Social Media in an Iowa Blizzard

I'm stoked to see that Iowa Lt. Governor Patty Judge has a new blog. That is awesome news!

Technically, it does not meet my definition of a blog, because it does not accept comments (moderated or otherwise). 

On this blizzardy day in Iowa, lots of peeps and tweeps will be spending the day surfing and commenting on their favorite social media sites. I'm convinced that Patty and her staff are losing out on a significant opportunity to communicate what Governor Culver and Lt. Gov. Judge are doing to keep Iowans safe.

Since Patty is in charge of Homeland Security and natural disasters, it would be wonderful to get a fresh post this morning as soon as the Iowa National Guard was activated. Patty herself, I'm absolutely sure, is in the war room at the Iowa National Guard headquarters as I write this, helping to coordinate emergency response. Will her Blogger blog be updated via mobile device? How cool would it be to get a picture of all those cute National Guard soldiers surrounding our diminutive Lt. Gov?

The part I love about her blog post is that she mentioned that she's not done with her Christmas shopping and her grandkids. This is how I know that Patty really had input into this post. She is a mom and a grandmom first. Very authentic voice.

Lt. Gov. Judge and I have known each other for a long time. Here's my advice for her blog, take it or leave it.

1. Allow moderated comments: This means you (or your staff) will get an email and allow comments to be approved before being posted to the blog. This will ensure that posts stay on topic and not abusive. With an election coming and right-wing nut jobs looking for opportunities to ding the current Gov. and Lt. Gov., this is certainly understandable.
2. Post on days when things are going on, not when you're taking a breather. People will start to check your blog to get the latest word on what you're up to. If you post as an afterthought, that's what the blog will become as well.
3. Link to more Web sites than just your own. In your last post, for example, it would have been cool to link to the IJobs Web site, and a local toy store like Creative Kidstuff.
4. Create some link-love. Patty's blog links to all the usual suspects, but there are tons of other Web properties and social media sites that could use a shout-out. How about the RIO site? There are probably dozens of others.
5. Invite a blogger to come with you sometime. Also, invite bloggers to press briefings and put them on your media advisory lists. The 2008 presidential candidates all had blogger lists and maintained great relationships with us during the caucus season.

I'm so glad the Lt. Governor is experimenting with social media. I'll be checking back often, and can't wait to be the first one to leave a comment.

Comments

[Sincerely, Jenni]

You're one smart cookie. I am going to add her blog to my Reader, and I agree with you-- let's hope she begins allowing comments!

[Sincerely, Jenni]

I sent her an email through the State of Iowa site. As of today, her blog is now allowing comments... thought you'd like to know!