Category Archives: Social Media

A 3D Approach to Ensure You Are Always ‘Right’

Leave a reply

By Jason Menard

What’s the best way to make sure you’re always ‘right’? For many, it’s using a 3D approach to on-line interaction. Unfortunately, using this approach causes you to miss out on a few other Ds — such as debate and discussion that can lead to positive development of ideas.

So what are these three Ds? You’ve likely seen them or experienced them anywhere there’s an on-line discussion, whether it be Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, or even newspaper comments sections. They are, in order:

Deride
Deflect
Dismiss

And here’s how they work. Continue reading →

Politics is Wasted on the ‘Young’

1 Reply

By Jason Menard

Politics is wasted on the young — mentally young, that is.

Before I get accused of being ageist, let me clarify that statement by saying that the real bane of political discourse is immaturity — and manifests itself across all demographics.

I know socially and politically mature teenagers and I know middle-aged people who are childlike in their application of socio-political thought. Political maturity isn’t about age; it’s about a willingness to learn and a willingness to accept that we’re not infallible. Continue reading →

Who Defines Better?

7 Replies

By Jason Menard

Today, former elected representative Glen Pearson posted his latest statement on voter apathy and the need for citizens to be “better” to ensure that we get “better” representation.

But who defines better?

It was an interesting monologue (I wouldn’t say it’s designed to spark a conversation because, well, he doesn’t allow comments on his citizen engagement-focused blog.) But missing are the answers to two questions: better for whom? And does everyone really want this version of better? Continue reading →

Wanted: The Truth Behind Mayor Wanted

1 Reply

By Jason Menard

The less I know about the person or persons behind the Mayor Wanted ad, the more I’m concerned.

First, a quick rundown. Earlier today, a job posting and subsequent Mayor Wanted Web site was launched ostensibly as a “job opening” for the position of City of London.

In and of itself, it was fine… until we got to the end.

What initially concerned me most, at first, was the “for community support email mayorwanted@gmail.com and we will connect you with Londoners who care deeply about the future of our city.”

I’m one of those Londoners. So I was interested. Who are these people? Who decides who they connect to.

And the answer — or lack thereof — is where I get nervous about how this information is being used. Continue reading →

Signs My Online Presence Has Been Hijacked

Leave a reply

By Jason Menard,

It’s the great social media cop-out: when one posts something mind-bogglingly stupid/racist/sexist/homophobic, the traditional blame is placed on ‘being hacked.’ You never know when it’s going to happen to you, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

So, dear readers, my list of things, if you hear me say or do on-line, means that someone’s hijacked my Twitter feed or Facebook account, or has forced me posting against my will. Continue reading →