Mayor's campaign staff launch Ma's new Web site

Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) now has his own Web site as part of his reelection campaign.

Ma's site was launched yesterday at a press conference, almost two months after the Web site of his rival, DPP candidate Lee Ying-yuan (李應元), went online in early September.

"The specialty of this Web site -- www.proma.org.tw -- is that it does not appeal to the online visitors with lots of text but instead has rich visual effects, flash and phat-animated design," said King Pu-tsung (金溥聰), Ma's campaign spokesman at the launch.

With numerous photos of Ma at work and play on display, King said the the mayor's campaign staff hope that through those images, the Web site will give visitors an understanding of Taipei's multi-faceted culture.

"The Web site tells a story through images, not words," said King, adding that every section in the Web site starts with images of Ma jogging, swimming and engaging in other sports activities to convey to the public an image that's full of energy.

According to King, visitors to the Web site will also be able to download Ma's campaign songs as well as clips of his TV spots.

Lee's Web site is also loaded with multi-media effects, including flash animation and an interactive game. Visitors can also view his campaign rallies live on the Web

The name of Lee's Web site -- www.inTaipei.org.tw -- carries a special meaning, according to Lee's camp.

Lee's campaign spokesman, DPP Legislator Julian Kuo (郭正亮), was quoted in July as saying "The word `in' means innovation and phat in English."

"The Chinese name for `in Taipei' also sounds similar to `win Taipei' in English. We hope Lee will win the mayoral race," Kuo said.