Rob Webster

1. http://www.cartelle.nl
I really like the playfulness of the toys section of this site. It’s one of those things that offers light relief, but in a way makes you think about the way we use and interact with the web. In the same way that it gets to a point where I can no longer stare at four immobile musicians at a gig, the sometimes ‘staticness’ of the web seems like a lost opportunity or sometimes just plain dull. I think it’s important to use graphics to engage rather than just to slow down your computer. 
2. http://www.formfiftyfive.com
This is a great site for design inspiration. It acts as a blog, forum and showcase for designers. When thinking about commissioning design for visual/live arts it’s really important to try to find a fit with the artwork/artform that we are promoting. This site offers a wide range of styles as well as contacts and ideas.

3. http://www.oxfam.org.uk
Oxfam is a really positive global influence; I respect its ethos of supporting grass-roots development and change, giving the poorest people in the world a voice and the resources to make long-term change. Paulo Freire said, “washing one’s hands of the conflict between powerful and powerless means to side with the powerful”. Oxfam has given us an easy route to make a decision. The website is great, full of campaign information, but also its second hand shop stock is now online. If you’re not in the market for retro clothing, then the ‘unwrapped’ scheme allows you to buy goats or toilets as presents. 
4. http://www.boblinks.com
I’ve always loved lyrics; I grew up during the punk era, which replaced the esoteric with the angry, erudite and a great deal of passion. But while listening to Strummer et al, and the whole year zero mentality of creating something new, I stumbled across Bob Dylan, and although unlistenable musically at times, his lyrics talk of the minutiae of everyday life, politics in its most human and unpartisan form, and latterly his own mortality. I use this site mainly to find out when he’s playing. His never-ending tour has been rolling for around 20 years now, never playing the same set two nights in a row.
5. http://www.bristol.indymedia.org
The web is often at its best when it is democratic, bringing global and local news that is not covered by conventional news channels or is blocked by regimes. This site is an open publicity platform which is specific to Bristol. Containing event listings, a ‘freecycle’ type recycling section, and a Bristol blog which is essential when finding out what’s going on and to get involved in local debate.