Comments on: Gov 2.0: 5 Reasons Social Media ISN’T Scary

By: antfaber

antfaber — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:08:30 +0000

One reason why Social Media IS scary:

Me.

By: Jeffrey Levy

Jeffrey Levy — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:18:05 +0000

Yes on all points, Adriel! Very helpful post.

And I agree with the other commenters: we have to trust our employees and build tools based on the assumption of good behavior by the public. Yes, we need to be ready to deal with bad actors, but the vast majority need to see us out there (“bad actor” means someone who just screams a lot; thoughtful criticism and praise both come from good actors).

By: Gwynne Kostin

Gwynne Kostin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:18:51 +0000

People really aren’t that bad should be our mantra. Because they really aren’t. Rather than throw out the baby–participation and collaboration–with the bathwater, we need to work on policies that help the baby thrive.

Good post, Adriel and collaborators!

By: Steve Radick

Steve Radick — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:07:57 +0000

Thanks for the shout-out Adriel! I think that this post is an important partner post to my original one. Yes, social media can be scary, but at the same time, it can be an incredibly welcoming and friendly world too.

Just as some people derive energy and enthusiasm from a conference room full of people, some people are terrified at this prospect. I remember when Andrew McAfee came to Booz Allen to talk about social media behind the firewall, and he said that for it to be successful, you’ve got to believe in “the theory of the good person.” That quote has always stuck with me, and I’ve found it to be overwhelmingly true, ESPECIALLY when working with public servants.

By: bob ashley

bob ashley — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:55:28 +0000

Positive post, Adriel. Trust has got to start somewhere. Risk needs a midwife. Citizens want we gov people to be people.

Let me add that especially lately, you’ve been the midwife to some bold theses. Good stuff!

bob