~FurSid

I would ideally want a blog-like app rather than a wiki like app because of the user-patterns I have found in Pakistani audience. a blog would give an instant access to just about anyone to give his/her feedback and few authors to give their reports as to what are they up to or what’s required where.

As of now, there is one functional application http://missingpersons.dsl.net.pk already there and they haven’t responded to me once after two days. Though they did update the app with multiple options of searching… Few developers are, on the other hand, working on Tsunami’s Sahana software and still few good systems are being recommended by others. My intuition says that one application would be picked up or built from scratch and would be dictated by GHQ or Government suddenly and no one’d have no choice whatsoever. And it’s not just this application alone required to help speed up the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction….

I may be leaving for field work past Butgram’s area tomorrow with a team. Please initiate a community page (blog or wiki) as you think best according to the situation. And fw the message to following people at least:

mtahamasood@yahoo.com
asmakarim@yahoo.com
iabhopal@yahoo.com
harrisbinkhurram@hotmail.com
fursid@gmail.com

These people would ensure that the message gets across and people do come to participate and help others develop something good. The initiative can start mini projects like

1- Archive of Chronological News of the disaster
2- Archive of EarthQuake Photography (with copyright permissions and other legal requirements being fulfilled)
3- Brave Stories or such (like I know of two eye-witness stories which I would love to share with others)
4- I would definitely like someone or everyone to pen down their thoughts and figures about the International Aid Program and esp. doctors, some of which I have worked with in last two three days and would like to tell my side of stories as soon as I return to my home town or get some time
5- Other things related to Internet Technologies which can support or participate in anyway in this cause??

I would have my participation when I get back to my computer (which might be a week from now) but in the mean time, let other eager young minds explore what the life has brought to them in this disaster….

Best regards,
Ejaz Asi
Islamabad/Pindi