Name that show
As is the custom here at fusedlogic, we’re evolving yet again. I’m excited to announce the creation of a brand new radio show on a local station. I’m not naming the station at the moment as we still have a few things to negotiate. That said, I don’t anticipate things will take long to complete. Being the host of a new radio show that’s all about social media is a huge responsibility and tough task, one which I take very seriously and cannot accomplish alone. More on that in a minute.
What will the show be about?
Educating the general public about all things social media will be the primary purpose. We’ll also delve into closely related topics such as Government 2.0 and other key trends and opportunities that you’re a part of. The objective is to learn and share about this exciting area of Internet activity.
Let’s talk content
We’d really like to make the show about you and how you engage within the social web, not only here in the Edmonton region but also across Canada and beyond. So a large amount of the content will be describing and interpreting the things that you do and say while using your favourite social technologies and tools. All will be recognized as being equal. Whether you’re a full-time blogger who is also a mom, a photographer who tweets or a business developing cool Web 2.0 apps, doing something interesting within social is all that it would take to be considered for the show. We’ll focus on the business side of social as well of course. The do’s and don’t's and everything in between. There will be technology reviews, interviews and special in studio guests. We’ll cover recent developments and announcements too. Your show ideas will play a large part on how things unfold.
We need a name.
What value would a show about social media have if the audience didn’t contribute in the making of it? So, we’d like to ask you for your help before we even get started. We need your help with naming the show. There are a few show name ideas floating around but we would really appreciate your input.
Please offer your ideas and “name that show!“
Important: By submitting or suggesting a show name idea, you agree to let us use the name free and clear without compensation. If we use a show name as submitted by an online audience member then we’d definitely like to thank-you for helping us out by acknowledging you on the first show as the person who submitted the idea. In particular, I’ll mention your twitter handle, website and blog if you have one too. You’ll get full credit for naming the show on air and the first coffee mug we produce for the show with the new name will be given to you.
Where to submit?
I’d like to suggest that we use futureedmonton.ca then we can track the top 10 name submissions in the comment section based on votes. If you make the top 10, we thought we’d give each of you a special coffee mug from the show (once they’re produced) just for submitting and participating in this exercise. We can use Twitter for idea exchange and a hashtag for the discussion similar to #yegshow. I like futureedmonton.ca because it has a simple submission and voting process already built-in which makes it much easier to track ideas. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Name ideas
Here are a few words to get the ideas flowing regarding the show’s name and we’re completely open to others. Also, please don’t be offended if one of the submissions isn’t chosen. We’re all working together on this and there are a few different factors that must be considered.
Thank-you in advance for all your ideas and contributions! We have to choose the name by this coming Tuesday at 12 noon MST so get your ideas and votes in quick.
Rise Up!
Is government human? Most certainly. Is government brave? By my definition, rarely. How do we impress upon government decision-makers that increased transparency, listening to citizens, engaging citizens at the expense of losing control of the message is a good thing for democracy? A good thing for us and ultimately them.
The challenge is similar in the private sector. There are senior vice presidents of marketing and communications who are completely out of touch and working within large organizations. Fearful of the big, bad, negative, waste of time social web. Those who are inching towards entering the global digital conversation because the peer pressure walls are closing in on their brand are looking for simple ways to “bolt on” a Facebook fan page here and a Twitter account there to appease everyone. Well that’s not enough for me.
How to change processes internally is through leadership.
Understanding the current objectives of an organization or government is critical to effectively integrating social into everyday processes while closing the gap between the government and citizens. That said, most leaders act like stubborn, ignorant mules who won’t move an inch no matter how much you pull on the rope. To those political incumbents and executives I say the following.
“Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.” – Walter Schwabe, modified from Lee Iacocca.
As senior leadership, you may think you’re leading (conservatively) by resisting the social web. You’re not, you’re simply acting as a mule. The tone of this post isn’t designed to be a hostile rant, rather a bit of encouragement for those struggling, patient and persistent internal evangelists within your organizations. I’m really speaking to them. Rise up people!
As elected officials, you need to look right into the eyes of those administrators who are afraid that citizens will expect social media to be the norm in your government and say, “bollocks! You’re too late!” To the administrators, I say this. One day you’re going to wake up and be working for a Mayor and Council that will stand-up to your stubborn mule like behaviour and if you resist, you’ll be gone. Don’t think it’s possible? Pick up Escape Velocity when it’s published and read the story about how one newly elected Alberta mayor did exactly that. For you, a socially enabled candidate like this mayor, (or as was encouraged last week – someone like me) would be a nightmare.
Municipal election candidates are not exempt, you need to be ready for this Open Government reality as well. Chances are, you are not going to be elected without strong social credentials, nor should you be in my opinion. To all those government and business leaders without computers on their desks, I’d suggest retirement is looking pretty good right about now. If you did’t need the hassle of learning new fan-dangled technologies like keyboards, mice and emails on a screen rather than printed off, then Open Government must really be sending you for a loop. Oh what am I saying, you haven’t heard of the term or the movement in general anyway. Yup. Go golfing.
To the rank and file, those of you who have drawn the horrifying images of social technology frustration and social access imprisonment – Rise up! Create a project that you feel will benefit the government you work for. Don’t call me scared for using a picture when no one knows who you are, it’s time to “cowboy and cowgirl up!” Many start anonymous blogs so they can vent and snipe, twitter accounts that criticize their government bosses 140 characters at a time. Rather, I encourage you to think positively. Just like the gladiators of old Rome, get the crowd on your side, this includes citizens and colleagues. Create ways for residents to communicate with your government transparently and out in the open, no matter how simple or small. Let the complexities of building strong sustainable digital community relationships come later, that’s a discussion for those already in the game. Am I suggesting you should proceed without a plan? Quite the opposite, think things through, you’re about to change the world. Need moral support? Call us, our lines are open so that you can bark at the moon.
Create a small and simple example of success to build on. Sometimes that’s a grassroots event, sometimes that’s one single social profile or account. Be innovative and creative. Tell real stories and be brave. If you feel comfortable, create a tactical team to help you but do it!
Go off the grid!
Last week I interviewed LTC Gerald Ostlund, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, Army Reserve Communications, Webmaster and Chief, Social and New Media for Escape Velocity, which I’ve been working on since last year. He explained that there was some heavy resistance regarding the use of social technologies internally within his organization. This resistance came from several directions. The only way to accomplish what he knew he needed to do, what the US Army Reserve needed to do, was to go off the official network. I’m talking about the official defense intranet. He works in a place where when I get emails from LTC Ostlund at the end of every subject line it states (UNCLASSIFIED).
LTC Ostlund explained, “we went out and purchased laptops and aircards with our own money.” This was the only way access could be gained so that the work of integrating social into Army Reserve communications could begin. What was the risk to LTC Ostlund’s career regarding this brave move I wondered, so I asked the question and his response was immediate. “What are they going to do send me to Afghanistan or Iraq? Been there, done that,” replied LTC Ostlund. The conversation continued and it wasn’t that LTC Ostlund didn’t consider all the risks to making this move, he and his team just felt so strongly about what needed to be done they took personal initiative despite any potential negative career repercussions. When compared to working within a hostile theatre of war, I can easily see why this was basically a no-brainer.
Access Granted!
The result of all this effort and perseverance? A nine month study was just completed to see if allowing access to social networks such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter would affect operational capacity of the US Defense Department’s networks. On the basis of this study, access was granted just weeks ago. Way to go LTC Ostlund, you and your colleagues are an inspiration.
Are you looking for a way to start something interesting in your government, department or business? Why not run it by us? What’s the worst that could happen?
I’d rather be GovCamping!
This morning I read tweets about Australian Senator Kate Lundy speaking at Gov 2.0 Expo in Washington, DC and couldn’t help but think about the upcoming opportunity in Ottawa next week at Canada GovCamp.
One of the slogans for the event is “I’d rather be GovCamping.” In fact, I’ve just seen the logo that we’ll be using as placeholders on fusedlogic.tv. What’s really going on here of course has little to do with roasting hotdogs or marshmallows over an open fire. Instead, the expectation is to build a national dialogue surrounding Government 2.0.
If we can attract new audience members at the decision-maker level of government on June 1st that’s great. If those new audience members agree to take the Open Government policy discussion forward into their federal boardrooms, provincial legislatures, municipal councils and administrative offices, then we’re winning this challenge of momentum building and that’s even better.
How can you help?
Government 2.0 is about people taking action. Not only elected officials and administration but of course everyday citizens and residents. You and me. To that end, we’d like to encourage you to use the embed code we’ll be providing and insert that in a prominent place on your website or blog. Help spread the word about Government 2.0 in Canada and abroad at a grass roots level. Help others understand that here in Canada, we care about a more efficient, transparent, and collaborative government system. With that in mind, I have another slogan for Canada GovCamp - “Carry the stream…”
Also, don’t forget to register for the live webcast if you’re unable to attend in person.
Microsoft Silence – No Surprise
THANK-YOU!
I just wanted to quickly say thank-you to everyone who came up to me at OpenGov West today and expressed their support for today’s earlier post. Clearly, more were feeling similar re McKee’s conduct during the event. Several folks referenced their thoughts about his time at the mic yesterday. Another of today’s outcomes was being asked several times if anyone from Microsoft has responded, and no one was surprised to hear that Microsoft has taken the 5th.
The learning at OpenGov West continues beyond the conference itself on many levels. As mentioned many had asked me today if Microsoft had reached out and responded to my earlier blog post. Which by the way has been updated to include Sarah Schacht’s title and website etc…
I believe it’s important to note, I’m not fishing for any sort of response from Microsoft or McKee. I’m not here to improve their company, despite the fact that I’ve done them a huge service by highlighting a critical problem for Steve Ballmer and the top executives at Microsoft. Together with the feedback and input from several folks at OpenGov West, we’re collectively educating this misguided executive and software giant in how today’s online social environment works. Remember when Bill Gates stated that “Sometimes we do get taken by surprise. For example, when the Internet came along, we had it as a fifth or sixth priority.”
Clearly the Microsoft corporate culture under Steve Ballmer continues to need work. Every day that Microsoft employees are out in the world with decision-making powers and making fools of themselves at public events, such as, an Open Government conference a stone’s throw away from the Redmond campus shows as reinforcement that they’re the wrong company to be doing business with respect to Open Government. Ironically, another issue for discussion came up today NOT Microsoft related but related to the idea of “trusting your staff” to say the right thing in public situations (which today means pretty much everywhere) and I’d like to thank those folks for sharing their opinions with me today.
Open Government initiatives need more brave evangelists who empower discussion, learning and sharing in a way that will bring government, public servants and elected officials onside with what needs to be done. As David Hume stated today, “Open is not an outcome but a strategy.” Which is why we need mid-level decision-makers in government to get with the program and come out to these events. They are a part of the “permission and approval” infrastructure and they’re directing process regarding an environment many often admit to know little or nothing about. What’s wrong with this picture?
Push Through the NO!
We need public servants especially to “push through the no” as Michele Weslander-Quaid of US Intelligence suggested at an O’Reilly Gov2.0 conference and by doing so, educate those who are resistant to change. OpenGov West was filled with public servants from many regions including of course Alberta, British Columbia, Seattle and King County and other states such as Oregon, California. Visibly absent today during the “unconference” save Kathy Lambert, King County Councilmember were other elected officials from all government tiers.
These are the people sitting in Council Chambers in Seattle, King County or even down the I5 in the Washington State Capitol of Olympia who should have definitely been in the room yesterday and today, it’s their own backyard. I understand everyone is busy but what many need to understand is that more than one elected official believes they don’t need to know this stuff because they have staff to “do that for them.” You and I both know it’s also a matter of priority and to her credit, Councilmember Kathy Lambert made learning more about Open Government one of her priorities.
Not only that, but the Councilmember took a few moments to suggest some restaurants and provide some history on the King County Administration and Courthouse building, along with background on some of the issues of today, which was really very gracious of her. If my short discussion with her is any indication of her character, the people of King County’s District Three are very well represented.
I have very much enjoyed returning for a few days here in Seattle, the people have been warm and welcoming. The discussion, presentations and breakout sessions were terrific and filled with great information. OpenGov West itself was generally well run and the Baquette Box did a killer job with the lunches. They were delicious.
Oh and one more thing if you ever get a chance to be invited to the Columbia Tower Club at the Columbia Centre say yes, the view of Pugent Sound from the 76th floor is ridiculously beautiful. Until next time Seattle…
Open Seattle
The Hotel Executive Pacific, is a modest but nice hotel with character situated across from the Seattle Public Library, (a very cool building by the way). I’m starting to power down despite all the Seattle Sounders hysteria today after a full day of travel, dinner on the Pier, a bit of shopping and a serious hike back up the hill on Spring street in the Seattle rain. That said, I’m remembering all the reasons why I love the Emerald City – Seattle, Washington. There’s Puget Sound of course, the Space Needle, here’s a list of several great Seattle attractions.
OpenGov West
However, I didn’t come here just to smell the salty ocean air, I’m here to work and attend OpenGov West which will be taking place at Seattle’s City Hall over Friday and Saturday. (Day 1 schedule) OpenGov West is a fantastic chance to meet many Open Government enthusiasts and evangelists, including Andrew Hoppin, CIO for New York State who will be giving a keynote. Our own Chris Moore, CIO for the City of Edmonton is here to be a panel moderator. This will be a rich opportunity to learn, share and experience what others not only here in Seattle are doing but elsewhere.
Research
To set the stage, I’ve been doing a bit of research on the local situation and have found some substantial issues here for Seattle’s new Mayor McGinn. Here are some of the highlights. One of the largest issues on the agenda is a construction project. The Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement project. This is Seattle’s “big dig” and it seems that Washington State is being a bit difficult to work with regarding the funding scheme for this project. As Mayor McGinn states, “90% of all large tunnelling projects go over budget” this is a critical issue because apparently Washington State legislature has issued a law stating the State won’t pay more than a certain amount, (somewhere just north of a billion dollars). Should the project experience cost overruns Seattle will be stuck with the bill. Add to this issue that of the King County Metro Transit system taking funds from their capital equipment stash to prop up operations and you quickly realize that the transit system is on life support and the overall budget is another central issue here. The financial situation here due to the recession is serious enough that City of Seattle workers are taking voluntary days and the Mayor and Council are working through a process to identify 200 top-line jobs to save the city money – things are critical. Citizens are asking for more Seattle Police foot patrols in the downtown area. There’s more light rail needed and as everyone knows, elevated trains don’t come cheap and neither does road and bridge construction/maintenance, such as in the case of the Route 520 bridge project. This is a project that’s been in the works for over 4 years now from what I can gather, but Mayor McGinn wants the design to support light rail and that has the discussion heating up apparently.
Open Seattle
What can a more “Open Seattle” accomplish in this fiscal environment? Well, certainly on the citizen engagement front, guidance from the population on a host of issues can’t hurt but what about all those folks who aren’t as tech savvy in the Seattle region? Well check out this cool “digital inclusion” Community Technology Project – a matching funds project to help people develop computer skills. Sure, Web 2.0 applications to help with information flow but I’m interested in finding out what’s already being done, I’m sure there’s a lot.
Frankly, I’m even more excited now to see what transpires over the next two days and beyond. I don’t think Open Government solves all of Mayor McGinn and the rest of the City of Seattle Council’s financial woes, but it can definitely help.
By the way, I found this Oct 2009 Public Engagement Plan released by the City of Seattle’s Open Government Committee. The next couple of days are going to be epic for us Gov2 wonks…
