1. Internet Workshop Presented by: - BlogLeft Massachusetts - Communications SubCommittee of the DSC

2. Schedule Overview from 2:30 PM to 3:05 PM Breakouts 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM - Netroots 101 - Social Networking Technology - Citizen Journalism - Cable and Video 4:10 – 4:30 Informal questions/networking Hands-on training

3. Definition - Blog: from “web log” - Blog is a website - Usually maintained by an individual - Regular entries - Commentary, descriptions of events, or other material - Commonly displayed in reverse chronological order - "Blog" used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog - Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject Definition adopted from Wikipedia

4. Anatomy of a blog - Front page - Diaries - Comments - More in Netroots 101

5. This session The Importance of Blogs A case study – BlueMassGroup Introduction to “blog culture” Overview of blogs Citizen journalism Individual activism

6. Blue Mass Group

8. Blog Culture A community Respect the other members Observe before you speak Build “street cred” – a meritocracy Back up what you say

9. Blog Culture Conversation – not a press release Read what people have to say Respond as needed Not a tightly controlled environment Be prepared for questions Disagreements Disclosure

10. Blog Culture With time a good blogging strategy can allow you to get your message past the media filters.

11. Overview of Blogs While distinctions sometimes blur, there are generally three different kinds of blogs: 1. Issue-based Blogs 2. Local Blogs 3. Community Blogs

12. Issue Blogs Blogs that are based on specific issues. Common types: Environment, GLBT, Health Care, Media, Political Satire, State Politics, etc. Such as: Truthandprogress.com, FireDogLake,TalkingPointsMemo and even Ryan’s Take, my blog. ● Pros: Gives people specific places to look for info on specific topics.  Covers issues not frequently included in the mainstream media.  Can be as unique as the person who writes it. ● Cons: Harder to build an audience and keep up on a daily basis.

13. Local Blogs Blogs that are local in nature – based on specific regions, towns or wards. Popular examples: BelowBoston.com, LeftinLowell.com ● Pros: You can make a real difference in your community. ● We need as many local blogs as we can get. ● It's relatively easy to gain an audience in your town. ● Politicians will think you're important!! ● Cons: Still need to write frequently, but can share the load with others.

14. Community Blogs Blogs that allow anyone to sign up, create content, and be a part of the community. Rarely issue-specific, though often communities of like- minded people. DailyKos & BlueMassGroup ● Pros: Open Platform with already- existing audience (so you don't have to build your own).  Almost all bloggers participate in community blogs. ● Can build an audience for your own blog  Crossposting  Building Reputation ● Cons: It isn't your own blog.  Posts need to interest the community.  Big blogs (i.e. dailykos), drown out good diaries.  By being open, anyone can participate – which isn't always a good thing.

15. Internet Workshop Individuals can make a difference - E-Mail - Facebook, Twitter - Blog - Video - Raise Money – ActBlue - Citizen Journalism

16. Internet Workshop Technology is just a tool -One of many multiple hits -Reinforce personal communication -Communication of information

17. Internet Workshop THANK YOU!!!!