Comments on: So what should legislators know about e democracy?

By: Chris Saxman

Chris Saxman — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:58:20 +0000

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.

By: Jim Patrick

Jim Patrick — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:49:40 +0000

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.

By: Jim Patrick’s Shenandoah » Blog Archive » Blogs and elected officials

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:44:48 +0000

[…] Del. Kris Amundson (southeastern Fairfax County) and Del. Bob Brink (Arlington) asked a question on what state legislators should know about â€˜blogsâ€™ â€”reasonably current or updated websites where entries are written in reverse […]

By: Scott’s Morning Brew » Blog Archive » Talking about e-Democracy at a National Conference?

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:25:22 +0000

[…] been reading with great interest the various discussions across the blogs about Kris Amundson’s post concerning blogging, or more importantly, communication with constituents. Good […]

By: Blacknell.net » Using the Internet to Communicate with your Constituents

Blacknell.net » Using the Internet to Communicate with your Constituents — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:33:12 +0000

[…] Del. Kris Amundson (D-Fairfax) recently asked what we think she might want to share with the National Conference of State Legislatures attendees […]

By: Thoughts about electeds and blogs « Vivian J. Paige

Thoughts about electeds and blogs « Vivian J. Paige — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:06:39 +0000

[…] August 6, 2007 Posted by vjp in National, Virginia, Local, Politics. trackback Del. Kris Amundson requested that we give her our thoughts on blogging and web dialogues, for her use in her panel discussion at […]

By: Duane Gran

Duane Gran — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:55:09 +0000

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.

By: Bearing Drift - Virginia Politics and Podcasts » How should electeds use the blogs?

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 19:00:46 +0000

[…] this week, Del. Amundson emailed me WAY too early in the morning with an idea about her upcoming panel appearance on blogging at the National Conference of State Legislators this coming Tuesday. The panel topic is “New Ways to Communicate With Your […]

By: Waldo Jaquith » Blog » Why should elected officials blog?

Waldo Jaquith » Blog » Why should elected officials blog? — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:19:30 +0000

[…] Del. Kris Amundson wants to know what you’d like to say to elected officials about blogging an…. The answers will be presented to the National Conference of State Legislatures. […]

By: A chance to tell electeds about e-democracy « Vivian J. Paige

A chance to tell electeds about e-democracy « Vivian J. Paige — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:57:22 +0000

[…] Virginia, Local, Politics. trackback Del. Kris Amundson, one of the proprietors of 7 West, has to speak next week at the National Conference of State Legislatures. She wants us to help her out. Between […]