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FEMA Demands Use of IE To File Online Katrina Claims
WebHostingGuy writes "As reported by MSNBC, if you survived the hurricane and are a Mac, Linux or Firefox user you cannot file a claim online. Further, you must have javascript enabled or face rejection. From the site: 'We are sorry for not being able to proceed your requests because you have failed our tests.' Opera and Netscape don't work either." Also reported at InformationWeek. From that story: "To file a claim online at FEMA's Individual Assistance Center, where citizens can apply for government help, the browser must be IE 6.0 or later with JavaScript enabled. That cuts out everyone running Linux or the Mac operating systems, as well as Windows users running alternate browsers such as Firefox or Opera. When TechWeb tested the site using Windows XP and Firefox 1.0.6, the message 'In order to use this site, you must have JavaScript Enabled and Internet Explorer version 6. Download it from Microsoft or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register' popped up on the screen." Update: 09/08 13:48 GMT by Z : Added word 'Online' to title to clarify story.
"George Bush doesn't care about Mac people!"
I had a sucky sig.
Any sufficiently advanced incompetence is indistinguishable from malice.
Now we Linux and Mac users from all over the world can try to test the site. That will at least help stress the servers to the point that simply no one will be able to file their requests.
my other sig is a 500 page novel
I think in the end you're probably better off just using the telephone. They're more likely to understand technology thats been around for more than 100 years.
"MS-Internet" is confusing to them.
No France
Would you expect any less from FEMA?
I tell you, if they get any more imcompetent, George Bush is going to have to give them a medal.
-Eric
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
As they say, not FEMAs fault
"It is a greater offense to steal men's labor, than their clothes"
I think in the end you're probably better off just using the telephone
--krrrr click--Thank you for calling FEMA, we regret to inform you that since you're using a Nokia mobile phone, we cannot connect you to an operator, please switch to a Motorola cellphone to make full use of our services. -bzzz- Have a nice day. --bleep--
well, it does say specifically, IE 6.0.
It's not kidding.
"Champagne for my real friends - and real pain for my sham friends!" http://ericblade.postalboard.com/
Either way, somebody's in line for another Medal of Honor...
I wasn't aware that using an alternative operating system and/or browser was considered a disability.
It's also a good lesson for designing things even when you *know* the environment in which it will be used...that can change and it's best to work with standards rather than the easiest, but perhaps proprietary choice.
Its statements like that which guarantees you'll never work in management.
GBTW!!!
In the future, I would want to not be isolated from my friends in the Space Station.
Surely it's made of coprolite, not copper.
--
"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
There's a medal for "making the president look relatively less incompetent"?
FGD 135
Er... Yes; I screwed up because I don't get these very often.
Jon Stewart: So no one's going to be held accountable for this at all?
Ed Helms: No. In fact, if history is any indication, they'll be hard-pressed finding enough medals to pin on these guys. My sources tell me the head of FEMA will be dipped in bronze and turned into an award to be given to other officials.