Inevitably, festivals like the fringe will launch a new web page every year -- SXSW, FFF, OFF (they aren't even at the same URL this year), the list goes on. Check out this year's offering: OrlandoFringe.org

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The problem with this constant cycle of ::slack off:: ::panic:: ::get donated service:: ::slap stuff together:: ::relauch:: ::cram info into a very small space:: remains that it is a major headache every year, and in my opinion an exercise in futility. Someone who knows what they're doing (and I am not saying anything against Rachel Joyce, I went to school with her and she is very knowledgable) to sit sdown and take the time to think about where things should go an how they should be organized. It's called information design, and it is a highly specialized field. I'm not saying we need to call in the big boys for this, but from seeing what I have in previous years, most festivals need an information archticture like they need to sell tickets.

That's what it's all about isn't it? Getting butts in the seats, making it easy to find information, buy tickets, get (and print) show information, get related content from elsewhere on the web, and leave some feedback. I don't think a festival's web site is complete without at least these features. Luckily, we have a number of web portals in a box that help us do just that. Drupal is one example I like, and Fringe's portal of choice in the past has been Mambo. These systems are great, and they can do almost anything with a minimal number of computer-savvy people, if you get the information design right.

Personally, I don't think the design they have today will still work once the season is upon us. That is not a slight to anyone, just my opinion. At least a sidebar navigation will need to be added, and some useful shortcuts and search tools. A portal can give this to you for free and with only a small amount of labor.

Think about it. Hell, I'll donate the work to Fringe. Let's talk.