CHOOSE OR LOSE
Choose or Lose is a web campaign being run by MTV to encourage young people to vote and vote smart.
I found the website after it was advertised during a commerical break on MTV. I browsed through the site looking for candidates, issues and other interesting features that would attract the youthful audience. I was completely blown away by my findings.
REASONS FOR RECOGNITION
1. The site is so easy to navigate, I found everything I was looking for within moments. This is crucial for the target demographic of 18-24 because of short attention spans and the "I need information NOW" attitude.
2. I found hundreds of blogs, forums and group discussions detailing every topic you could possibly imagine related to the election. This is also an important element for a group of people who have grown skeptical of the government and want to hear the opinions of their fellow Americans.
3. There were so many features that would hook an 18-24 year old group: dozens of video and audio files, forums to actually commicate with candidates, opinion coloumns, a search engine on popular political issues, and even rewards for being politically active.
MTV ROCKS
Not too bad for a network that's been criticized for trashing youthful minds.
Now at least MTV can say they're not just enforcing teenaged celebrity lusts, or encouraging deranged people to have a reality show detailing their ridiculous lives. They're doing something for posterity--for America's well-being. And for that, they have my vote.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Dixie Chicks Deal Out Political Controversy
DIXIE CHICKS GO DOWN
Over four years ago, the all-female country singing group, the Dixie Chicks, sparked a political controversy with their anti-Bush comments. The trio suffered tremendously when radio stations ceased playing their music, people boo'ed at their concerts, and the Southern community scolded them unrelentlessly. Fortunately, the group bounced back.
In 2006, the Dixie Chicks released a single in response to the whole experience called "Not Ready to Make Nice." In addition to this extremely popular song, they also had a documentary created named "Shut Up and Sing" following the group throughout their fallout and comeback periods.
The singing trio also had an interview with Barbara Walters discussing the experience through their eyes.
THE AMAZING PART
I find it amazing that their song "Not Ready To Make Nice" is readily accessible via iTunes. It's fascinating that the trailer for their documentary can also be found online. Furthermore, the Dixie Chicks exclusive interview with celebrity journalist Barbara Walters can be found in full length on the Web. There have also been many forums created to discuss the controversy, and hundreds of bloggers have posted their opinions on the matter.
HOW THE INTERNET PLAYS A ROLE
The Internet has made all of the above possible for the Dixie Chicks. Their personal hardships are now forever documented online. Their amazing, real-life story of fame and misfortune can be communicated to countless Americans simply by surfing the Web.
The Web has made it possible for groups with political leanings (even country singing sensations) to freely and openly express their ideas. Now that's nothing to be ashamed of, is it Natalie Maines?
Over four years ago, the all-female country singing group, the Dixie Chicks, sparked a political controversy with their anti-Bush comments. The trio suffered tremendously when radio stations ceased playing their music, people boo'ed at their concerts, and the Southern community scolded them unrelentlessly. Fortunately, the group bounced back.
In 2006, the Dixie Chicks released a single in response to the whole experience called "Not Ready to Make Nice." In addition to this extremely popular song, they also had a documentary created named "Shut Up and Sing" following the group throughout their fallout and comeback periods.
The singing trio also had an interview with Barbara Walters discussing the experience through their eyes.
THE AMAZING PART
I find it amazing that their song "Not Ready To Make Nice" is readily accessible via iTunes. It's fascinating that the trailer for their documentary can also be found online. Furthermore, the Dixie Chicks exclusive interview with celebrity journalist Barbara Walters can be found in full length on the Web. There have also been many forums created to discuss the controversy, and hundreds of bloggers have posted their opinions on the matter.
HOW THE INTERNET PLAYS A ROLE
The Internet has made all of the above possible for the Dixie Chicks. Their personal hardships are now forever documented online. Their amazing, real-life story of fame and misfortune can be communicated to countless Americans simply by surfing the Web.
The Web has made it possible for groups with political leanings (even country singing sensations) to freely and openly express their ideas. Now that's nothing to be ashamed of, is it Natalie Maines?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Air America
Air America is a liberal radio show that is aired online. The radio hosts usually choose controversial topics and generally aren't afraid to speak what's on their minds regarding politics. Some subjects push the boundaries of what is valid or appropriate, but nonetheless, Air America is attracting listeners.
You can actually access Air America any time of the day or night through iTunes. Simply click on "Radio" on the left hand side bar, go to "Talk/Spoken Word" at the bottom and choose "Air America" to start listening immediately.
I think that Air America is innovative. It's a shame that those with more conservative leanings don't have a comparable online radio show. I think it would be very interesting to hear the hosts of Air America duel it out with live, Republican guests.
I hope that in the future, politicians choose to utilize this facet of the Web to communicate with voters. Online radio is an effective way to reach all demographics and educate them about your campaign. With the ability to access the interviews and commentary at any point in time, voters would be able to take the elections more into their own hands and be more proactive about their choices.
You can actually access Air America any time of the day or night through iTunes. Simply click on "Radio" on the left hand side bar, go to "Talk/Spoken Word" at the bottom and choose "Air America" to start listening immediately.
I think that Air America is innovative. It's a shame that those with more conservative leanings don't have a comparable online radio show. I think it would be very interesting to hear the hosts of Air America duel it out with live, Republican guests.
I hope that in the future, politicians choose to utilize this facet of the Web to communicate with voters. Online radio is an effective way to reach all demographics and educate them about your campaign. With the ability to access the interviews and commentary at any point in time, voters would be able to take the elections more into their own hands and be more proactive about their choices.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Barack Obama--Insane or Smart?
IN SUMMARY
In a recent article on the web concerning the political talk show, Tucker, the host stated that Barack Obama was "creepy."
What prompted Tucker Carlson to say such a thing?
Simple. Barack Obama recently began targeting young voters in Iowa. Some oddity in the state law apparently allows 17 year olds to caucus in January because they will be eligible to vote in the November 2008 presidential elections.
Carlson said that Obama's tactics had a Khmer Rouge quality to them, and it disturbed him that the senator was able to target such a young group.
MY TAKE ON THINGS
I applaud the guest on that show, Bill Press, for his ideas on the matter. I think he sums up my general attitude when he retorts, "This is, I think, one of the best things that Barack Obama has done. It's very smart. They're 17 today, they're going to be 18 next year. Volunteer this year, vote next year."
It's so important nowadays to capture that elusive demographic--the 18-24 year old group. I really admire Barack Obama for attempting to inspire young adults and move them to action.
ARTICLE'S IMPORTANCE FOR POLITICAL WEB COMMUNICATION
The web is a great communicative tool becuase now it is being used to summarize and analyze stories from other media outlets such as television and newspaper.
This particlar article showcases an interesting bite from Tucker's television show. For people that may have never seen the actual episode, it gives the dialogue from both Tucker Carlson and Bill Press. People can turn to the Web for information they may have missed or forgotten from other media centers.
It may not seem like a big deal--BUT IT IS! The web really is taking over in terms of being the place people go for information. Especially America's youth. If the youth of today are the voters of tomorrow, politicians would do well to respect and utilize the Internet for what it's really worth.
In a recent article on the web concerning the political talk show, Tucker, the host stated that Barack Obama was "creepy."
What prompted Tucker Carlson to say such a thing?
Simple. Barack Obama recently began targeting young voters in Iowa. Some oddity in the state law apparently allows 17 year olds to caucus in January because they will be eligible to vote in the November 2008 presidential elections.
Carlson said that Obama's tactics had a Khmer Rouge quality to them, and it disturbed him that the senator was able to target such a young group.
MY TAKE ON THINGS
I applaud the guest on that show, Bill Press, for his ideas on the matter. I think he sums up my general attitude when he retorts, "This is, I think, one of the best things that Barack Obama has done. It's very smart. They're 17 today, they're going to be 18 next year. Volunteer this year, vote next year."
It's so important nowadays to capture that elusive demographic--the 18-24 year old group. I really admire Barack Obama for attempting to inspire young adults and move them to action.
ARTICLE'S IMPORTANCE FOR POLITICAL WEB COMMUNICATION
The web is a great communicative tool becuase now it is being used to summarize and analyze stories from other media outlets such as television and newspaper.
This particlar article showcases an interesting bite from Tucker's television show. For people that may have never seen the actual episode, it gives the dialogue from both Tucker Carlson and Bill Press. People can turn to the Web for information they may have missed or forgotten from other media centers.
It may not seem like a big deal--BUT IT IS! The web really is taking over in terms of being the place people go for information. Especially America's youth. If the youth of today are the voters of tomorrow, politicians would do well to respect and utilize the Internet for what it's really worth.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Michael Moore
Talk about one of the most controversial political pundits of all time. He's made dozens of films and published numerous books, now he's taking over the web as well.
You may love him, you may hate him, but it's important to respect this man for his ability to communicate political messages effectively via the web.
Moore's website is genius--it pulls readers in and provokes a p0litical dialogue. To achieve this, he uses graphics, plays on words, controversial comments and YouTube videos. Moore is without a doubt, reaching out to a younger and more liberal demographic with these tactics.
While his website is a valuable tool for political news and information, it's also a place for readers to be actively engaged in American politics. As Moore states in his letter in the right hand banner, Americans are taking political matters into their own hands.
Moore's website is just a catalyst to allow the continuation of this movement to action.
So, like him or not, at least Moore is taking a step even beyond communication--he's bringing people together by providing a forum to discuss politics and decide on appropriate actions.
If that's not what democracy is all about, then I don't know what is.
You may love him, you may hate him, but it's important to respect this man for his ability to communicate political messages effectively via the web.
Moore's website is genius--it pulls readers in and provokes a p0litical dialogue. To achieve this, he uses graphics, plays on words, controversial comments and YouTube videos. Moore is without a doubt, reaching out to a younger and more liberal demographic with these tactics.
While his website is a valuable tool for political news and information, it's also a place for readers to be actively engaged in American politics. As Moore states in his letter in the right hand banner, Americans are taking political matters into their own hands.
Moore's website is just a catalyst to allow the continuation of this movement to action.
So, like him or not, at least Moore is taking a step even beyond communication--he's bringing people together by providing a forum to discuss politics and decide on appropriate actions.
If that's not what democracy is all about, then I don't know what is.
Political Cartoonists
The Importance of Political Cartoons
Cartoonists are an integral part of the political world. They communicate ideas and concepts in creative and enlightening ways. Political cartoonists give dimension to our perceptions on political issues.
With political groups shifting their communication to the World Wide Web, certainly political cartoonists have found a new avenue to express their thoughts. There are dozens of web pages now dedicated solely to graphics that are political in nature and thought-provoking.
My Findings
In search of such websites I came upon several interesting finds. The most prominent in my mind was a political cartoon featured just today (10/11/07) in the Detroit News.
It caught my attention because of it's wit and simplicity. It's amazing to me that the popularity of political cartooning in the print media can translate to an arguably stronger image on the web.
Why Political Groups Should Use Cartoons
Political groups should strongly consider using graphics like these in their online communication in order to hook target demographics. In a world where web graphics are often overlooked, the political cartoon still reigns as a supreme way to attract readers.
Personally, I believe that political cartoons say much more than any campaign website ever could. A political cartoon is worth a thousand words--even online.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Political Wikis
In my search for a political wiki, I found myself drawn to several different sites featuring blogs, forums and other open discussions about the political world.
However, this particular story caught my eye. Labeled, "An open letter to the political blogosphere," the post talks about how vital blogs and wikis have become to political campaigners.
The author is attempting to motivate voters to take political matters into their own hands. It urges politicians to realize what a valuable tool the internet really is, and how it could completely change our conventional ideas about campaigning.
Even more interesting, the man who wrote this blog FOUNDED WIKIPEDIA. Talk about a successful guy--he's created the largest and most effective online wiki ever. He is a credible person and politicans should take his initiative. They should allow the public to take politics into their own hands and make the big decisions.
As Jimmy Wales explains, we should move into an "era of net-driven participatory politics."
However, this particular story caught my eye. Labeled, "An open letter to the political blogosphere," the post talks about how vital blogs and wikis have become to political campaigners.
The author is attempting to motivate voters to take political matters into their own hands. It urges politicians to realize what a valuable tool the internet really is, and how it could completely change our conventional ideas about campaigning.
Even more interesting, the man who wrote this blog FOUNDED WIKIPEDIA. Talk about a successful guy--he's created the largest and most effective online wiki ever. He is a credible person and politicans should take his initiative. They should allow the public to take politics into their own hands and make the big decisions.
As Jimmy Wales explains, we should move into an "era of net-driven participatory politics."
Political News At Your Fingertips
The Question
Finding reliable political news on the internet is tough. Finding the specific, reliable political news that you want on the internet is even tougher. Finding the specific, reliable political news that you want on the internet that's CURRENT is the toughest of all.
So, where does that leave us? How can we be informed citizens without the ability or resources to find the things we're looking for? These are big questions that require big answers.
Luckily, while browsing on the internet, I found a big answer.
So, where does that leave us? How can we be informed citizens without the ability or resources to find the things we're looking for? These are big questions that require big answers.
Luckily, while browsing on the internet, I found a big answer.
The Answer
In my search for information on the upcoming political election in 2008, I discovered Electapres.com. This website gives you specific, current and reliable political news about the many candidates for president. The site aggregates all of the daily news stories surrounding candidates and displays them for the public to see.
Electapres.com is a great site because you get news on a variety of presidential hopefuls, as well as information on the biggest issues of the 2008 election.
Certainly, having current political news all in one place makes Electapres.com a top choice for America's voters. The site is also advantageous because it gathers information from many different newspapers, allowing citizens to be exposed to a wide range of perspectives.
Electapres.com is a great site because you get news on a variety of presidential hopefuls, as well as information on the biggest issues of the 2008 election.
Certainly, having current political news all in one place makes Electapres.com a top choice for America's voters. The site is also advantageous because it gathers information from many different newspapers, allowing citizens to be exposed to a wide range of perspectives.
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