tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14418636.post6423467275058350892..comments2023-11-03T08:45:55.121+00:00Comments on Stephen's Liberal Journal: Can a Blogger be an Effective PPC?Stephen Glennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03027718551675624433noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14418636.post-68955754782390711172009-06-27T14:09:12.191+01:002009-06-27T14:09:12.191+01:00AWC yeah it was a shame about Grant (like Kezia) w...AWC yeah it was a shame about Grant (like Kezia) when the seriousness of politics got to much he thought he could hide the blog naively by deleting. The point I am making I guess is that if you are prepared to say something in a public arena you should be able to stand by it. On the issue of Catholic Schools of course I made a short intervention on the subject at our conference which is in the BBC archives.<br /><br />James well spotted, I call it style. At least that out of context is easier to defend and for the complaint to be held than some of the misreprestations that have been made in the past.<br /><br />Nich I'm going to say that it may make it harder 'these days' but I also think the tidal shift is happening. I'm lokking around at the youth members, future PPCs of all parties. They all have an massive online presence from way back in their student days which most of us maturer types would be quezy about that level of profile from that age. Some are currently suffering from that but others will come through from whatever online presence that shows it as more the norm than otherwise for serious politians to blog.Stephen Glennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03027718551675624433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14418636.post-28978422011111738562009-06-27T10:24:01.873+01:002009-06-27T10:24:01.873+01:00I think that the way campaigning is done these day...I think that the way campaigning is done these days makes it difficult for bloggers because there is too much dirt on them if they dare to have an opinion.<br /><br />In other ways though blogging also does not help. In North Norfolk Iain Dale made a name for himself blogging, but it probably had a negative effect in North norfolk as people there perceived his blog to be him blowing his own trumpet whilst we Lib Dems were able to minotor his every action. It was like having a mole in his campaign team. On doorsteps poeple had not realy heard of Iain Dale's blog, but those who had seemed to be of the agreed response "who does he think he is ?"<br /><br />Yes, his blog was a success as a blog, but totally failed in campaigning terms.Nich Starlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04237390959601973501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14418636.post-13218996563527122432009-06-27T09:45:55.897+01:002009-06-27T09:45:55.897+01:00Hi Stephen,
The bit from this they're going to...Hi Stephen,<br />The bit from this they're going to quote against you out of context is:<br /><br />"I'd probably have to start executing those that thought for themselves to keep the status quo.."<br /><br />Cheers,<br />JamesJames Mackenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07707473889170111139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14418636.post-34893222537187663952009-06-27T08:08:54.132+01:002009-06-27T08:08:54.132+01:00Good question, not sure you answer it. You essenti...Good question, not sure you answer it. You essentially ask "can a PPC afford to be honest?" (online in this context, but more generally.)<br /><br />And beyond Lib Dem circles, look at Grant Thoms ( Tartan Hero). His blog, immediately deleted by him on Michael martin's resignation, appears none the less to have cost him Glasgow East, before the by-election is even called. (Technical warning bloggers, you cant really delete a blog, its RSS is stored on any subscriber's reader)<br /><br /><br />And whilst I'm not saying your party be the worst offenders, i'm sure the Lib Dems would be all over this blog were he have proceeded with his candiature. His main offence - to speak his mind on Catholic schools.<br /><br />Sadly I fear this is an area where liberalism and "Lib Demism" ( or any other party political ism) are essentially incompatable.Alan Smarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08238599957331198637noreply@blogger.com