Why use the web for interpretation?

Here's our extended list. Please feel free to lift any you need for proposals. Or grab the complete unformatted text version .

• is still a new and exciting medium for interpretation.
• Can quickly help disseminate materials and information to the media and public interest groups. Time and again it's been shown that quick positive reaction to disaster, controversy, or challenge is the best course.
• Can greatly increase awareness of a park, creating a platform to market your park or museum to new constituents.
• Goes into visitor's homes and businesses, available 24 hours a day, everyday.
• Does not compete for their limited time in the park or museum the way a print piece can.
• As an online experience, can set the stage. It has the potential to address visitor's expectations, help them plan their visit, and increase their awareness of park issues--before they arrive.
• As more people do their travel and recreation planning online, a site can reach many more people than print materials, including a growing international visitorship.
• Can provide a much greater depth of information over a brochure. A web presence has other advantages over print, including reducing printing charges, mailing costs and making easier changes extending the life of the site. With a longer usable life, the site can be seen as even more affordable. But remember, no new technology usually replaces an old one, it just augments it and strengthens the message in other ways.
• Can directly address park management goals and planning. If you have a master plan and/or an interpretive plan, you probably have identified goals and objectives that can be served by a well crafted web site.
• With a potential global reach, has the ability to involve a greater number of interested people in the decision making processes. You can develop a much broader supporter group that goes beyond just a local contingent.
• Can reach critical decision makers who now are also getting an increasing amount of their information off the web.
• Cross reference other area parks and parks with similar stories to build broader understanding
• Can provide an opportunity for a virtual visit to remote or inaccessible areas through immersive media and expanded content. Imagine offering a virtual tour of an area that must be closed for rehabilitation or rebuilding. Not only does the visitor still get to experience some aspect of that place, but you get to position why it was closed on every page view. Fewer visitors are surprised and disappointed.
• Alternate site content can expand the web site access to more people with disabilities. Your agency may direct sites to comply with policies such as the federal Access 2000 guidelines.
• Site production can be developed in tandem with print projects to take advantage of the strength of each with primary content being shared to minimize production time.
• Sales efforts, either through a cooperating association or direct sales, can be enhanced or augmented by online exposure and marketing with an effective sales area presentation.

Wow. That's a lot. But we can talk for a while and come up with a few more specific to your area and needs. Just call us.

<< Let's go back to the short list.

Or let's talk about what happens first to create a great interpretive web site: planning.