There’s a difference between ‘network’ and ‘connect’
Some of my online connections from around the world are more likely to roll up their sleeves and help me achieve a goal than people I see several times a week.
2012 in digital public affairs and communication: a rear-view
A summary list of 2012 highlights in digital public affairs and communication.
Yochai Benkler: Blueprint for Democratic Participation
Yochai Benkler, professor of law and co-director of Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, uses the case of the proposed SOPA legislation to examine how networks came together to increase awareness and put pressure on US Congress. In his talk, Blueprint for Democratic Participation, Mr. Benkler explains how a series of events derailed the passing [...]
Digital makeover: Paul Dewar
This is the first in a new series of posts I’m going to publish. In each, I’ll do an assessment of one politician’s web presence. To be clear, each of these posts will examine and make recommendations for the MP to have a greater impact online. I am not going to redesign their websites. In [...]
2% success (partly skimmed)
I was quoted in a piece by Misty Harris of Postmedia earlier today (see Taking it to the tweets: Obama wages debt battle online). Misty and I have spoken several times over the last few months about the role of digital channels in political communication and engagement. Most of the time our conversations take place [...]
Extending relationships and building networks
If you follow me on Twitter you might have seen me gripe about “canned” connection requests. I find this to be particularly concerning when professionals send a connection request through LinkedIn… nothing like the generic “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” several times a day to make you realize people [...]
eDiplomacy and the US State Department
Members of the private and public sectors in Ottawa — public affairs professionals, civil servants and a few politically engaged folk — were invited to attend a video session with U.S. Department of State‘s Policy Advisor for Innovation Ben Scott last week. Mr. Scott, spoke about the transformations happening in social media, technology innovation, and [...]
The increasing depth of Twitter in #elxn41
I’ve been looking at traffic patterns on Twitter for the first four weeks of the election campaign. What’s particularly interesting is how the overall reach of election related tweets has increased even with fluctuating levels of traffic. Even though traffic is down in the most recent week of the campaign compared to the first week, [...]
Political theatre in the digital age
Political insiders and enthusiasts often talk about the “theatre of politics.” This is typically event during Question Period where harsh words and shouting are mixed in to the discussion. It makes for better television and radio than a polite exchange. Some might say the passionate politician gets the air time. The truth is, humdrum discussions [...]
Stop competing with yourself
I’ve been accused of being a gear-head; a person who collects cool gadgets because, well, they’re cool and they’re hooked in to my interests. That means a musician collects several instruments, bigger and better amplifiers, more effects than they need, some really cool accessories and the latest and greatest home studio software to record and [...]
Online tools help you become hyper-local
Social networking is great for opening doors to new connections as well as sustaining and even growing existing personal and professional relationships. A popular feature of new technology is time and place shifting digital-social interactions; you can be anywhere, anywhen. Of course, real-time communication is also possible through text chats and services such as Skype. [...]
Human Synthesis: Distinguishing between networks and communities
The terms network and community are often used interchangeably in social media, which is probably why some people struggle in their effort to make an impact online. A network is an interconnected system. It functions as a channel through which information, ideas and opportunities can travel, reaching tuned-in members along the way. A community is [...]
Connect
Connect with me on the following social media platforms.