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A Site…
For ALL Eyes!
by
Bernie Fratto
December 2005
While Scott Olson will humbly deflect all credit,
the website he created back in 1998,
www.novi.org, has been built into quite a
cavalcade of entertainment, information, and
reference.
Fans of the old ‘Johnny Carson Show’ will remember
sidekick Ed McMahon often saying, ‘everything you
want to know about (insert your own subject
matter) is right here! right here!… in my hand!
No doubt he’d say the same thing if he saw this
website and wanted to keep tabs and know the latest
for all things Novi.
Novi, Michigan is an affluent community that now
boasts over 50,000 residents, 100 eating
establishments, world-class shopping, entertainment,
recreation, and of course a one-stop shop for
information entitled Novi.org.
‘For the people, by the people,’ this sensational
website now gets over 150,000 hits per month. From
headline makers, to Novi area news, to features and
links, there is something for everybody.
Want to quick-check the calendar for upcoming
events? Novi.org… Want the latest sports scores and
details for the local teams? Novi.org… In fact, 10
different teams now have their own personal
intranet/website, linked directly from Novi.org. So
does the boosters club and the band as well.
How about movie show times? The weather report? Area
Announcements? Book reviews? Restaurant reviews?
Daily musings? …One Stop: Novi.org…
There is a perspective from the Mayor, Senator Nancy
Cassis writes about the Lansing Perspective from the
State’s Capital, and there’s links to blogs and
plenty of opportunity for feedback from the fine
citizens of Novi, Michigan.
How about a youthful viewpoint? The site even
features writers from Novi High School that provide
a unique, insightful perspective from ‘Inside Novi
High’.
Novi.org even provides a vehicle for advertisers to
reach their audience. And the audience extends well
beyond the City of Novi. Website hits come in from
not only around the country, but also from around
the world. People that travel are but a keyboard
away from keeping touch with their home in Novi.
Perhaps, they have re-located, gone away to college,
or out-of-town in an extended assignment.
Novi.org has also become a forum that has provoked
thought and engendered spirited discussion on issues
such as the student drug-testing policy. This highly
charged debated was covered brilliantly on the pages
of Novi.org, while maintaining objectivity, fairness
and disparate points of view.
Years ago, futurist Marshall McLuhan talked about
the Global Village. He envisioned a time when timely
information could be obtained so quickly it would be
breathtaking. That time has arrived, and Novi is way
ahead of the curve. I know, I’ve checked. Around the
nation, the concept of a community constructing a
one-stop shop for entertainment / announcements / information
is not new.
But Novi.org has taken it to a new level. From
politicians, city leaders, journalists, prominent
business people and students, Novi.org brings a
refreshing point of view and resource to its
citizens like few publications ever have.
In fact, everything!… Everything you want to know
about Novi from a local and global perspective. Is
right here! ---
Novi.org.
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