Internet Workshop

Presented by:- BlogLeft Massachusetts- Communications SubCommittee of the DSC

Schedule

Overview from 2:30 PM to 3:05 PMBreakouts 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM- Netroots 101- Social Networking Technology- Citizen Journalism- Cable and Video4:10 – 4:30Informal questions/networking Hands-on training

Definition

- Blog: from “web log”- Blog is a website- Usually maintained by an individual - Regular entries- Commentary, descriptions of events, or other material- Commonly displayed in reverse chronological order- "Blog" used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog- Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject

Definition adopted from Wikipedia

Anatomy of a blog

- Front page- Diaries- Comments- More in Netroots 101

This session

The Importance of BlogsA case study – BlueMassGroupIntroduction to “blog culture”Overview of blogsCitizen journalismIndividual activism

Blue Mass Group

Blue Mass Group

Blog Culture

A community Respect the other membersObserve before you speakBuild “street cred” – a meritocracyBack up what you say

Blog Culture

Conversation – not a press releaseRead what people have to sayRespond as neededNot a tightly controlled environmentBe prepared for questionsDisagreementsDisclosure

Blog Culture

With time a good blogging strategy can allow you to get your message past the media filters.

Overview of Blogs

While distinctions sometimes blur, there are generally three different kinds of blogs:

1. Issue-based Blogs

2. Local Blogs

3. Community Blogs

Issue Blogs

Blogs that are based on specific issues.

Common types:

Environment, GLBT, Health Care, Media, Political Satire, State Politics, etc.

Such as: Truthandprogress.com, FireDogLake,TalkingPointsMemo and even Ryan’s Take, my blog.

● Pros: Gives people specific places to look for info on specific topics.

Covers issues not frequently included in the mainstream media.

Can be as unique as the person who writes it.

● Cons: Harder to build an audience and keep up on a daily basis.

Local Blogs

Blogs that are local in nature – based on specific regions, towns or wards.

Popular examples:

BelowBoston.com, LeftinLowell.com

● Pros: You can make a real difference in your community.

● We need as many local blogs as we can get.

● It's relatively easy to gain an audience in your town.

● Politicians will think you're important!!

● Cons: Still need to write frequently, but can share the load with others.

Community Blogs

Blogs that allow anyone to sign up, create content, and be a part of the community.

Rarely issue-specific, though often communities of like-minded people.

DailyKos & BlueMassGroup

● Pros: Open Platform with already-existing audience (so you don't have to build your own).

Almost all bloggers participate in community blogs.

● Can build an audience for your own blog

Crossposting Building Reputation

● Cons: It isn't your own blog. Posts need to interest the

community. Big blogs (i.e. dailykos), drown

out good diaries. By being open, anyone can

participate – which isn't always a good thing.

Internet Workshop

Individuals can make a difference- E-Mail- Facebook, Twitter- Blog- Video- Raise Money – ActBlue- Citizen Journalism

Internet Workshop

Technology is just a tool-One of many multiple hits-Reinforce personal communication-Communication of information

Internet Workshop

THANK YOU!!!!