Internet Fosters Local Political Movements

This is just one of hundreds of stories about how the internet is being used by "the people" in the arena of politics. I'm posting this on my personal blog but it also has a business impact on SoKy.Net because I've recently been hired by a Kentucky State Representative. From a personal standpoint, I have to admit that I am dismayed at the low number of good websites for real people to get involved. From a business standpoint, I'm considering ways that my customer(s) exploit this deficit and make it work for them. I am also considering this from a political party standpoint.

(AP) Chart shows MoveOn.org membership since 1999 and money raised. (AP Graphic) Full Image

Internet Fosters Local Political Movements
Dec 24, 10:04 PM (ET)
By RON FOURNIER

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Frustrated by government and empowered by technology, Americans are filling needs and fighting causes through grass-roots organizations they built themselves - some sophisticated, others quaintly ad hoc. This is the era of people-driven politics.

From a homemaker-turned-kingmaker in Pittsburgh to dog owners in New York to a "gym rat" here in southwest Florida, people are using the Internet to do what politicians can't - or won't - do.

This is their story, but it's also an American story because ordinary folks are doing the extraordinary to find people with similar interests, organize them and create causes and connections.

"People are just beginning to realize how much power they have," said Chris Kofinis, a Democratic consultant who specializes in grass-roots organizing via the Internet.

Whole Article at MyWay.com

It's undeniable that the web is being used by real people to study, discuss and react to political news and events. Look at what Howard Dean accomplished in 2000 using the Internet as a springboard for his "grass roots" efforts as well as the myriad of other political candidates.

Having participated personally on some of the political forums and reading some blogs, my opinion is that they tend to be a little militant, extreme and over the top. People who are not as experienced in internet forums are quickly disgusted by the attacks and name calling that is typical of an un-moderated forum. The Bowling Green Daily News forum is a good example of how a few extremists can drown out the voice of the moderate and reasonable.

The fact remains that mainstream Americans are turning to the internet to get involved. They are surfing politicians websites, state & federal official websites, individuals blogs and soaking up as much information as they can. They are searching for, and finding places that offer the inside scoop on politicians and important issues.

To quote from the above article again:

"...we are craving community and meaning in our lives, people are using these technologies to find others with the same complaints and organize them," he said. "They don't have to just sit in a coffee shop and gripe about politics. They can change politics."

It's happening and people will continue to find places to get involved. Politics can be an explosively passionate topic and while this might make for some frustrating discussions online, it seems to be motivating people to action. They are starting in their newspapers, moving to the internet and then stepping from their homes and getting involved. Oh, and yes they are starting to open their wallets and making online contributions to individual candidates, local and national parties as well.

It would only make sense to me that a smart politician will leverage this culture and make it work for them. They will use this medium just as they would any other only in an appropriate way. Political leaders can use the web for top of mind awareness and to convey their views and agenda on a regular basis. They can get involved, (only the bravest and most confident would do this) on websites and discussions.

From a public relations standpoint, a politician should get involved but do so carefully. They should rely on their team to brief them on the available resources, allow them to help plan responses and counter-responses. They would do well to allow their PR team to be actively involved in any public participation just as they would any "branding" effort.

What the individual can do is start surfing and learning how these blogs and forums work. Bookmark a few favorites and read the sites regularly. See how people interact and notice how some people disrupt online discussions so when you do decide to post a reply, your not surprised. If you want to ad credibility identify yourself clearly, I give little credence to the person who hides behind a screen name to lob grenades into a discussion just to watch it blow up. That said, there is one key caveat; by identifying yourself, you will be opening yourself up to public ridicule, personal attacks and don't be fooled, your community will find out that you are posting online.

Privacy. Most people on the internet know that it's safe to keep your identity secret when online. For the most part, I do subscribe to this however, if you want to make a difference in your local community, at some point you're going to have to tell people who you are. I have shed the fear of being identified and publish my business and personal information online intentionally. If you decide to do this, be warned that it does get complicated. If you are employed by a public figure or you're a small business owner, your online activities can have a negative (or positive) effect on your income stream.

For me, it's not a matter of positive or negative effect on my revenue, nor is a matter of fear a a desire for fame. I've simply decided that if I'm going to publish my opinions, I'm going to do so in the open and allow my own integrity to determine the result. This has not always been effective for a positive outcome but I've decided it's worth the risk. My business partners make comments from time to time that they are concerned, but I assure them that I do my best to express myself in a manner that will not bring harm to our business. I also remind them that I'm not perfect and am likely to make mistakes.

This is getting long and a bit convoluted but the point of all this is that the internet will continue to grow as a source for information and method for people to become active. People should go in knowing the pitfalls as well as the potential rewards. I've met some wonderful people online, learned things that I would never have known and when it's all said and done, my activity on the internet does make me feel a little more involved in my local community.

I'll continue to post here at http://blog.davidfrancis.org and I thank you for reading. In 2006, I will be adding some new features that will allow you to create a private (or public) profile and gain access to a more candid and interactive format. I will also be adding a newsletter this year which will allow you to receive my opinions in your email box "periodically."