Maybe it was the triple latte. Early one morning this week, I began thinking about what I could tell state legislators next week at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting. I’m scheduled to be on a panel called “New Ways to Communicate with Your Constituents.” I’ll be talking about blogging and web dialogues, two great interactive communications strategies.
Thinking about the lively and robust policy conversations we have through our blogs, I found myself wishing I could take all the Virginia bloggers into the room with me. Then I thought, “Well, why couldn’t I?”
So here’s your chance. Between now and Tuesday, think about what you’d like to say to elected officials about the new, interactive technology. Why should Republicans (or Democrats, depending on your leanings) blog? Is live blogging worth it or is it too big a risk? What’s the best blogging success story you’ve seen? Any advice to elected officials on things they should never do?
Two of the real veterans of Virginia blogging, Kenton and Waldo, (think about it–two veterans whose combined age still doesn’t total 50!) caution me that bloggers are an independent lot, and that a lot of bloggers might not want to participate because they don’t like to be told what to write about. But hey, it’s August and frankly we’re all a little tired of writing about abuser fees.
So put your thoughts on paper. Er, electrons. Whatever. I’ll create a post that links to all of you–and share it with legislators across the country.
Democracy began in Virginia 400 years ago. E democracy is starting here now.
Here is my cheeky suggestion. When you frame the question, ask if legislators should write and communicate with their constituents. Nearly all will agree that this is reasonable. Then segue into asking if they would write on a weblog.
I rather prefer calling this digital writing than weblogging. The technology will change but the essence of communication should strike a chord with most people.
Kris – I started to comment, then went on way too long. So I put my answer to your query in an article on my blog.
I know that many legislators have an undue fear of blogs and have told me as much. I think blogging is an excellent and frankly inexpensive way to communicate with constituents.
Yes, many things are taken out of context in the media and we all recognize that. But the blogosphere should be embraced and used as part of any communication strategy.
With today’s young adults using everything from Facebook and MySpace to text messaging and emailing, it only makes sense to engage in the media of the future and learn how to effectively communicate what is going on.
Several times, I have posted on a subject and changed an inaccurate post and set the record straight.
The blogosphere is evolving rapidly and overall I have been impressed with many blogs. Some are, naturally, over the top but most are responsible and will admit errors in posts or opinions which I think benefits us all.
Besides, it is not that a great number of people, for now, read blogs but rather WHO reads them. They are a powerful part of the political world and need to be taken seriously. Naturally, those that are serious are taken more seriously and those that come off like kooks with a laptop will be viewed the same.
Just my two cents. Fear not the future, if you wish to participate in it.