I'd like to propose changes not so much to the structure/appearance of the zeigeist australia web-site but to its content. A visitor must easily be able to;
1. Access a clear explanation of the organisational structure of "zeitgeist australia"-who (can be pseudonyms) holds certain positions, what their functions are and how they got there. True participatory democracy is foundational and an organisation championing revolutionary ideas without being seen to live them would 1. Most likely fail. and 2. Be seen as hypocritical and undesirable. It is important for the most jaded of individuals visiting the site to see the value of participatory democracy and that it can be (unlike in its current corrupt form) workable and utilitarian and can produce positive, real world results for the majority of citizens.
2. Feel part of the organisation and know he can participate. I have visited the site many times and made the odd contribution but i've never really felt part of anything. It was one of the reasons (though it didn't occur to me till now) that i suggested discussion in the form of an e-mail discussion group. It is not essential for general discussion-the forum, though it's not my preferred way to interact with others works well enough for that but it is essential for organisational matters and activism. A visitor to the site could join an e-mail discussion group (can be in house construction) and feel and become useful by instantly being part of an intimate group of like minded individuals discussing practical ways to realise their goals. Not making participation as easy as possible likely wastes valuable human resources as does having regular physical meetings rather than on line ones. I also think a very clear distinction needs to be made on the web-site between those areas relating to activism/organisational structure and those of general discussion. Over the last few weeks that ive been reading and contributing lots of different ideas have been discussed relating to the former but the threads just seem to fade away and nothing comes of those contributions.
3. Easily join on-line chat. This is more for social reasons and could be regularly twice a week for 2 hours, so someone could log in during those times and know there is a reasonable chance of a chat.
4. Easily access information on current projects (perhaps this relates to point 2). I'm not sure how projects are currently decided, discussed and realised but i think a visitor to the site should get a real feeling of activity. Too often, other than the odd new offering to a forum thread or an item in up-coming events the quietness of the site belies the underlying enthusiasm, energy and industry of its supporters.
Just one final point. I typed this up in a document and went to cut and paste it to the relevant thread. I started at "Zeitgeist Australia Forum>AUSTRALIAN PROJECTS>Website/Forum Project>ZMAU Web Development Team (register now)". I read the note which directed me to another forum. Reaching that forum there are multiple threads some totally unrelated to the subject, such as, "Meet the Locals". This is really too confusing. Please consider establishing an e-mail discussion group where all contributions relating to "Web Development" can be posted.
Also, to, please consider having the newer contributions to threads at the top of the first page not the bottom of the last page.
George