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

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.

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…

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.