Other Articles and Papers
updated 5 November 2006
My other writings cover a broad range of topics from e-government to environmental and cultural issues.
e-government
Open Source ID cards? [PDF] [LinuxUser] (2004)
Examines the path the UK has taken towards introducing ID cards and how open source approaches could result in an improved, more citizen-centric system. Includes case studies from abroad.Gateway to failure [PDF] [LinuxUser] (2001)
An article examining the tortured development and launch of the UK Government's gateway.
Postal Voting
- Brighton & Hove City Council All Postal Ballot Pilot Analysis (May 2003): The Report. This report was sent to Nick Raynsford MP, the local government minister and Sam Younger, Chair of the Electoral Commission as well as David Lepper MP, Brighton Pavilion; read the letter included (PDF only) and the subsequent reply from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, reply from the Electoral Commission and reply from David Lepper MP.
Free Software & Open Source
- Free Software: A fistful of reasons...
A list of the reasons why Free Software is a good thing.
Freedom of Information Requests
On April 17th 2001 I filed a Freedom of Information Request to the Office of the e-Envoy, UK. This request asked for, among other things, " all documents relating to the specification, deliberation and selection of Microsoft for the provision of the e-government platform known as the Government Gateway." These caused a small media controversy at the time because the Gateway was excluding many browsers from using its services. Here are the documents received in response which addressed why Free Software and Open Source browsers were denied access to the Government Gateway...
- The Government Gateway: the clients that work and why others do not... yet [PDF]
A document that helps to explain why certain browsers can't access the Government Gateway. Uploaded: 18-05-2001 - The Government Gateway: Original Project Specifications [PDF]
This helps to explain what is trying to be achieved and how. Uploaded: 18-05-2001
Visit the Campaign for Freedom of Information for more on Freedom of Information issues in the UK.
