US election media frenzy sparks new web ventures

Two radically different US sites were launched in July to capitalise on the media frenzy that will follow the presidential campaign.

The Wall Street Journal broke with its normal strategy of paid-for content with the launch of OpinionJournal.com. WSJ says that, while there is a universe of reading on the web there is a 'paucity of reliable editors to direct readers to what's important'.

OpinionJournal aims to fill that gap using selective commentary in the form of original columns. The WSJ says the site will plunge WSJ.com even more deeply into the election fray and will also feature letters, articles from the paid-for site, 'best of the web' pages and campaign briefings.

Using a very different strategy ElectionMall.com aims to be the internet's premier campaign 'vortal' destination for candidates, citizens and others during the course of the campaign and beyond. ElectionMall defines 'vortal' as 'a vertical market web site that provides information and services to a particular industry such as politics'.

ElectionMall will be a hub providing access to eight other sites to provide 'powerful political information and e-campaigning solutions and services all in one place'.

The services on offer include:

election-e-law.com - a database of campaign results, terms and guidelines for those who want to run for public office

citizenfor.com - allows, among other things, users to lobby on issues online.

mypublicservant.com - allows anyone to create their own free website with unlimited e-mail.

election.shopping.com - a one-stop shop portal allowing campaign directors and others to buy political campaign materials and search a database of consulting and campaign services.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).