The Alberta “statusphere”

The “statusphere is re-defining authority.” – Brian Solis, next09

Many have walked into the Alberta legislature and stood in awe of the building, the staircases and marble columns. I feel a little sense of majesty every time I go there. However, I must admit, to never having the pleasure of being in the Premier’s office. From the pictures, I think it sends a message of “old world” power and respect.

Interestingly, as soon as, Premier Stelmach’s staff send out a status update on the web, we welcome him and his team into another office of power and respect. The Premier has entered our virtual office within the social web.

Now one might suggest that the playing field is level in that case, but I wouldn’t. Actually, I firmly believe the playing field remains seriously tilted in the citizen’s favor. In recent weeks this “tilt” has applied considerable pressure on the government. Starting 19 days ago with Paula Simons (@Paulatics) of the Edmonton Journal writing a hard-hitting article on the use of a Northumberland, England picture in the Alberta Brand project. That article was referred to by Jeremy Fritsche (@jeremyfritsche) who tweeted the following which alerted the Alberta Twitter community.

jeremyfritsche Authenticity should be the key to a good brand – where is Alberta’s? http://tinyurl.com/c6ery7 #albertabrand #YEG #ABLeg

Of course, applied pressure is not unique to social media. The example above of citizens within mass media exercising their right to “free speech,” has also been a key. The difference here is that the social web amplifies the conversation around each issue. The social web enables many more people to organize, voice their opinion and share it in near real-time.

The Premier, despite having this pressure applied to him and that of his government, has a tremendous opportunity. I believe the majority of hyper-connected Albertans would embrace Premier Stelmach reacting personally online and thereby increasing access. Further value could be generated by directly sharing ideas, building relationships, learning and inspiring Albertans personally with every tweet. The following tweet doesn’t quite qualify in that regard.

@premierstelmach Photos of Premier Stelmach enjoying pulled pork sandwiches on the Leg grounds — http://twurl.nl/v47jwv #ableg

And citizen’s counter the above with Tweets with sentiment similar to below.

dblacombe @premierstelmach does no one monitor this account “Steady Eddie”? You should take a page from @g_campbell who actually speaks here!

The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them. – Albert Einstein

Prediction: Albertans updating their status online on Twitter and else where will continue to influence public opinion, and ultimately government. Hyper-connected Albertans are learning to inspire action.

Due to this combined pressure from all sides on the government regarding a number of issues, such as the new Alberta Brand and the continued dust raised over Bill 44. Don’t be surprised if there’s a “cabinet shuffle” after the current session ends.

In effect, one might say that with every tweet, the “statusphere” is playing a key role in re-defining Alberta’s authority.