Tech

Federal Eye: Earl Devaney’s Recommended Reading

Earl Devaney has a bookmark for reporters: Recovery.gov. “My vision here is that every reporter in America will wake up and click on this site and be looking for problems. They’ve already started, by the way,” he told city and county officials yesterday during a meeting at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Devaney, chairman ofRead… Read more »

Twitter in the Crosshairs – Facebook’s Gambit

Everyone has seen the change, and have debated whether it’s really a rip-off of Twitter’s microblog format. Those of us who have been through the microblogging wars see some other similarities, with the conversational commentary seeming to run more like Pownce and Plurk than the Twitter format of @s and RTs. Regardless, the livestream seemsRead… Read more »

Wednesday 18 March 2009 on Twitter

Some tweets relevant to #opengov, #gov20, #govloop @govloop: Have you joined GovLoop March Madness Tourney? password: govloop Watch Duke choke. http://bit.ly/1adChl #gov20 #opengov @GovTwit: Lots of State/Local folks added 2 Gov Twitter Directory this wk: http://tinyurl.com/5vudby #gov20 RT @Nextgov Why I love Bob Brewin: News Flash: Acquisition Workers Needed In Government http://bit.ly/2bSN7 #gov20 @Gov20CampFederal WebRead… Read more »

Measuring Gov 2.0…But First, Web 1.0 Analysis

In delivering workshops on Web 2.0 for government agencies and other key stakeholders, I ask audiences to imagine themselves walking up to a dazzling storefront. I ask them to envision peering through clear panes of glass to marvel at the merchandise – watches and widgets and watchamacallits galore. They turn their attention to the door,Read… Read more »

Join the Conversation…Be the Conversation. Is Twitter Fueling Innovation?

Yesterday in my journey into the twittersphere I highlighted 3 observations that I find most appealing about the micro-blogging site. To summarize all three in one thought, I see Twitter as providing users a constant flow of interest-tailored mind-castings, a living discussion forum, and a place to take a penny and leave a penny. I’veRead… Read more »

Federal Eye: Could Crowdsourcing Help Control the Stimulus?

As the federal government starts doling out billions of dollars from the economic recovery package, there’s growing concern that officials will not be able to account for every project and every dollar spent. Should the government enlist everyday Americans with an Internet connection to help? Jerry Brito thinks so. Brito is a senior research fellowRead… Read more »

The Social Media Subcouncil Asks: What’s in a Name?

When it comes to social media, how you position your brand goes a long way for conveying authenticity and trust. Social media naming conventions are equally important for government agencies as they are for celebrities, commercial entities, and other branded organizations. Prior to commencing activity in the social space, it’s important for government communicators toRead… Read more »

A Suggestion for what “Transparency” looks like

Transparency. It’s the buzz word around the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the planned disbursement, tracking and reporting of the $787 billion federal stimulus package to states. Every state and many local jurisdictions have responded in some way to the transparency requirements (page 9) outlined by the federal government. As transparency can beRead… Read more »

New Food Safety Twitter Channel @USDAFoodSafety

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has launched its first official Twitter channel @USDAFoodSafety (www.twitter.com/USDAFoodSafety). FSIS will provide food safety education and information to followers. The account will be used to share food safety education materials, provide information on recalls and news releases and will be monitored for any questions from other Twitter users.

Decentralized, Delegated Disappointments

The spouse of a friend of mine was denied a visa yesterday. Knowing something of the visa system myself I had explained how the system worked and given reassurances about the professionalism of the consular officer. And, ultimately, while I have no doubt about the officer’s professionalism, it’s clear that the officer’s approach was differentRead… Read more »