On Wed, Oct 07, 2009 at 10:37:30AM +0100, Simon Roe wrote: > How about sites like planning alerts put a map on the sign up page > asking for the users postcode. They have to put a pin in the map > where they are, and enter their postcode.
That still doesn't address the issue of why isn't postcode data freely available. I'd see absolutely no point in implementing that idea on, say WriteToThem: "you can't send your message unless you show us on a map where you are, and then enter your postcode." > Pros: A higher chance of good data, as people want accurate data (the > self interest of getting planning alerts/[whatever] for themselves). > Also, you are guaranteed to have the users location after they have > signed up. If their location isn't on a map, or they don't know it, they're fucked. > Cons: A slightly longer sign up process. This could be made quicker > by some nice javascript that zooms the map to the 'outcode' (the IP22 > of IP22 4DN), a database that I believe is free to use (I may be > wrong). Also, having to enter the postcode/location on every site > would become a pain, And nonsensical. We're fortunate to have licenced postcode->constituency data. > In fact, mySociety should be brave: dump the PAF file and only use > free post code data (and publicly say they are doing it in support of > smaller sites). See above re "can't write to your MP" -- ``Vote Labour -- Sleep Tory'' (unofficial slogan of Oswald Mosley) _______________________________________________ Mailing list [email protected] Archive, settings, or unsubscribe: https://secure.mysociety.org/admin/lists/mailman/listinfo/developers-public
