Comments on: A better way for Congressman Rehberg to use Twitter?

By: SuperDave4eva

SuperDave4eva — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:36:07 +0000

I love that you have touched on the fact that a great number of politicians are starting to get Twitter profiles, but a majority of them only follow other politicians. Although I’m not surprised that so few of them actually follow their supporters (many of whom are very distinguished folks in their own right), I do think it sends a disheartening message to the people that voted them into office.

Looking to the future, I hope our elected officials start finding the time to more actively engage not only Twitter users, but the millions of people who make up the social media landscape as a whole.

Thanks for great post… now get back to work!

http://www.twitter.com/superdaveh4eva

By: philip

philip — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:20:10 +0000

Thank you both for your comments. Both of you have very sage advice. Tim, you mentioned 'sustainable engagement' rather than a flurry of activity. I think that you're really spot-on there. Using Twitter, in and of itself, is not a social media strategy. One must be involved for the long haul. In the end, Mr. Rehberg's time is obviously best spent legislating and working for us in Congress. However, with the number of Montanan's ready to help and listen, it may prove foolish to not further his platform in a genuine, consistent manner. Just as important as it is to use social media the right way, it's equally important not to use social media the wrong way.

By: Tim Leonhardt

Tim Leonhardt — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:06:38 +0000

Phil,

Good thoughts. I’m sure Rep. Rehberg has his hands full, so I appreciate your lead off suggestion that he leverage resources at his disposal to put together a plan before doing anything else. A plan will encourage sustainable engagement as opposed to a ‘gee-whiz, ain’t this cool?’ flurry of activity that goes cold with the next hot technology trend. As Bridget points out in her comments, this social media thing is starting to mature, and we’re all beginning to wake up to the importance of a coherent strategy to get the most out of it.

By: Bridget Cavanaugh

Bridget Cavanaugh — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:40:21 +0000

Phil,
A lot of thinking went into this piece. Really great reporting, and fabulous advice to congressional leaders and their followers everywhere. I’m honored to have inspired such a thoughtful follow-up blog post.

Now that the shine has worn off Twitter, the next gee-whiz to “Rep. so-and-so’s on Twitter, wow!” is “So what, so-and-so’s on Twitter… what are they doing to build community, unify their constituents on important issues, what are they doing with Twitter to push the agenda, how are they leveraging the smarts of those who elected you. This next election will separate those who listen from those who don’t.

My spectacular wish for you (and me too) is 1) they actually listen and “follow” you and your recommendations and 2) that they call you (and/or me) to consult with us on their SM strategy. MT’s got it going on!!

Thanks and I’ll send out some follow recos to @DennyRehberg later today.

http://www.twitter.com/bcavanaugh