Twitter, Stephen Fry, Public Interest Journalism & The Future?

12 Comments

1. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 1, 2010 at 3:58 pm

   Interesting idea. See my 130+ Twitters online and blogs in other spaces public interest issues, energy policy, market distortions, politics and gaps; consumer protection. Can’t make 2 and 3 September at this short notice but good luck with the conference.

   I Twitter as SKYLARK100 and blog elsewhere under own name, but the two names are transparently linked. I am learning to confine myself to 140 words in short sharp but relentless twitters to oound the pavement.

   Madeleine Kingston

2. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 10, 2010 at 8:00 pm

   My TWITTERS (as skylark100) now stand 600+, most on inter-related topics as previously identified on 1 September.

   I would like to call attention to The Australian Institute’s informal meeting in Canberra, whilst realizing that PigswillFly is Melbourne-based, as am I.

   I cannot attend but would like to be posted as to outcomes. or should every Australian interested in any aspect of constitution, politics, consumer protection, consumer involvement in public policy and novel ideas on constitutional and public policy reform.

   So please diarize:

   The Australia Institute and Unions ACT will host Politics in the Pub on Wed 29 September, 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Keep non-attendees posted

   Otherwise subscribe to The Australian Institute’s (TAI) newsletter to keep informed.

   TIA supports Rodger Hills’ viewpoint that constitutional education essential. People can’t be expected to have training or understanding without that however motivated to make citizen contributions.

   Please also read Rodger Hills’ Consensus Artifact and respond to Rethink Australia’s Discussion Paper. Revamped website and much food for thought. How about it Australians? Show your concern about consumer voice and focus. Use social media, complaints mechanisms and any other mechanism to agitate for a fairer consumer-focussed Australia.

   Rodger Hills speaks of a Universal Constitution with a consumer focus. Is this to far fetched? Find out by participating in the debate.

   Time availability for many otherwise motivated cit6izens may be a barrier to effective participation, but if the establishment and fringe are motivated they will find a way round this and provide adequate incentives.

   Gov2 is in its infancy. It may not be equipped at this stage to deal with sophisticated consumer expectations. But this is a consumer-driven society for all its impediments. Revamp of the constitution with a consumer focus is long overdue,

   Perhaps the recent Federal electoral results will provide a catalyst for change.

   Send to Siberia or further all those politician, policy, rule makers and regulators who cannot accept consumer-driven goals and initiatives.

   Meanwhile stay tuned.

   Regards

   Madeleine Kingston (Skylark100)

3. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 10, 2010 at 8:15 pm

   Whilst on a roll, perhaps I should reiterate views already expressed on TWITTER regarding the possible role of social media in promoting social infrastructure and social justice issues.

   In the interests of being frank I have found Gov2 initiatives a little too tame, too bound with moderation policy, and possibly a little to insular. The learning curve is step for participants on all sides of the fence.

   I felt like a dog on a leash with a muzzle? The same applied to other ventures into blogosphere. Do I have a high locus of control quotient. Yes. But the system has to cater for all demographic profiles.

   My personal view is that Gov2 is not yet up to the challenges of much more than provision of information. But if that changes and a real-time meaningful reciprocal dialogue becomes possible I may reconsider a more active involvement. I certainly gave it a shot as evidently the sole consumer stakeholder.

   People are looking for far far more than access to publicly-managed documentation.

   Never say die, but hey consumers are now more sophisticated, more demanding and always seek more than policies, “the budget” training or resourcing allow. No one is more aware than am I, as a lone-voice prepared to challenge all and every policy that is not citizen-centric.

   What fans my passion? A consumer-driven focus. Politicians, funders and policy makers, others can you cope?

   Regards

   Madeleine Kingston (skylark100)

   mkin2711@bigpond.net.au

4. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 10, 2010 at 8:25 pm

   I am endeavouring to classify and harness my 600+ Twitters to date. Those interested in a more meaningful; and in-depth dialogue from a citizen’s perspective should contact me direct.

   After all, what can one really do with 140 characters per Twitter, or for that matter the three paragraphs or so that the usual suspects can provide as their contribution to blogosphere Broadband space.

   Speaking of which I have recommended that Stephen Conroy with his policies should be sent off to Siberia. Along with a few other politicians not measuring up.

   Consumer driven society. When I studied Kotler’s Marketing Concepts and Strategies I was lulled into a sense of believing the time for consumers had arrived. Disillusioned, but moving on, I still think this is what all citize3ns in all nations should be striving for.

   Politicians and complacent public servants look out – the world is changing one tweet at a time.

   Citizen journalism? Maybe. But what we want is a genuine consumer focus. Forget the hype puff and showbiz. Deliver the goods. Actions not words.

   Cheers

   Madeleine Kingston (Skylark100)

   mkin2711@bigpond.net.au

5. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 10, 2010 at 8:30 pm

   So what about it? Accountability, transparency and citizen focus or nothing.

   No more half-baked measures. No more silencing of dissent. Time for the people to take control for a true democracy – or hold their peace. Hype, jargonization, insular meetings, exclusive policies – they won’t work.

   On the table. Deliverable or not?

   Must fly. Duty calls.

   Madeleine Kingston (skylark100 Twitter)

6. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 10, 2010 at 10:20 pm

   Following and prior to several months of participation on Gov2, following early enthusiasm and an unbiased mind to a new innovation, I experimented with a few other blog sites privately sponsored.

   I noted limitations of all blogospheres. In particular as an “outsider” citizen participant I learned to expect minimal real time reciprocal discussion, if at all, and subjective handling of moderation policies, so say nothing of the limitations of blogosphere space, the premium commodity.

   With that in mind, no point holding my breath for a response to my postings above or any other posting for that matter. So here I go for the hat trick whilst on a relevant page that I was on the point of closing.

   I provided the following feedback directly to Twitter on their feedback line a few days ago whilst in the midst of an experimental raise-awareness campaign, with posts rarely more than minutes apart, give or take meal and other essential breaks.

   In case useful to others the following suggestions were made with the 140 character Twitter rule in mind for each posting (Whew!):

   1) Newsrooms could benefit, pool resources and learn how to form real-time reciprocal relationships real people if well designed

   2) Much to be said for lessons learned in real time, esp. with political and social infrastructure matters and the like. Shared info

   3) Gov2 has some great ideas. I have participated in this. Gave up rather disillusioned with limitations but gave it a good shot

   4) Would be just fantastic to have an edit button. Keeping up momentum in theme tweeting or blogging can be important. Typos common

   5) More objective social media platforms needed that are not focussed on subjective censorship of honest opinion. Freedom of speech.

   6) Gov2 initiatives and similar can be hampered by fear exposure of inadequate policies. Ill-equipped to harness honest people input

   7) Could be developed country by country or just out there. Sometimes social, govt policy and political issues common all countries

   I made tonnes off other more detailed suggestions on Gov2 and during feedback to the Taskforce, even though by the time I became involved the Taskforce had officially disbanded, as well as on the AGIMO site.

   Mark you, the concept of Gov2 is terrific. Just not ready for consumer expectations and in particular meaningful reciprocal dialogue on issues requiring in-depth examination and response, and feedback on action taken or outcomes to those who have bothered to participate, internal referral or jurisdictional participants excepted.

   And as someone said, if we advertise, would they come? Who knows?

   The challenges of entrepreneurship are vast. Getting inside the consumer mind and truly understanding consumer needs and wants represent lifetime challenges.

   Behavioural economics is in is super-infancy, more’s the pity. As to politicians and policy makers, especially within energy, the word does not seem to be part of their lexicon.

   But here’s to a more citizen-centric society and a true citizen-driven democracy one day.

   Cheers

   Madeleine Kingston

   skylark100 – Twitter)

   mkin2711@bigpond.net.au

7. Gail says:

   September 18, 2010 at 12:07 pm

   Government 2.0 is a fascinating concept Madeleine but very frustrating it seems from your recent experience. I’m still digesting what you say here and will read the Gov 2.0 report with interest http://finance.gov.au/publications/gov20taskforcereport/doc/Government20TaskforceReport.pdf. I totally concur with your toast to a more citizen-centric/citizen-driven democracy ‘one day’.

   I hope you’re not correct in your observation that issues requiring in-depth examination might not attract meaningful discussion online.

   Perhaps those leading such a discussion need to be very clear-headed in how they put thoughts out there – possibly in ‘small chunks’ and everyday speech so as not to deter a possible commentariat?

   You cover so many aspects of future citizen-based policy-making here, it would be terrific if you could focus on one point eg behavioural economics and give us your views?

8. Madeleine Kingston says:

   September 20, 2010 at 9:41 pm

   Thanks Gail

   Yes indeed everyday speech and small chunks – perhaps and perhaps not.

   See my 600+ tweets as an exercise in simplicity and brevity in an experiment to express my numerous concerns one chunked phrase at a time in 140 characters.

   See my alter ago SKYLARK100 (TWITTER) or search the web under Madeleine Kingston

   Gov2 and AGIMO staff seemed to me by and large capable of language sophistication, many being adept at metaphysical concepts and language skills sufficient to deter ordinary citizens.

   I think one of the major blocks is organizational culture generally and un-readiness to engage in a meaningful way. There is a huge theory and practice gap. In this current political climate further hurdles exist.

   I have a full plate right now and need to focus my energies elsewhere.

   Perhaps I will return when time permits. Meanwhile I believe that Gov2 needs to focus on its own commitment to achieve in-depth dialogue.

   During the past few months since I stopped visiting the AGIMO website all I have and to deal with are annoying but presumably harmless spy bot creatures without human form or character.

   There are many basic factors to address before any meaningful external dialogue is achieved, whether or not chunked or more simply phrased.

   Regards

   Madeleine

9. Gail says:

   September 21, 2010 at 1:10 pm

   From my grassroots position I agree that organizational culture and an unreadiness to actually engage is a real sticking point… a pity, as discussion of many of the vexed policy issues might actually see a community-backed solution evolve – over time. This would obviate the need for the ongoing political sidestepping of issues, not an inspirational leadership position, and one that generates cynicism in the the broader community ie policymaking is largely about winning votes, not necessarily about good policy.

10. Madeleine Kingston says:

    September 21, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    Well said Gail.

    See

    #fd14zhs http://theage.com.au/federal-election-14zhs.html Re-elected PM refers to resilient democracy. Hills refers to new form Constitution

    Respond Rodger Hills’ design new citizen Constitution Deliberative Referendums

    http://www.rethinkaustralia.org/submissions/rodger-hills.pdf

    Rethink Australia (and NZ) Rodney’ Crisp’s sub re Republic of Aust and NZ http://www.rethinkaustralia.org/submissions/rodney-crisp.pdf

    Rethink Australia (and NZ) paste for revolution David Poulin http://www.rethinkaustralia.org/submissions/david-poulin-litvak.pdf

    I am actively pushing for an entirely new Constitution that is citizen-based. Too many policies are politically-driven and controlled. It is time for more accountability.

    A new way of developing political strategic thinking is well overdue. So how can this be tackled? Read Rodger Hills The Consensus Artifact. Or r We expect reinstated Government – by a cliff-hanger to redefine public consultation and active involvement in policy design. Tokenism is out.

    Rodger Hills says discontent with the existing system of govt continues to grow. He also says that Cumbersome & self-interested a 3-tier govt system may be resisting reform attempts Rodger Hills. We want ethical responsible & responsive governance in rapport with needs and wishes of the people with full accountability based on trust. Democracy far more than political term.

    We should rethink Rules for Governing Aust & NZ. Consider a Universal Constitution as described Rodger Hills

    Of course we seek better outcomes and a truly people-focussed Referendum. Having said that organizational culture and readiness to engage are just as important as political agendas.

    My goals go way beyond light chit chat on blog sites. In some ways I can hardly believe I’ve headed in this direction even as a cursory experiment as without depth and proper opportunities to feed back perceptions of policy gaps, the idea of blogging has little appeal for me in the first place.

    Perhaps my expectations were higher than deliverable at this embryonic stage. I am afraid that cynicism has already set descended in my case, but I am keeping some options open just in case.

    Cheers

    Madeleine

11. Gail says:

    September 21, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Thanks for the links Madeleine. Uplifting. Julia’s ‘finding of common ground in the national interest’ is attractive but I’ll admit my cynicism when it comes to politics and will wait to see what eventuates.

    I totally agree that too many policies are politically driven and controlled, that we need more accountability and that organizational culture and a readiness to engage are as important as political agendas. Rodger Hills gives an accurate description of the failings of our current form of democracy.

    I wish you well with your higher goals.

12. Madeleine Kingston says:

    September 22, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    Thanks for your good wishes Gail. Ditto.

    Julia Gillard has a huge challenge before her. Platitudes and strategic phrasing will only go so far. Precarious times so perhaps it is a little optimistic to expect major changes at a time of such instability. Others believe that the climate may be ripe for pushing for changes that reflect the people’s wishes and needs.

    Rodger Hills’ initiative as Executive Director of Rethink Australia seems to be well worth a serious look by those wishing to influence policy changes such that politically driven goals are diluted at the very least by a more citizen-driven focus.

    The submissions online in response to his Discussion Paper have been structured with much though as to how an improved and citizen-driven democracy can be contemplated – even suggesting the Universal Constitution that is the focus of Rodger’s book The Consensus Artifact, using a hypothetical team of citizens as the architects. I purchased the book soon after discovering its existence and highly recommend it as a starting point.

    Healthy cynicism is a good thing, as are higher goals too but when disillusionment sets in it takes quite a bit to reverse.

    Social media provides opportunities that are under-utilized in terms of grounding with citizens and identifying policy gaps before their effects become entrenched and often irreversible.

    Cheers

    Madeleine