Beyond my.barackobama.com: Panel Discussion at Personal Democracy Forum 09 July 6, 2009
While attending the Personal Democracy Forum, I listened to a panel discussion that included Todd Zeigler of The Bivings Group, Heather Lauer of the Pickens Plan, Roz Lemieux of Fission Strategy, and moderator/Washington Post, Jose Antonio Vargas.
The focus of the panel was how social networks and the social web are changing politics.
During initial introductions Lauer shared that the Pickens Plan concept came together last minute. There was an initial meeting last June, and in a few days a campaign was launched. She stressed that when it came to the Pickens Plan social network, a lot of control was given up. Providing this openness for its members has resulted in great success.
“Members of the Pickens Plan are the ambassadors and leaders who will go for war for you,” added Zeigler. He also shared that turning the online activity to offline action is the Holy Grail for the online community. It was interesting to learn that email is still considered the killer app.
Roz Lemieux stated that for many organizations, social networks are still an uphill battle. And for those invested, they would be wise to see the social web as a gift economy. Give more than you take and you will see great results.
Jose Vargus asked the panel to expand on the risks of social networks.
Zeigler stated that organizations continue to have an ongoing fear of being painted unfavorable based on comments made on the various socnets they manage. “I hope we are beyond that point. If you are going to launch a network, you’ve got to have a plan.”
Lemieux felt that a legitimate fear is that an organization may not have the staff to manage or respond at the level that is demanded by the social web.
“The benefits far outweigh the fear. By opening up the community, members are more invested and self moderate,” shared Lauer.
An audience member asked an interesting question on the importance of mobile outreach and its effectiveness.
Roz Lemieux shared that her experience with text messaging may have been too early too soon. On a previous outreach attempt, her audience wasn’t quite ready for mobile organization. She did add this was before mobile technology matured to where it is at now.
Jose Vargus did state for Obama, text messaging was successful, however, it’s still a medium that hasn’t been looked at as well as it should.
“Texting is a more viable solution. Getting people to make a phone call via email is less than 1% success rate. Very difficult to do,” added Lemieux.
Vargus made and important point that developing economies that do not have broadband or computers, will do everything to keep their cell phones charged or communicate via text.
You can catch video highlights of the panel discussion here and here.
