We Move Issues

Social Media Changing Campaign Rules

2009-10-21T14:01:53-04:00

As social media has become an integral element of political campaigns, states are being forced to evaluate their election laws. Traditional methods to reach voters through television, radio and direct mailings, are now coupled with Facebook pages, YouTube videos and Twitter accounts.

A recent article illustrates how state election commissions are addressing future guidelines for the use of new media. As next year's election cycle is sure to include social media, we will have to see what rules are modified to include the extremely popular campaign asset.

Display of Information

2009-09-09T10:46:44-04:00

In an age of growing media interaction outlets, and the ever expanding availability of information, the rules of etiquette are beginning to take shape. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools enable personal relationships to be maintained between people hundreds of miles apart. Despite the convenience of reconnecting with distant friends and family, issues are arising over the display of personal information. As social media becomes more accepted and grounded in society, use caution and always obtain consent before exposing yourself and others to the world.

Health care advocates making their voices heard

2009-08-05T15:05:56-04:00

While Congress is taking a summer break, health care lobbyists are cramming for finals. So far, advocates have spent over $52 million on health care reform ads, and that figure is expected to rise, perhaps even set a new record. With such a serious issue as health care reform affecting so many interest groups, it’s no surprise advocates on both sides of the issue are making their opinions known. While one liberal group ran an ad criticizing the health insurance industry, a conservative group ran an ad asking members of Congress, “Did you read the bill?”

Approximately $23 million has been spent by advocates who support health care reform in principle, but have yet to pass judgment on the current proposals. $17.4 million has been spent by advocates who unabashedly support the current proposals, while only $8.1 million has been spent by advocates who unequivocally oppose the current proposals. This outpouring of advocacy serves as testament to the vibrancy of civil society in America.

Social Media's Crisis Communication Potential

2009-08-05T10:41:12-04:00

The role of social media is ever evolving. Businesses have now started using the media outlet as a tool to avert potential public relations problems. Firms are beginning to monitor Twitter messages and Facebook posts to keep an eye out for any customer dissatisfaction and respond to any problems. Crisis communication is extremely important, as large firms have begun teaching staffers how to represent the company within new media platforms.

Welcome to the World Wide Web, Afghanistan

2009-08-04T16:31:29-04:00

Despite their constituents having scarce internet access and poor literacy rates, Afghani presidential candidates are striving to create an online presence. Abdullah Abdullah, President Hamid Karzai’s leading challenger, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, Karzai’s former finance minister, and Ramazan Bashardost, Afghanistan’s equivalent to Ralph Nader, have created robust campaign websites and active Facebook pages. The candidates are using social media tools to bring their messages to a broader audience and solicit campaign contributions. The candidates hope the internet can help level the playing field with their chief competitor, President Karzai, who benefits from the coveted “president.gov.af” domain.