The inauguration of Social Media

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As I multitask between watching the festivities at the nation’s Capitol, hearing about local celebrations, and watching Twitter  posts about the moments of the day, I am struck by the way the excitement is sprawling out over all the different media.

I want to see all of it – where’s today’s newspaper? What’s happening on Channel 2? Who is talking about what on Twitter? What’s showing up in my email? Who is at the coffee shop?

The most satisfying moment so far, in the social-media-curious realm, was Scott Beale’s post about the new presidential blog. I found it on Twitter right before Barack Obama was sworn in. Now officially launched, you can go online to read Macon Phillips’ introductory post, explaining the blog and what to expect, here:

The White House Blog

Macon Phillips is the Director of New Media for the White House.

So. Hear ye, Hear ye. In this first post, Macon Phillips says, “Our initial new media efforts will center around three priorities:”

COMMUNICATION.
The blog will keep us informed, and we can keep tabs on it through the RSS Feed.

TRANSPARENCY.
Barack Obama is committed to transparency as a principle, and WhiteHouse.gov will play a major role in delivering that promise.

PARTICIPATION.
The Internet will play an important role in citizen participation in this administration. To start, all non-emergency legislation will be published on WhiteHouse.gov for five days before action is taken, allowing the public to review and comment.

This is only the beginning, and the possibilities are as diverse and numerous as the crowds in Washington D.C. today. I am proud of our country, optimistic for our world's future, and happy that I am an early adopter of social media. I’m glad that I “get it,” and plan to continue the work of helping my communities join this conversation.

All “social media” really means is using the technological tools we have created to communicate effectively with each other. For many of us, it represents a shining opportunity to make the world a better place.

Joy,

Suzanna

Learn more about my activities in social media