Interactive technologies

We're here at the Boston Convention Center at the interactive technologies forum. As part of my presentation here, I'm live blogging the event from the podium and projecting it to the audience.

One point to be made about live blogging is the immediacy associated with it, whereas most other forms of media take hours to be disseminated. Another point is that blogging removes the filter -- I'm able to send my message without it being interpreted by anyone. It's not without its cons -- one issue to consider is that I'm continually on record on every issue de jour. While it's okay to edit posts for to correct mistakes or to add content, I don't think it's appropriate to delete posts or a take on an issue (moderation and ownership of comments has not been a problem on this site, and that's another issue altogether). Another is that you have to continually keep your focus on the task at hand (like I'm trying to do now by speaking/presenting on one topic and typing this at the same time).

As I'm sure is the case in every other state, the majority of legislators in Arkansas are connected to their constituency not only by telephone but through e-mail and, less prevalent, SMS with Blackberries. At least in my case, the amount of e-mail to legislators during a legislative session in Arkansas now overwhelmingly outnumbers phone calls and mail combined. While the internet can certainly facilitate better communication between government and its citizens, it is by no means the only technology that can be used as a positive benefit in government. Still, there's no substitute for being in the district and visiting with constituents in person.