The ConverStation

get your ducks in a row!, originally uploaded by debaird.

Fellow-travelers whose stars burn much brighter in the blogging firmament then mine called my attention to that show-stopper of a website recently unveiled by that public broadcasting behemoth out on the left coast.

Todd Mundt rates it “Best in Class,” while a redfaced John Proffit contemplates larceny.

Me? I’m weeping. wbur.org seems diminished by comparison. It is sooooooo in need of a facelift.

But first things first. Here & Now is our next big duck in the row.

If you listen to the program, please spend some time at here-now.org. Make a mental note of what you like and most dislike about the website—and yes, I think we have pretty much collectively agreed that the show’s logo needs to go-go.

What do we need to give the site some added oomph? To make it well worth your time as a listener?

I don’t think it is betraying too many secrets of state when I tell you that we in the New Media Department are quite displeased with the current look. Not only is it showing its age, but acting it as well: The bones of the underlying content management system are getting rather creaky. Something is gonna break (actually. things already have).

Like On Point before it, Here & Now is destined for WordPress. And while I fret over possible proliferation of “0 Comments” (see Radio Boston), I am confident the makeover will breathe some vitality into this hoary, shopworn site.

So, Here & Now aficianados far and wide: Please ruthlessly critique the site and send us your feedback. The shy can e-mail me here. The rest please add your comments below.

Thank you and have a good weekend! See you on the other side of Monday.