement by right and left on the need to get of Iraq.

Simple, the red-white-and-blue ribbon reminds that our position *is* patriotic:


I like this one best right now:


I blended a pic of the opening words of the constitution with a photo of the House of Representatives - this is rough. I like the idea of having "We the People" in the graphic right in front of the words "Thank you, Patriot!" I should've shifted the color of the constitution from tan to a bluish tint and then smoothed.


Anyone who has other ideas -- speak UP!

:kick:

[frictionlessO]

58. I like the bottom one better as well, spectrum is nicer too.

I'm gonna be a wee bt late on those links till tomorrow, I've got company who don't understand that we're trying to save the world here!!
(or at least thank those who are)
:rofl: :patriot:

[IndyOp]

57. New versions... comments?

Title bar with Capitol Dome:


Title bar with House:


Color scheme from earlier today:


:kick:

[frictionlessO]

60. Nope still like the bottom with "We the people" better....

Hard work forming a more perfect union!

Sorry a bit typsy right now.....

[IndyOp]

61. Okay - I'll work on the background tomorrow...

Enjoy your evening - wait! - you clearly have that under control.

:toast:

[Nothing Without Hope]

64. Kick - good luck with this! I remember that site from the beginning

very good idea - and now I like it even better, knowing how it was put together

...and :kick:

[frictionlessO]

66. Yes yes.. you were there!

Thanks and will you send in a pic??

[Nothing Without Hope]

67. Yes, I'll have to make a thank-you sign. I already did thank Rep. Conyers

back when his blog had just started and he was still responding fairly often Here's the exchange - there were about 3 other posters in that Conyers blog thread thanking him too, but I've always treasured this as a personal exchange. (I've shared this several times here at DU this past week, but his reply is so great, I'll put it here too in case someone hasn't seen it yet.)

Rep. Conyers, I know that your primary duty is to represent your own constituency in Michigan, but I want to tell you how inspiring and heartening it has been to have you and your colleagues stand for ALL of us, all across the country. (I am in Massachusetts.) You stand for hope and the restoration of law and democracy to this country.

Your welcome introduction of this blog is the subject of a new thread in the Democratic Underground political discussion forum here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1675727
In case you did not already realize it, the Democratic Underground Home Page and Greatest pages are perhaps the best places in the progressive internet to get the very latest news. The Democratic Underground site is also an excellent place to ask for help in digging for documentation of obscure but important facts.

I hope you're not too discomfitted at being seen as a hero by so many people, sir. I'm afraid you're just going to have to live with that.

"Thank you" doesn't begin to express the gratitude I feel for what you and your courageous colleagues have done and are continuing to do. You're not only a leader in the fight for justice, you are showing HOW to fight for justice and infusing hope that it is still possible to win.

And here is his reply:

I am truly gratified to receive all of your comments and reaction to my new interactive web site. As I am sure you realize, being being on the losing side of so many votes so often in Congress can be discouraging, but I gain much comfort from comments like these. It is the essence of democracy and pluralism to interact directly with you as this new and improved blog will allow me to do. Keep submitting comments and letting me know what you think. I welcome your ideas and thoughts.