I wrote about this first in my regular column for National Journal's The Hotline (subscription required). I never got a response from the DNC, so I thought I would post some comments here as well.

If you are at the DNC and reading this, I want to hear from you. Please call me. Post a comment. Anything!

Here's the quick background:

Within two weeks of each other earlier this month updated versions of the DNC and RNC websites were released. The Democrats' new site has a clean, colorful presentation -- an improvement over the cluttered, red-white-blue-heavy focus of the old site. But, there are no real 'take action' tools, no moving images, and not much to do beyond just reading. On the GOP side, the new home page is dominated by an 'Action Center' encouraging site visitors to recruit new volunteers, register & vote (or help register others to vote), contact elected officials, and call talk radio. Its everything you would want in a national party website.

So, I'm underwhelmed by the DNC's web effort. I promised in my column to reserve full judgment until I had a chance to talk to the DNC and hear what their master plan is. Nothing yet.

What was the response to my column?

The GOP posted it on the GOP website and distributed a copy through their RNC Research Department mailing list. That was flattering, if a little unnverving for a life long Democrat. Meanwhile, someone at the DNC called my editor and suggested I had a conflict of interest in writing the commentary because I had submitted a proposal to work on the redesign effort and my offer was not accepted. Of course, I never submitted a proposal, nor do I have any interest in getting hired on by the DNC in such a role. Seems a bit over the top to me. (I am told there was a follow up call later the same day to take back the accusation).

I wrote a follow up column detailing all my interactions with the DNC in the way of technology -- including several interviews I conducted for an article I wrote for PDF. Still no response from the DNC.

So that brings me here. I want to have a conversation with someone at the DNC about their web efforts -- to get an explanation of what they plan to do next to compete with the Republicans online. There must be a plan. Why won't anyone tell me it?

Anyway, if you are at the DNC and reading this, I want to hear from you. Please call me. Post a comment. Anything!