#NewWay2Govern: Digital Engagement

The corollary of which is that there is likely a future market for slower online engagement technologies that prime people to use their more reflective systems. It also means that there will be demand for people who can structure online engagements in ways that nudge citizens to more conscious and deliberative participation in governance.

Let that sink in for a second.

Partisan politics is the opposite of this - it's about reinforcing messages, not having conversations; the focus is on driving people to act, not to think.  In traditional partisan politics, the people are pieces, not participants.

There are still some organizations out there who think social media is a broader push tool, rather than recognizing it for what it is.

In much the same way some folk still think emotional push-button campaigns are the way to drive votes your way.

Times are changing, the tools are changing, expectations are changing.

Those who fail to adapt won't be remembered as "history's actors" - they'll be lucky to be remembered at all.

The future is increasingly an open playing field.  And we're all players in the game.  

As it should be.