The Expanding Role of Twitter in Governance

Many of you will recall that in January, I published a White Paper called Twongress:  The Power of Twitter in Congress – that provided analysis and insight into how members of Congress were utilizing Twitter to expand their own communications.  That report looked primarily at the quantitative aspect of Twitter use – how many members were using Twitter and at what velocity.  

Since that time, the Congressional Research Service has published a report that provides a more qualitative look at the use of Twitter by members of the U.S. Congress entitled "Social Network and Constituent Communications:  Member Use of Twitter During a Two-Month Period in the 111th Congress".  The report was published February 3, 2010.  The report tracks tweets during a two-month period over the summer.

Lastly, colleagues of mine at Fleishman-Hillard in Ontario published their own report.  Called "House of Tweets – Twitter and the House of Commons" the report looks at the twittering patterns of Members of Parliament in Canada.  My congratulations to my colleague Mark Blevis on writing this report.  

Some may still belittle Twitter.  Funny name.  Only 140 characters.  But one thing is clear, it has a growing role in the order of communications and in allowing people to reach very specific, targeted audiences and to drive them to sites where they can get more in-depth information.  Elected officials are fast realizing the "pecking order" of Twitter.  

House of Tweets
 

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2 Responses to The Expanding Role of Twitter in Governance

  1. Mark Blevis says:

    Thanks for helping to spread the word about “House of Tweets” and especially for bringing the Congressional Research Service report. I’ll be checking that out this week.

  2. Mark Blevis says:

    …for bringing the Congressional Research Service report to my attention…
    I defend that mistake by pointing out it’s 3:39amCT and I’m wide awake because my body’s still on ET.

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