This issue: University of Queensland Union - www.uqu.uq.ed.au

 

The Bug stumbled upon this site for no particular reason a week and a half ago and was immediately struck by its breezy and colourful home page.
It's modern yet understated, with excellent use of white space.
Our first minor complaint comes with the link to New Executive Committee, in particular the sub-link for UQU president, Matthew Carter.
"Text not yet received" greeted Web Watch a few weeks ago – and the link hasn't changed since then.
We know more about what UQU likes and doesn't like than UQU itself, but considering the union's elections are held in the third week of September each year, we've come to the conclusion that Matthew must have been a casual appointment to fill a late presidential vacancy and has decided not to re-nominate. This would surely explain any reluctance on his part to bring his link up to speed late in his current term of office.
Fortunately, his general vice president's and secretary's links are up and running strongly - a positive pointer to an effective, evolving and informative web site.
Vice-president Carol Humber's site is light yet packed with valuable information. "My star sign is Aquarius and I am addicted to chocolate...," says Carol.
Nice stuff, overall, with perhaps just one criticism.
Later in her bio, Carol writes: "It's also a good way to see how the University works, by participating in committees that make decisions that effect your degree."
Oh, dear. That old cause and effect.
Considering Carol is majoring in media studies and journalism, let's hope her misuse of the word, effect, won't affect her chances for a job.
Secretary Alissa Macoun's link is also illuminating.
"....you can usually find me upstairs in the Union building above the Stationary shop," Alissa writes.
Well, Alissa, we certainly hope so, not just for your sake but everyone else in the building as well.
Gosh, where's that old "e" for envelopes rule when you need it most.
Another small criticism of the site is the link to the annual general elections, which gives us the opening and closing dates for the upcoming elections - in 1998!
Oh, dear!
So all things considered, not a bad site, but as my grade 4 English teacher constantly reminded me: "Could do better!"
We've rated it 4.5 out of 10.

- Don Gordon-Brown