Blogging

Blogging for Labour

Labour Party

Some first quick thoughts on tonight’s “Blogging for Labour” fringe meeting. I was delighted almost 100 people attended even without the prospect of a free meal! Many thanks to all the panel members. John Gray for giving an insight into the perils of libel actions and the need for more guidance on legal issues.

Jessica Asato talked about how Twitter had brought more activists and importantly advocates to David Miliband’s campaign for Labour Leader. With many present tweeting (note the heads down in the photo) a hashtag would have brought everybody on Twitter together online. Next time!

Mark Ferguson talked about how many people had sat through less than riveting General Committee meetings, and highlighted how some Labour supporters found more interesting debate on sites like Labour List which he edits.

Kerry McCarthy turns to twitter first thing in the morning (I still go for Radio 4). She explained how she could debate with and at times advise members of the public on Parliamentary procedure through tweeting. As the photo shows she won the award for most demonstrative hand movements!

In the audience were bloggers Political Scrapbook, Cllr. Stephen (Cowan report), Jon Worth (Euroblog), Tracey Cheetham (A View from the Public Gallery), Mark Nottingham (From One End of Kent), Colin Ellar (Mayor of Hounslow) and several more bloggers.

I will write some more thoughts tomorrow when I have more time. Thank you to everybody who came and to Cllr. John Paschoud from Lewisham for his technical support.

Brian Tomlinson for Twickenham

Labour Party

Brian-Tomlinson[1]Here’s the second of my weekend reviews of blogs I like. What a visual treat Brian’s header is on his new website. The photography throughout is excellent. Visually the site is excllent with use of images to go to links, and the first of hopefully many youtube videos by Brian about the Liberal Democrat plans to sell off public space by the Thames. Brian is expanding from the previous Twickenham Constituency Labour Party site. This new site is a big improvement.

Brian has only just gone public with this new site and has asked for feedback so here goes. The links need additions, MEPs of course should be added! Also London Assembly members and many other local Twickenham organisations I would suggest. This is a never ending task and I am updating and revising my own at present.

Brian’s blog at present only has one entry per month. Recess is a quieter period and he has clearly spent many hours putting together this new website. I think to attract traffic, and to develop the blog further he needs to post more frequently. At least weekly I would suggest with a combination of national and local posts. I am friends with Brian on Facebook and some of his pithy comments there could easily be developed further so that as he puts it, Vincent Cable’s halo could be removed.

A brief report on the meetings and events Brian attends would give constituents more insight about Brian’s politics, campaigning and the work he does. 

An excellent platform has been built, I look forward to Brian and Twickenham Labour Party developing it further.

NEW TECHNOLOGY ON THE BLOG

internet, Online media

Readers may have noticed some improvements to my blog that I have made over the past week.

Firstly, I am now using Twitter! I hope that I’ll be able to use it to keep people up to date with my political activities and thoughts. Feel free to become my “follower” and get my “tweets.”

Secondly, in response to some reader’s requests I now have a facility that allows people to get my blog via e-mail. When new pieces go up you will get an e-mail. Just sign up by clicking the link on the right hand side.