Geo's Tech PR & Social Media Post

Citizen 2.0 Training

I've never been what you would call a 'political activist,' and historically I never spent much time considering political matters.  Sure, I'd try to learn about key issues and candidates, and cast my votes accordingly, but that was about it.

One of the reasons for my lack of interest and participation was that I didn't believe that I -- one single individual -- could really make much of a difference, if at all.  I'm sure many Americans feel the same way I did.

However, now that I'm...ahem, older...and having just lived through a historic presidential election, I've changed much of my thinking. 

This was the first election in which social media was effectively used to reach, draw and harness ordinary people into a collective force.  President Obama successfully used the Internet and tools like Twitter and blogs to not only bring people together with common ideals, concerns and objectives, but also to speak as a larger, stronger and unified voice.

I believe that this will serve as a model for future political elections, which is why I'm joining with like-minded individuals next Sunday (March 29, 1-3pm) to offer a free 'Citizen 2.0' Training in my home town of Dublin, California.

The goal of the training is to teach citizens how to use current Web 2.0 and social media tools -- Twitter, Facebook, Yelp, blogs, etc. -- to not only build community and business, but also to engage in and influence local politics.

Joining me in this training are Adriel Hampton, a Gov 2.0 expert and social media enthusiast, and Jonathan Flemming, an accomplished Realtor who is using social media as a core element of his business communications today.  We'll cover the culture of collaboration, transparency and immediacy of Web 2.0, and give an overview of blogging and an introduction to and demo of the social media tools. 

We'll also help people learn to 'talk the talk' and understand the nuances of the various social media tools -- from hashtags to pokes to Tweets.

This should be a great session, and if it goes well, ideally it could be used as a model for other local communities. 

If your interested in attending, you can RSVP on Facebook or email adriel@adrielhampton.com.  You can also find event details at Zvents.

Geo2

The Pretender vs. The Maverick

Ok, this is ridiculous.  I just read a Wired article about the fact that singer Jackson Browne is suing the Republican National Committee and John McCain. 

The suit accuses the RNC of using Browne's 1977 hit, "Running on Empty," without permission in a McCain TV ad during the presidential campaign.  A Los Angeles federal judge just ruled that, despite McCain's assertion that the RNC chose to use the song without his knowledge, McCain will remain as a defendant in the case.

Now, I fully believe in and support copyright protection for artists and musicians.  And, I'm a big fan of Jackson Browne.

But, c'mon.  Is this really about copyright issues?  I suspect that Browne's motivation has little to do with protecting his intellectual property or any "damages" he may have suffered, and a everything to do with making a point.  A political point.  Clearly, an outspoken liberal like Browne does not want in any way to imply any affiliation with the Republican party.  And maybe, just maybe, he wants to stick it to the Republicans and McCain one last time...

Who knows.  But, my point is that this suit is silly and frivolous, and a big waste of time and money.

My suggestion to Browne:  let it go, and go back to do what you do best -- making great music.  And, let McCain get back to doing what he does best -- being mavricky.

Just my two cents.

Geo2

Obama, technology and transparency

On day one, the Obama administration set up a brand new Web site and blog:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/.

Apparently, this supports President Obama's vow to ensure more transparency for the federal government so that all Americans can readily see what is being done on their behalf -- and with their tax dollars -- and to provide a much-needed layer of accountability.

The inaugural post on the new blog reads: 

President Obama has committed to making his administration the most open and transparent in history, and WhiteHouse.gov will play a major role in delivering on that promise. The President's executive orders and proclamations will be published for everyone to review, and that’s just the beginning of our efforts to provide a window for all Americans into the business of the government. You can also learn about some of the senior leadership in the new administration and about the President’s policy priorities.

I'm very encouraged by this, especially given that the last administration was heavily criticized for its "secretive" approach to governing. 

I'm also encouraged that President Obama is embracing the use of technology for this effort.  His love for his Blackberry is well documented.  And, even though security issues still need to be worked out, I'm confident that he will find ways to engage with the American public using a variety of technologies.

That said, there has been some initial criticism that the new blog doesn't allow readers to post comments.  After all, this is what transparency (and social media) is all about.  For the administration to truly foster and enable transparency and accountability, it must find a way for the people to provide feedback (and criticism if necessary) through mechanisms that enable open, honest and regular dialog.

Hopefully the administration will adequately address this issue moving forward.

As always, curious to hear your thoughts.

Geo2