Ron Paul and Distributed Online Campaigning

And precisely why Ron would make the best president.
He would not waste the taxpayers money on frivolities.

He has raised millions — more than Rudy or McCain has in NH, but that does not mean he has to waste it when there are free things to use.

His website is the best and does what it needs to do.

No website is going to make Fred Thompson look like the man that Ron Paul already is.

And precisely why Ron would make the best president.
He would not waste the taxpayers money on frivolities.

He has raised millions — more than Rudy or McCain has in NH, but that does not mean he has to waste it when there are free things to use.

His website is the best and does what it needs to do.

No website is going to make Fred Thompson look like the man that Ron Paul already is.

By the way, Hillary’s website censors comments. Why would Paul want to do that? It’s useless.

You are also assuming Paul’s campaign made use of these sites on purpose or by his directions. NOT SO. I have to tell you a secret; the campaign never did ANYTHING of the kind!

That is what makes this phenomenon all the more valuable — and his support all the more valid — the people did this THEMSELVES with no direction from Paul.

This is his solid and dedicated support.

By the way, Hillary’s website censors comments. Why would Paul want to do that? It’s useless.

You are also assuming Paul’s campaign made use of these sites on purpose or by his directions. NOT SO. I have to tell you a secret; the campaign never did ANYTHING of the kind!

That is what makes this phenomenon all the more valuable — and his support all the more valid — the people did this THEMSELVES with no direction from Paul.

This is his solid and dedicated support.

NH – you are right. Paul’s supporters lead the charge into these venues. But at this point I think the Paul campaign is doing a good job of using their website to deepen participation in these external sites.

NH – you are right. Paul’s supporters lead the charge into these venues. But at this point I think the Paul campaign is doing a good job of using their website to deepen participation in these external sites.

Todd but you said his schedule was only on Eventful when it’s not. They were overwhelmed and had to redo their site, never thinking they would get this much support. Just because the press won’t cover it, Paul has the biggest parties in NH, and the most people at rallies. In one photo I have, CNN cut out 200 sign holders in favor of shots with 25 for each of the other 3 candidates. There was an article in the UL that told how Paul made more money than McCain or Rudy in NH! There is a concerted effort to bury this in the press and supporters are making up for it by populating those others sites and wanting to see every video or audio there is of Ron. Many of us keep websites with this information on it as well, so you have barely scratched the surface of website that have Ron Paul information and articles on them.

Sure, he’s not going to tell them to stop ‘meeting up’ and such, and now these folks can be recruited to work with the campaign…we have more volunteers than we know what to do with and they will work all their time to do it.

Todd but you said his schedule was only on Eventful when it’s not. They were overwhelmed and had to redo their site, never thinking they would get this much support. Just because the press won’t cover it, Paul has the biggest parties in NH, and the most people at rallies. In one photo I have, CNN cut out 200 sign holders in favor of shots with 25 for each of the other 3 candidates. There was an article in the UL that told how Paul made more money than McCain or Rudy in NH! There is a concerted effort to bury this in the press and supporters are making up for it by populating those others sites and wanting to see every video or audio there is of Ron. Many of us keep websites with this information on it as well, so you have barely scratched the surface of website that have Ron Paul information and articles on them.

Sure, he’s not going to tell them to stop ‘meeting up’ and such, and now these folks can be recruited to work with the campaign…we have more volunteers than we know what to do with and they will work all their time to do it.

Aye, as noted above, Paul’s huge explosion on all of these sites is spontaneously generated by his growing fan base, there is not direction from on high. It’s good to see them harnessing it though.

Aye, as noted above, Paul’s huge explosion on all of these sites is spontaneously generated by his growing fan base, there is not direction from on high. It’s good to see them harnessing it though.

The fact that his campaign is distributed, and not centrally planned is merely a reflection of the grass roots nature of his support. There’s a lot of VERY energetic and enthusiastic supporters, who are unwilling to wait for orders to get started.

The fact that his campaign is distributed, and not centrally planned is merely a reflection of the grass roots nature of his support. There’s a lot of VERY energetic and enthusiastic supporters, who are unwilling to wait for orders to get started.

So Paul has a great website because he doesn’t micromanage it, but rather essentially outsources it (beyond a few core functions) to website where it can be done better and cheaper by private parties.

Same as what he’d do for the federal government, which is why he’s going to win.

So Paul has a great website because he doesn’t micromanage it, but rather essentially outsources it (beyond a few core functions) to website where it can be done better and cheaper by private parties.

Same as what he’d do for the federal government, which is why he’s going to win.

As a (small “l”) libertarian, Ron Paul understands the concept of spontaneous order and is using it to great effect.
The nature and structure of his campaign proves his point that we don’t need a lot of government to have a rational society.

As a (small “l”) libertarian, Ron Paul understands the concept of spontaneous order and is using it to great effect.
The nature and structure of his campaign proves his point that we don’t need a lot of government to have a rational society.

I think this is a vitally important point to make.

Ron Paul is not using the Internet to pull his supporters along, his supporters are using the internet to push Ron Paul Forward.

This is the essential difference with Ron Paul’s campaign and it is what Dean lost sight of in 2004. Howard Dean tried to “rally” his troops after a disappointing IA result. He tried to push on a string. It came off as desparate and pepole stop paying attention.

Hopefully, Ron Paul won’t make the same mistake.

Laters

I think this is a vitally important point to make.

Ron Paul is not using the Internet to pull his supporters along, his supporters are using the internet to push Ron Paul Forward.

This is the essential difference with Ron Paul’s campaign and it is what Dean lost sight of in 2004. Howard Dean tried to “rally” his troops after a disappointing IA result. He tried to push on a string. It came off as desparate and pepole stop paying attention.

Hopefully, Ron Paul won’t make the same mistake.

Laters

As other commenters have made clear, you seem to have the perspective of the Paul campaign backwards. His website design is a reaction to what the independent activists are already doing. Dr. Paul is no internet expert, just ask him. Rather, internet experts are attracted to his message and his unparalleled integrity, and our efforts are largely uncoordinated. In fact, we’ve surprised him with our successes so far. I don’t think he ever imagined he’d be the talk of the net this year. Looking at this site’s numbers, he’ll be the top Republican by every one of your measures by next week. Have you considered adding website hits and google searches to your list of indicators?

As other commenters have made clear, you seem to have the perspective of the Paul campaign backwards. His website design is a reaction to what the independent activists are already doing. Dr. Paul is no internet expert, just ask him. Rather, internet experts are attracted to his message and his unparalleled integrity, and our efforts are largely uncoordinated. In fact, we’ve surprised him with our successes so far. I don’t think he ever imagined he’d be the talk of the net this year. Looking at this site’s numbers, he’ll be the top Republican by every one of your measures by next week. Have you considered adding website hits and google searches to your list of indicators?

My mistake, I came here through techpresident.com, and my last reference was to that site, not this one.

My mistake, I came here through techpresident.com, and my last reference was to that site, not this one.

Ron Who?

Ron Who?

Personally, I love seeing ronpaul2008.com link all of those communities together. anyone who really wants the truth doesn’t go to the campaign site, they go to other sites to see things like voting records, interviews, etc. i think by allowing that, Dr. Paul shows he has nothing to hide and how his supporters are going from the internet to real life.

Personally, I love seeing ronpaul2008.com link all of those communities together. anyone who really wants the truth doesn’t go to the campaign site, they go to other sites to see things like voting records, interviews, etc. i think by allowing that, Dr. Paul shows he has nothing to hide and how his supporters are going from the internet to real life.

I hear a lot of these websites with no mention of Ebay. Go to Ebay and search Ron Paul and see how many items there are to bid on. And you would never believe the amount of bids this stuff is getting.

I hear a lot of these websites with no mention of Ebay. Go to Ebay and search Ron Paul and see how many items there are to bid on. And you would never believe the amount of bids this stuff is getting.

I heard Ron say yesterday I forget where but he said I think the people will rise up. Were just getting started in my 47 yrs I’ve never been so excited about a candidate. For the first time since I could vote I feel I have a choice

I heard Ron say yesterday I forget where but he said I think the people will rise up. Were just getting started in my 47 yrs I’ve never been so excited about a candidate. For the first time since I could vote I feel I have a choice

I wouldn’t say that Ron Paul is short on funds. He has had a flood of donations in the last three months, and is expected to break the $5M barrier at the next reporting period.

He will have more money than any of the Rudy McRomneySon Campaigns, and is approaching McCain.

I wouldn’t say that Ron Paul is short on funds. He has had a flood of donations in the last three months, and is expected to break the $5M barrier at the next reporting period.

He will have more money than any of the Rudy McRomneySon Campaigns, and is approaching McCain.

I was with Ron all day today and it was wonderful. We stopped at a little obscure radio station in southern NH and all the people there knew him, loved him and were already sporting bumper stickers of one kind or another.

I was with Ron all day today and it was wonderful. We stopped at a little obscure radio station in southern NH and all the people there knew him, loved him and were already sporting bumper stickers of one kind or another.

Also check out the forums!

http://www.RonPaulForums.com

We have lots of grassroots activists chatting it up!

Also check out the forums!

http://www.RonPaulForums.com

We have lots of grassroots activists chatting it up!

Make sure to check out Ron Paul Television Videos at;

http://www.FreeMe.TV

Some other cool sites;

http://www.RonPaulNation.com

http://www.RonPaulMessageboard.com

Make sure to check out Ron Paul Television Videos at;

http://www.FreeMe.TV

Some other cool sites;

http://www.RonPaulNation.com

http://www.RonPaulMessageboard.com

The Fred Thompson cannot fabricate one thing: grassFIRE support. Sorry, Fred.

The Fred Thompson cannot fabricate one thing: grassFIRE support. Sorry, Fred.

Distributed online campaigning is cool and gives us a nice, warm feeling inside, but it’s no strategy to actually win a race.

Modern campaigns that win rely heavily on data. To crunch the numbers and formulate strategy, they need the data telling them exactly who their supporters are, what they’re doing, how many are doing it, and who the most active ones are. When a campaign relies on external websites built by external companies with closed data platforms, the campaigns are not going to be able to get the data they need in order to wage an effective campaign. This is exactly why My.BarackObama and Edwards’ OneCorps exist.

Obviously Ron Paul doesn’t have their budget, but I would think he could recruit a bunch of volunteer web developers to build an organizing platform.

Distributed online campaigning is cool and gives us a nice, warm feeling inside, but it’s no strategy to actually win a race.

Modern campaigns that win rely heavily on data. To crunch the numbers and formulate strategy, they need the data telling them exactly who their supporters are, what they’re doing, how many are doing it, and who the most active ones are. When a campaign relies on external websites built by external companies with closed data platforms, the campaigns are not going to be able to get the data they need in order to wage an effective campaign. This is exactly why My.BarackObama and Edwards’ OneCorps exist.

Obviously Ron Paul doesn’t have their budget, but I would think he could recruit a bunch of volunteer web developers to build an organizing platform.

Go Ron Paul! Go Ron Paul! God Bless Ron Paul! Ron Paul for President 2008!

Ron Paul in CNN debate on June 5, 2007!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....wJKGfAWQUo

“In the time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act” GEORGE ORWELL

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and he carries his banners openly. But the traitor moves among those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the galleys, heard in the very hall of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor—he speaks in the accents familiar to his victims, and wears their face and their garment, and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation—he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of a city—he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to be feared.

— Cicero: orator, statesman, political theorist, lawyer and philosopher of Ancient Rome.

Go Ron Paul! Go Ron Paul! God Bless Ron Paul! Ron Paul for President 2008!

Ron Paul in CNN debate on June 5, 2007!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....wJKGfAWQUo

“In the time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act” GEORGE ORWELL

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and he carries his banners openly. But the traitor moves among those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the galleys, heard in the very hall of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor—he speaks in the accents familiar to his victims, and wears their face and their garment, and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation—he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of a city—he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to be feared.

— Cicero: orator, statesman, political theorist, lawyer and philosopher of Ancient Rome.

Nick,

I too am excited about all the donations flooding into Ron Paul’s campaign, but I feel the need to correct you on something, to save you some embarassment later.

Even if Ron Paul raises 5 million (more on this in a moment) that will only put him in a tie for 3rd with McPain.

Julie-Annie and Flipper each have around $10 million. Please note that those numebrs are from last qtr. They will have also seen some growth in donations.

Ron Paul needs every penney he can get his hands on. Even if Ron Paul had $10 million right now, it might not be enough to win the GOP nomination. After winning the GOP nomination, he will have to go up against Jillary Edbamaton. Ron Paul may need $100 million by the time this is all done.

Finally, I have read some other reports that suggest only 2-3 million has been raised. I don’t know, I hope it’s closer to $5 mil than $2 mil, because so many have been repeating the $5 mil number, that I worry about blowback if it turns out to be lower.

But all that is minor compared to the fact that Ron Paul is growing faster than anyone, and is going to be world’s ahead of the other 2nd tier candidates come next reporting period.

Later,
Kevin

Donate.
Register Republican.
Get elected to the convention.
Nominate Ron Paul.
Vote Ron Paul in 2008.

Nick,

I too am excited about all the donations flooding into Ron Paul’s campaign, but I feel the need to correct you on something, to save you some embarassment later.

Even if Ron Paul raises 5 million (more on this in a moment) that will only put him in a tie for 3rd with McPain.

Julie-Annie and Flipper each have around $10 million. Please note that those numebrs are from last qtr. They will have also seen some growth in donations.

Ron Paul needs every penney he can get his hands on. Even if Ron Paul had $10 million right now, it might not be enough to win the GOP nomination. After winning the GOP nomination, he will have to go up against Jillary Edbamaton. Ron Paul may need $100 million by the time this is all done.

Finally, I have read some other reports that suggest only 2-3 million has been raised. I don’t know, I hope it’s closer to $5 mil than $2 mil, because so many have been repeating the $5 mil number, that I worry about blowback if it turns out to be lower.

But all that is minor compared to the fact that Ron Paul is growing faster than anyone, and is going to be world’s ahead of the other 2nd tier candidates come next reporting period.

Later,
Kevin

Donate.
Register Republican.
Get elected to the convention.
Nominate Ron Paul.
Vote Ron Paul in 2008.

What I want to know Todd is this:

You accused/questioned whether Ron Paul supporters were “gaming digg” here: http://www.bivingsreport.com/2.....s-section/

Naming a few of us in the process.

Did you write/post that article BEFORE or AFTER you were employed by the Thompson campaign?

What I want to know Todd is this:

You accused/questioned whether Ron Paul supporters were “gaming digg” here: http://www.bivingsreport.com/2.....s-section/

Naming a few of us in the process.

Did you write/post that article BEFORE or AFTER you were employed by the Thompson campaign?

Dr. Ron Paul has been successful because of:

1. His message of liberty and the end of the Neocon dynasty.

2. His 20 years of consistant and deliberate preformace as a Congressman

3. His honest and open approach to public speaking.

MySpace, YouTube, Digg only supply the content that Ron Paul supports want, the Man and the Message supply the demand.

You won’t be able to duplicate this with Fred. We need only point to what he has voted for while a Senator and he becomes a footnote next to Dr. Paul.

Though I am sure you are getting paid a nice sum to work for Fred. And in the end dollars matter more than principles or personal honor, right?

Dr. Ron Paul has been successful because of:

1. His message of liberty and the end of the Neocon dynasty.

2. His 20 years of consistant and deliberate preformace as a Congressman

3. His honest and open approach to public speaking.

MySpace, YouTube, Digg only supply the content that Ron Paul supports want, the Man and the Message supply the demand.

You won’t be able to duplicate this with Fred. We need only point to what he has voted for while a Senator and he becomes a footnote next to Dr. Paul.

Though I am sure you are getting paid a nice sum to work for Fred. And in the end dollars matter more than principles or personal honor, right?

Specsaregood – we began working for Thompson in late May. That post was written in March, well before that. Thanks.

Luigi – I think you’ve explained the downside of this approach very well.

Specsaregood – we began working for Thompson in late May. That post was written in March, well before that. Thanks.

Luigi – I think you’ve explained the downside of this approach very well.

Perfect example of “Leaderless Resistance.”

1. Place out a clear goal.
2. Allow each person to figure out how to personally accomplish that goal within their own means.
3. Sit back and watch.

With this in mind, it is impossible to “cut the head off the snake” since what you have given birth to is a hydra.

There is no “central plan” to anticipate and counter because there is no head.

All you have are a million brushfires for the other guys to try to put out which will wind up an exercise in futility.

Perfect example of “Leaderless Resistance.”

1. Place out a clear goal.
2. Allow each person to figure out how to personally accomplish that goal within their own means.
3. Sit back and watch.

With this in mind, it is impossible to “cut the head off the snake” since what you have given birth to is a hydra.

There is no “central plan” to anticipate and counter because there is no head.

All you have are a million brushfires for the other guys to try to put out which will wind up an exercise in futility.

“But the strategy here is also very sound: by not giving supporters much to do on his own site he maximizes the amount of noise they make in other venues.”

That’s actually very insightful. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

As for Dr. Paul breaking the $5 million mark, I can only hope and pray. I’ve given $200 myself in the past couple months, and encouraged many of my family and friends to also donate before June 30. Here’s hoping!

“But the strategy here is also very sound: by not giving supporters much to do on his own site he maximizes the amount of noise they make in other venues.”

That’s actually very insightful. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

As for Dr. Paul breaking the $5 million mark, I can only hope and pray. I’ve given $200 myself in the past couple months, and encouraged many of my family and friends to also donate before June 30. Here’s hoping!

Glad to hear that Todd.

I think you give the campaign too much credit though. I don’t think the use of these 3rd party tools/sites is a result of being cash-strapped or a devious plan to make noise in other venues. The massive usage of these external sites is a direct result of this campaign being a REAL grassroots campaign. The Ron Paul campaign was completely caught offguard and unprepared to handle the massive amount of internet support. His website did not have any of these features, so supporters took it upon themselves to use these tools before the campaign ever linked or promoted them. The campaign has been playing catch-up with his supporters and are letting us –the supporters– lead the way.

I think the way in which Ron Paul’s campaign is being run is indicative of his platform and philosophy. As he said in one of the debates, “The problem with washington is that we either BAN or SUBSIDIZE everything”, Ron Paul would rather let the Free Market work things out. Why should his campaign waste the time and money to compete against the external web services that his volunteers and supporters already have chosen as acceptable tools? In many ways, what you are describing is the way he sees the role of government. The government (campaign) should not be providing services that businesses or charities can do a better job of providing.

Glad to hear that Todd.

I think you give the campaign too much credit though. I don’t think the use of these 3rd party tools/sites is a result of being cash-strapped or a devious plan to make noise in other venues. The massive usage of these external sites is a direct result of this campaign being a REAL grassroots campaign. The Ron Paul campaign was completely caught offguard and unprepared to handle the massive amount of internet support. His website did not have any of these features, so supporters took it upon themselves to use these tools before the campaign ever linked or promoted them. The campaign has been playing catch-up with his supporters and are letting us –the supporters– lead the way.

I think the way in which Ron Paul’s campaign is being run is indicative of his platform and philosophy. As he said in one of the debates, “The problem with washington is that we either BAN or SUBSIDIZE everything”, Ron Paul would rather let the Free Market work things out. Why should his campaign waste the time and money to compete against the external web services that his volunteers and supporters already have chosen as acceptable tools? In many ways, what you are describing is the way he sees the role of government. The government (campaign) should not be providing services that businesses or charities can do a better job of providing.

Also check out the forums!

http://www.RonPaulForum.com

We have lots of grassroots activists chatting it up!

Also check out the forums!

http://www.RonPaulForum.com

We have lots of grassroots activists chatting it up!

Fred Thompson has a lot more online support than Ron Paul.

Fred Thompson has a lot more online support than Ron Paul.

Fred Thompson forum….really? doesn’t look like that website is even up

Fred Thompson forum….really? doesn’t look like that website is even up

Dang..I SO wanted to see Fred’s forum, but it’s out for routine maintenance. So soon?

Dang..I SO wanted to see Fred’s forum, but it’s out for routine maintenance. So soon?

[...] From The Bivings Report… The Paul website itself essentially consists of a homepage, an issues section, a bio page, a donation form, a sign up form and a blog. Interestingly for the social candidate, his blog doesn’t even allow comments. Instead, it encourages visitors to discuss/interact with the blog content on social sites like Digg, del.icio.us, StumbleUpon and Facebook. He seems to deliberately avoid building a community on his own site. Due to this, supporters have no choice but to organize elsewhere. [...]

http://www.FreeMe.TV

http://www.FreeMe.TV

I am from Sydney, Australia and have never had any interested in American politics as I (amongst others) believe the majority are corrupt and power hungry with no integrity.

After coming across Ron Paul’s videos on Youtube by accident I must say that he has inspired me and ignited the hope back into my beliefs that there are actually smart, genuine and honest people out there who want to do good for their country.

Wish him all the best! Good luck and keep up all your wonderful support!

I am from Sydney, Australia and have never had any interested in American politics as I (amongst others) believe the majority are corrupt and power hungry with no integrity.

After coming across Ron Paul’s videos on Youtube by accident I must say that he has inspired me and ignited the hope back into my beliefs that there are actually smart, genuine and honest people out there who want to do good for their country.

Wish him all the best! Good luck and keep up all your wonderful support!

Fred? do we really need another actor to act like good president or do we want a REALLY GOOD PRESIDENT! Ron has been blessed with the best cheerleaders of all time he barely has to do anything, we’ve already done most of the work for him. GO PAUL!

Fred? do we really need another actor to act like good president or do we want a REALLY GOOD PRESIDENT! Ron has been blessed with the best cheerleaders of all time he barely has to do anything, we’ve already done most of the work for him. GO PAUL!

Check out the grassroots support in NH on:
http://www.ronpaulhq.com

Great Tshirts and lots of events to help Dr Paul win NH.

If you live in or near NH come to the CNHT picnic on 7/7/07 to support Ron Paul!

Check out the grassroots support in NH on:
http://www.ronpaulhq.com

Great Tshirts and lots of events to help Dr Paul win NH.

If you live in or near NH come to the CNHT picnic on 7/7/07 to support Ron Paul!

Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! qbtfntdohn

Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! qbtfntdohn