Comments on: WhiteHouse.gov Is Not Social! But It Could Be…

By: Isaac Hazard

Isaac Hazard — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:20:37 +0000

Yes Yes Yes.

Either do this on Whitehouse.gov or create a sister site for the same. I nominate http://www.MyAmerica.gov

By: Alex Showerman

Alex Showerman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:21:11 +0000

A politicians “brand,” is something that is extremely refined and guarded, more so than any corporation or product. Everything the President does is examined under a microscope. This is a world where even the questions at press conferences are pre-screened. Derek’s analysis is great and truly democratic, however the politicians response would be,”this makes me vulnerable to bad publicity and bad press coverage.” How would you reassure a politician a true social network is going to be a positive attribute to their “brand?”

By: Mike P

Mike P — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:00:45 +0000

Nice post and great ideas. I think that the concept here is crawl-before-you-walk, and walk-before-you-run.
I would imagine everything being pre-moderated though, which would still hinder some aspects of the community.
Eventually they will make additional strides, but it will take time, no doubt.
Mike P / @nhscooch

By: Meredith Kench

Meredith Kench — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:02:16 +0000

Such great ideas Derek!

I was so happy and impressed to see that whitehouse.gov on Obama’s first day (the site was previously an embarrassment), but was saddened to see there was no commenting or other interactions I could take to communicate back to them.

I really appreciate that Obama is trying to be more transparent and taking the government into the 21st century. I feel like he is the first president that truly “gets” who I am (or rather people like me – tech savvy folks). To me it would have been absurd to have a president that didn’t know how to use the internet, or have a mobile phone – after all it is 2009!

But I want him to take it further and really open up the dialogue between both sides. There’s lots of smart people in this country that have something to say and don’t have a voice right now. I am sure there will be the trolls who will also participate. But I do believe the community will police itself to a degree – not to mention moderation keeps that all running smoothly.

So yes – Great first step Obama… but don’t stop there.