Iain Dale 4 Maidstone?

Mike Ion Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 09:47:34 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Iain Dale is probably going to seek selection as the Tory PPC for Maidstone. I say 'probably' because Iain - as Tom Watson has pointed out - has been remarkably reticent about his plans. If Iain is going to put his name forward for the vacancy I will be fascinated to see how (if?) he will campaign using the Internet? As one of Britain's most prolific bloggers will Iain be exploiting the latest technology to the full? For example should we expect to see:


  • A Dale4Maidstone Facebook Group?
  • A Dale4Maidstone blog?
  • Dale4Maidstone adverts on 18 Doughty Street (I have no idea whether it takes adverts) or on Message Space?
  • Dale4Maidstone TV?

Or will Iain adopt a more 'traditional' approach based on leaflets and door knocking? It should be interesting to observe, after all Iain has a real opportunity to show just how much the Internet really has changed modern political campaigning.





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Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? | 5 comments (5 topical)

Re: Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? (#1)

by swatantra on Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 11:22:30 AM GMT

I hope not. We really must stop PPC's from abusing the internet for their own political gain. Anything they wish to say should be put on their Contituency Website or their own Blog. Iain's Blog is not as interesting as it used to be.


Re: Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? (#2)

by Jag Singh on Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 11:54:35 AM GMT

None of those would be revolutionary uses of technology in a political campaigning context. Just having those tools around doesn't mean people know how to utilise them.


[ Parent ]

Re: Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? (#3)

by Mike Ion on Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 12:05:51 PM GMT

Jag

I think you are right but can you tell us what is the best way to use them in a political campaign?


[ Parent ]

Re: Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? (#4)

by Jag Singh on Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 12:38:02 PM GMT

Heh, I don't give trade-secrets away for free...

But here's a gist: the list you mentioned basically involves different tools reaching the same exact audience - people already very likely to know about Iain. What about the other people who are semi-interested in politics and won't

I'm sceptical about Facebook's worth to a campaign (as are almost all of the US strategists I know) - the organising potential is limited by Facebook's own goals and business value, and the fundraising potential trends toward zilch.

As an example, you're able to send out a thousand facebook messages immediately to people who are interested in your campaign, but can you learn anything about those people? No.

Can you tweak your message so that people who are interested in a specific section of your manifesto will become even more familiar with your campaign? No.

How easy is it for you to receive feedback on one single issue? Really easy. How many political campaigns for elected positions need feedback on only one issue? None.

In my opinion the best campaigns not only tightly integrate their online and offline operations, but also learn (continuously) from their respondents - and that's something that free MySpace and YouTube accounts don't really allow you to do.

"Just because you can drive with your legs dangling out the car window doesn't mean you have to."


[ Parent ]

Re: Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? (#5)

by swatantra on Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 02:19:39 PM GMT

I agree with Jag its devaluing the whole election process dumbing down, playing to the lowest common denominator. If people can't make the effort to source the conventional avenues and read the material for themselves, do they really deserve the vote. I am pretty negative about all this e-electioneering and e-voting.


[ Parent ]

Iain Dale 4 Maidstone? | 5 comments (5 topical)