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I’m running a Citizen Focus Course for the NPIA this week. Part of the course is an input that I give about marketing and communications and in particular, the need to embrace web 2.0 thinking and techniques and move away from old fashioned ‘organisation out’ messaging and embrace a less centralised approach which builds community and allows people to engage with the brand.
This normally leads to a discussion about the merits, wisdom and benefits of blogging. My view is unequivocal: Colleagues (and BCU Commanders in particular) should be blogging. For me it’s a no brainer because…
You control the message
The only real ‘cost’ is the investment in the time it takes to write each post
It allows you to reach a new and wider audience through an additional communications channel
It presents the human side of policing and allows people to see the challenges and dilemmas that you face.
I find it interesting that whilst colleagues are still coming to terms with blogging (most state that they don’t regularly read blogs, despite the fact that blogging has now been around for quite a while and you are reading a blog at the moment !), the wider world has recognised the benefits of blogging and is looking at the integration and use of new communications channels, such as Twitter (think 140 character micro blogs which allow you to create your own social network (group of friends etc), follow people of interest (Obama, Branson, OpenEyeComms ) or follow specific companies (Supermarket chain X has an upcoming Sale and special product announcements).
It would be interesting for you to find out what your force press office position is on blogs and bloggers. Are blogs monitored by them? Who are the influential bloggers in your area ? What are their hot button issues ? Do any local notables blog ? About what? What is the Press Office stance on citizen journalism and bloggers ? When they hold a meet the press’ evening, are influential bloggers invited ?
These, and many more issues, have popped into my thoughts as a result of the recent decision by the NPYD to provide police press accreditation to three bloggers. There is no doubt that Citizen Journalism is here to stay. What’s your force position on it ?
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