Topic 9 Exercise 9.2

Research and Evaluation in Government 2.0

Ever since our state and federal politicialns began using tools like Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook, the 'mashup' of social networking with politics was inevitable. Now all over the world there are summits on Government 2.0 in Australia, The Gruen Report is due in late 2009. Here is an interesting audio to explain about Parpicipatory democracy, Web 2.0 and the Government 2.0 Taskforce

1. Summarise the use of

Wiki drafts of papers for public discussion and

Twitter in Government

2. Did you see yourself as a supporter of Government 2.0? If so how did you benefit? If not then explain why. Consider the Gov 2.0 taskforce site at http://gov2.net.au/ and the conference at http://www.gov2.com.au

Wikis are designed to be a collaborative tool used to gather information. Some businesses are beginning to use wikis as drafts of public discussion. Users are requested to review information and where they deem it appropriate add relevant information. The information gathered on the Wiki usually includes specific challenges, issues and innovations. Staff usually post the wikis for review, comment and to seek additional content. Staff will then usually incorporate edits, comments and additions as appropriate and develop a final draft which is then submitted to members. Similarly, Twitter is being used in Government - for example both members of the public and government officials can use twitter as a place for discussion

Reference: http://www.sacog.org/calendar/2008/11/03/grpa/pdf/09-RUCS%20Wiki.pdf

In all honesty, prior to this course I hadn’t even heard of Government 2.0 – so it is very difficult to contribute an opinion. I have heard of a task force and have seen some articles about this – but because of my limited knowledge would find it difficult to offer any sort of worthwhile opinion.

Topic 9 Exercise 9.1

Is Social Networking A Business Model?

Join the site called linkedin.com and set up your "business" profile. While many businesses use social networking sites of buy islands in virtual worlds, some argue that there use is not a model for doing business.

What are the arguments for and against social networking being classified as a business model?

As suggested I joined the LinkedIn website and was intrigued to find what it was all about. Although I find it hard to see the relevance a website like this would have with me in my current situation, I can see the benefits for others. In particular, being able to set up a slide show to be shown in another location would be ideal.

As pointed out by Wikipedia “social networks connect people at a low cost, this can be beneficial for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to expand their contact bases” Companies also have the option of using social networks to advertise their businesses in the forms of banners and text ads.

A distinct disadvantage of using a site such as LinkedIn. Is that users can become so absorbed that they do not click on the banners and text ads for businesses. The other distinct disadvantage would be that it does not seem that advertisers can tell if their target group has been reached.