Talk:Why are we doing this?

From Katrina Help Info

Format for suggested changes

Please make sure that whatever new text you suggest, that you use you SIGNATURE TIMESTAMP it at the beginning and add a %%% to indicate the end. It should look like so :

--Liza 13:57, 6 Sep 2005 (EDT)

this is my suggestion. i am writing it right now. and thus ends.

%%%

Hgm 14:23, 6 Sep 2005 (EDT)
suggested text that is "dumbed down" a bit for the general public (like me:))

 ===The Red Cross survivor database and the Katrina Peoplefinder Project===
 
 complimentary efforts with different goals and outcomes
 
 One of our aims is to match the data collected and entered here with the data from the Red Cross and refugee centers. In the first week after the storm, the Red Cross database was created in part by registering people that were located and documented. So, these efforts also help the efforts of the Red Cross in their work.
 
 An important aspect of the Katrina Peoplefinder Project is to record and standardize data from sites all over the internet that is in unstructured formats, such as message boards, so that it can be more easily searched and matched with existing data such as that of the Red Cross. Many volunteers gathering relevant information and putting it into searchable fields will help people searching for those that are “lost� as well as find people who have posted their whereabouts and status. 
 
 With the enormity of this disaster, some people may never register with the Red Cross and can be listed here. Once the search functionality is completed, this database effort will span many borders and datasets to include many that would otherwise be missed. Also, although the Red Cross database may overlap in showing people that are OK,  many of our data sources contain additioinal specifics and contact information about those that are looking for the survivors are listed in this database to help connect families and friends.
 
 In addition, The Red Cross database is from the International organization, not American. The weight of the domestic crisis might strain that capacity and hinder important efforts of finding people elsewhere in the world.

%%%

--Sophiaw 02:42, 19 Sep 2005 (EDT)

I am new to this and though I have heard on the news why this is being done, I have yet to get that same message from this website. I have run into difficulty in getting started and so have many of my friends. I am very computer savvy, but I am still trying to read thru ALL of the information provided. It is taking me quite awhile. Because it is very difficult to figure out how to do this, many of my friends are refusing to assist. I suggest, as Hgm also has, to "dumb it down" a bit for the layman. Though it may be an easy and straight-forward process once you get started, it is NOT very user friendly.

%%%

Keep the Admins Informed, Please!

We are receiving receving many requests for help with you over at katrinahelp.info@gmail.com Please put your contact emails prominently on your page. Also if you have known technical issues and know you will be down, can you please email Rudi with that status? We worry about you! Thanks, Nkb