Does Social Media lead to votes? An interesting question I think.
I started this blog to try to engage Burlingtonians in election issues, to try to get more people to the polls by the time election day is upon us. I wrote a couple short blogs, and attached a link to my facebook friends as a start. 8 people that are already involved in the election joined, while only 4 of my 'target' facebook friends joined. Apparently the topic was , or isnt yet interesting enough for people to sign up for the blog. I will continue to try, but I have become even more interested in how the various candidates are using social media, and whether it may be positioning them to get votes on October 25th.
Here is what I have done so far. I have closely studied the friends and followers lists of both the Facebook and Twitter accounts of a number of candidates in the Burlington election, and not only the ones with whom I am a 'friend' or 'follower'.
My conclusion? Even the candidates with huge lists of 'friends' or 'followers' seem to be reaching very few citizens in Burlington. Am I wrong or missing something? Unless Justin Trudeau, Marc Garneau, Spongebob Squarepants, or Mayor Fred are on the Burlington voters list, the VAST majority of people being reached through these efforts is minimal, particularly through Twitter.
It certainly does not mean that the candidates that are the 'technological trailblazers' in 2010 should stop, but I assume they know by now that when they talk issues, they are talking pretty much to themselves, or at least to a VERY small group of 'us' who are following.
**I havent lost hope, and will continue to try to find election related items that may interest the 'serial non-voter' here in Burlington.
I have to disagree Casey-- Nobody would vote for Sponge Bob--but Mr. Crabs would be a shew in!
ReplyDeleteNow, when it comes to social media there is a little more than just your own group of associates and friends pitching in.
Each candidate needs a well publicized website and a blog within it to personalize, (forge a personal relationship with the persona). In interviews it needs to be introduced as something different and unique--to draw.
The site needs clear and concise information about what they want to change and what they believe, hopefully delivered in an entertaining way--but most importantly it needs to contain the salesmanship and novelty to take top of mind awareness. That's what people talk about.
The site has to be a hub--a meeting place--a way to communicate in a fairly casual way with the guy they elect and it should remain that open drive-thru window throughout their term.
I think having a candidate that will be available for feedback, complaints and even praise will help make the world of politics more viable to Joe Average.
well said Lawrence!
ReplyDelete