The first issue of President Chen Shui-bian's (
It marks the first time ever that a president of Taiwan has utilized the Internet in such a way to make himself more accessible.
"The president hopes to share his ideas, feelings and daily life with the public to draw them closer to his inner world," said Yu Shyi-kun, secretary-general to the Presidential Office. "Moreover, he would also like to explain his actions and policy goals to the public through this new, `softer' channel."
Yu added that the existence of such an online weekly demonstrated the government's determination to shape the country using the most modern technology.
"Some netcitizens may be ineligible to vote and others may have no interest in participating in TV call-in programs," Chen said.
"But online subscribers can now directly mail me to articulate their ideas without worrying about busy telephone lines or paying for postage stamps.
"I want to be available on demand at every individual's desktop computer," Chen added.
The Presidential Office said Chen would answer every e-mail himself. The content of the online publication will include a diary of Chen's personal notes and various audio-visual news clippings.
Over 10,000 Internet surfers have already visited the site, which, among its pre-launch content, featured a personal invitation by Chen for online subscriptions.
The president's e-publication was originally scheduled to go online last month. However, it was delayed because Chen was busy with extraordinary top-level meetings in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the US.
Those who wish to subscribe online can find the Web page at http://www.president.gov.tw/1_epaper/iod.html
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