Should Candidates Blog & Use Social Media? My take.

“Do you think those in, or seeking political office, should blog and use social media?”

That’s a question that I’ve been asked a few times, and one that I’ve also heard others discuss at length. If you are reading this I would assume you know that I advocate for candidates to blog and utilize various social media outlets. Some in Greensboro disagree, primarily for the following reasons:

•  The candidate might say something that could be used against them at a later date or taken out of context
• The candidate might get sloppy and post content that isn’t well thought out
• The candidate might post something controversial in the heat of the moment
• It takes to much time (If you don’t have time to write a blog post, you might not have enough time to serve the people.)

All of those items are valid points, but certainly not items that I think should keep candidates from blogging or using social media. In regards to the first point, and probably the one that raises the most concern, if a candidate doesn’t believe in what they are saying then they probably shouldn’t be saying it. Agree?

I’ve listened to a lot of folks, and an overwhelming majority prefers a candidate that proactively shares information and keeps them informed. A blog can do just that and so much more. Personally, I have a hard time getting to know a candidate that simply slaps up a Web site, posts four or five talking points and calls it a day. How about you – do you prefer when candidates blog and share information?

And by no means is this an attempt to call out candidates that don’t blog or use social media. Everyone has different styles and different comfort levels and that is perfectly okay. But it should be understood that there is a big difference between not using the tools simply because one doesn’t want to, and because one is concerned with the four points outlined above.

For me, it boils down to transparency. If someone throws around the word transparency, yet they don’t blog and use social media I would personally question if their meaning of the word is the same as mine. I for one will continue publishing content and sharing my thoughts throughout this campaign. And yes, that will also continue after I’m elected.

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Tagged as: Blog, greensboro city council, social media