Four years ago we did a BMG canvass. There was a discussion at the time that I thought to be worth recalling.
I invited a friend, who regularly reads, and occasionally blogs on, BMG to join the BMG canvass on Sunday. This person had another obligation but mentioned in passing that s/he was concerned that bloggers just talked with each other and was unclear as to how much bloggers actually accomplish.
I mentioned the $50,000+ that had been raised by the BMG concert and that I regularly see people who I know who blog out on the campaign trail.
But, the RSVPs have been a touch light. It got me thinking, was my friend’s perspective closer to the truth? Is my optimism misplaced?
1) RSVP for the BMG canvass, if you can join us. This will go along way towards changing people’s perceptions. It promises to be a fun day and a way people can help while still enjoying time with family
2) Share your thoughts here about the topic. Are bloggers all talk and no action? Do blogs increase activism by promoting discussion, sharing opportunities and creating community? Or are they just a time sink?
Thoughts?
Kate Donaghue
PS Days till 2012 Presidential Election is in 74 days, 18 hours, 59 minutes
David, I would be interested on your thoughts?
Also, I thoought folks might be interested in thie article about some of the research aorund voter mobilization.
There are regular BMGers whom I know because we are all active in party politics (and possibly still a few whom I know, but don’t realize because I haven’t matched their handle with their real-world identity). I’m not as much of a canvasser but am involved in other ways. I think BMG is more of a community than some blogs are, but I also think that’s in part because many of us know each other in the real world as well.
I should have included the link to Charley’s original post:
BMG Canvass for EDubs in Lowell on Sunday 8/26.
My family is moving (across the street), and so I just can’t be there in body — I’m there in spirit.
I’m trying to get to 500 likes on my facebook page. So this is the deal. I will buy “lunch” for someone who comes to the cnvass in Lowell if I get 500 likes by Sunday.
I only need 15 more people. If you haven’t already become a fan of my Facebook DSC page, please consider doing so.
It might end up being the next person who “likes” me who comes to Lowell. It might be someone coming to Lowell who recruits a new fan for me.
I’ll figure something out for someone if I hit 500! So click through to this page and please give me a thumbs up. Then share it and encourage others to do so!
There are a lot of other options besides “canvasses” and “is all talk, no action.” Some people (especially introverts) just don’t like knocking on doors or making phone calls but contribute in other ways — helping with campaign office mailings and data entry, visibility, driving people to the polls and so on.