The internet is rapidly changing the way we work, communicate, consume and socialise. You’ve probably heard the arguments: mass markets are being replaced by a mass of niches. Everyone with access to the internet has access to as much information as everyone else. Old hierarchies are crumbling, and concentrations of power are being diluted.
We are only beginning to understand the effect the internet will have on the way we do things in the future. But what we do know – and what the Conservative Party rightly bangs on about – is that it will continue to empower individuals and communities in more and more ways.
Conservatives recognise that the instantaneous and global nature of modern communications means not only that we can disperse information and decision-making away from the centre – but that we must.
This understanding of what we call the post-bureaucratic age informs the Conservative approach to policy-making. But if this understanding informs the way we believe we should organise ourselves as a country, it is only natural that it also informs the way we organise ourselves as a party.
The power of web 2.0 has not been in the top-down broadcasting of information, but in collaboration and the building of communities. Just think of the bottom-up, user-generated sites like YouTube and Wikipedia.
We’ve already been applying many of the principles underlying web 2.0 to the way we do politics in this country, but this will continue apace as we near the General Election. That’s why I’m taking up a new role in the party with a mission to do just that. In the coming months we will be launching some exciting new tools for online organising. It will be completely about empowering you to make a difference – so watch this webspace.
Comment by Sally Roberts on August 5, 2009 at 5:42 pm
The success of the Barack Obama campaign in the US shows us how essential the internet is as a campaign tool! Very best of luck in your new role, Sam and I look forward to the new developments which lie ahead.
Comment by Benjamin Fung on August 7, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I appreciate very much the efforts aiming to bring the Conservative Party in line with the technology age. But have you thought about technology past the Web 2.0? An iPhone/iPod application is already created by the Liberal Democrats, and I think that our Party could make a better one – change it so that it is more interactive.
By means of interactive, I understand that as a Party that aims to improve by change, the Conservatives would be happy to listen to the balanced view of society and satisfactorily addressing all of them while still retaining modestly its original direction and beliefs. Consequently, would not an online forum, potentially joined by many who uses the internet, be an useful idea? Discussions may be from supporters who genuinely wish to improve the Party and its politics, as well as queries from others – whom we may be possible to sway to give us their support! It could also collaborate ideas into integrated Conservatives policies that may convince better and have wider support.
New methods in improving the transparency is important in restoring trust into the Conservative Party and the political system as a whole after the eventful year – but it must be relevant! Many do not want simply promotional videos, or dated facts that have a lesser priority than solving current problems, especially the financial crisis. My hope is that videos could be uploaded more often, and of a much richer variety and diversity as well: such as during conferences, events, meetings, or even a chat between a few politicians – and fewer of those with one person talking to the screen, as if trying to sell something.
Convince with action, not advertisement.
Comment by Samuel Coates on August 11, 2009 at 12:51 am
Benjamin – interesting thoughts, thanks.
I see your point re: an online forum. There is obviously more that could be done in terms of open discussion on the official site, but I think that function is already pretty well provided for by independent websites (and we shouldn’t feel the need to completely replicate them for the sake of it).
Agree we should think about ways of broadcasting a greater variety of videos e.g. events – though they would have to be interesting and worth investing our resources into.
I hope that in the coming months you will see that this blog was actually an “advertisement” for more “action” to come…
Pingback by The Blue Blog » Introducing MyConservatives on October 2, 2009 at 11:31 am
[...] my blog on this theme at the start of the summer we’ve been working hard to do just that. And today you can see the [...]
Comment by jane fleming on November 25, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hi read your blog, seems uncharacteristic compared to your twitter profile!
Anyway I am fleming77 who cannot reach you by DM and you could try jane dot fleming @gmail.com
Comment by Luke Havill on December 6, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I completely agree, the modern communications landscape means that information is real-time and universal, thereby empowering the citizen, who can make more informed choices. The citizen therefore becomes an advocate and a ‘badvocate’. We should not be afraid to confront criticism. Politics of course lives and (just about) breathes in this new world of ‘transparency’. MyConservatives is a fantastic idea in prinicple, Obama of course used online campaigning to great effect. Britain though has not taken up the idea of online communication as much as the US. We as a nation are far more passive in our voice. However why are there not more Tory MPs and PPCs using social media to engage in conversation with their audiences. It is perhaps the one thing that Labour have perhaps cottoned onto quicker than the Tories, even though for not the right reasons. Twitter communities may not be vast, but word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Am I right to expect a greater use of online tools, and campaigning, as we near the General Election?
Comment by Samuel Coates on December 10, 2009 at 11:46 am
Luke, very much agree. I think we’ve shown we’re not afraid to confront criticism by publishing all sensible comments on this blog and having an open policy on YouTube ratings/comments.
On Twitter, it is a powerful conversational tool and I think we are using it quite well as a party with several staffers using it. We’re still going to keep a lot of focus on more action-oriented tools as well though, principally MyConservatives.
Comment by Luke Havill on December 10, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Samuel, thank you for your response. MyConservatives is great for generating election funding, for drumming up support for canvassing, and for providing a central focus for party support. How far am I true on this? But it does not provide the interested and inquisitive public with an opportunity to voice their opinions (it does of course enable public involvement – but only Tory voters, not floating voters). Is there scope for more MPs and PPCs using Twitter? I am sure that this is at their own discretion, but is there a party strategy to engage with the public online (in a less overt marketing fashion)? It is a fantastic tool for the ‘outsider’ to view what our politicians are saying and doing – the day to day workings of parliament etc, and has the potential to make the political process more accessible. I am not suggesting that people should have a say in how government is run day to day, but it provides the opportunity to be ‘transparent’ in the eyes of the public, esp in the wake of today’s (unnecessary) developments.
MyConservatives is a fantastic electioneering tool, which you have done a great job with, and will without doubt provide dividends come the count next year. Would you consider having a live twitter q and a session (eg Israeli govt – not necessarily Kerry McCarthy/Ross Noble set-up), or possibly podcasts, in the same vein as GB? I would be fascinated to learn what the Tory online strategy is, especially on engagement with business and development of policy? I am in the process of getting my company blog and twitter up and running regularly, that will hopefully become central to political debate on all current and relevant issues in the build up to the election, and hope to attract opinion on such issues. I am certain the new government will look unlike any previous, not just in make up but in terms of its workings (sorry to use the current buzz word – ‘transparency’). I am sure that online communication will play a significant role, not just in party communication but in development of policy, hence why I am intrigued to see how the Tories approach this tool. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
Luke