Blog P.I.

As I wrote a couple months ago, I quite like the Rudy Giuliani campaign website — it’s much better than, say, the John McCain official site. In particular, they got a couple things very right about providing tools for supporters. However, two other aspects of the web operation have been bothering me.

First, and most importantly, I can’t seem to get on their e-mail list. When you visit their site, the first thing you’ll usually see is a splash page. This doesn’t thrill me, but I can accept its utility for… yes, building an e-mail list. But I have filled this form out at least three times in recent weeks, to no avail:

I have tried signing up from different computers in different locations, entering addresses from the District, Arlington and Oregon. Nada, zip, zilch. What gives? Something is up with the database software managing their contact information, I presume. I’ve been going about signing up for e-mails from the Big Six and some of the others, but so far only the Giuliani campaign has kept me in the dark.

This reminds me a bit of my trouble getting approved for McCainSpace. I was eventually added, on the third try, but it’s not worth the trouble in any case.

And speaking of ill-implemented innovations, what pray tell, is going on with Giuliani’s Twitter account?

I tried to add Giuliani as a Twitter friend several weeks ago, but nothing has changed. Moreover, it seems odd to be on Twitter but keep the updates private. I tried adding Giuliani again this past weekend, only to be informed that I had already submitted the request.

I’m guessing the campaign has a test post or two on Twitter, but are keeping it on hold until they’re ready to start using it. Compare with Mitt Romney, whose camp has either not yet claimed his account (Twitter has reserved the 2008 candidates’ names for them) or has simply decided it isn’t worth the effort. If the Giuliani campaign has in fact decided against Twittering, that’s perfectly fine, but quit teasing!

From a technical standpoint, these are obviously separate issues, but potential supporters who want to interact with the Giuliani campaign online are still getting the same mixed message.

Update: Blog P.I., with an an assist by techPresident, gets results! Or perhaps the third time really is a charm:

Dear William, Welcome to the Team Rudy weekly wrap up email. This email will give you a snap shot of what Rudy’s been doing in the past week and all of the latest news from the campaign. I hope you enjoy it. Sincerely, DuHaime Michael DuHaime Campaign Manager Rudy Giluiani Presidential Committee

“Sincerely, Duhaime”? Sort of like Morrissey or Liberace with the one-name moniker that’s a last name? If so, intriguing: first names are much more common (Beck, Madonna, Oprah, Cher, Penn, Teller).

Actually, I think what’s more likely is Gmail couldn’t load a signature image so displayed meta information instead. Just guessing, though. Maybe it’s more like a Van Halen-type thing.