Talk Canada...

…and I will choose to answer the questions that best suit my key messages.


Talk Canada, as it is now, is an ineffectual use of social media. Social Media by definition is an interactive platform allowing participants to play an active role in the discussion. Unlike Talk Canada, there is no mediator in social media, no filter and most importantly no script.

Talk Canada is a youtube channel dedicated to “putting democracy in action.” It seems as though Harper is trying to take a page out of Obama’s social media campaign, by using new mediums to reach new audiences, like youtube. The government is clearly open to trying new and innovative methods to expand their viewership.

The 40 minute interview with Prime Minister Harper shows the limitedness of his ability to relinquish control. The interview was contrived. It is clear to anyone who watches it -even just 10 minutes of it - that the questions had been fielded and selected based on the Prime Ministers standard key messages. Every detail of the Talk Canada experience was controlled and planned, up to the smallest minute details, including set and costumes.

Check it out yourself:


Being the first Canadian party to embrace social media and use its expanding popularity to reach new audiences is a great opportunity for the Prime Minister's camp. Even if this first attempt wasn’t as successful, or widely praised as hoped, it definitely raises the bar for other political parties. This channel, if used properly, will allow the Prime Minister to communicate directly with voters.

Unfortunately the interview featured on Talk Canada was an example of two-way asymmetrical communication, although the questions vetted by the mediator were asked by citizens, they were obviously screened. Social media gives citizens a voice to express themselves in an unedited way that has never been experienced before in politics.

Politicians, like corporations, are being held more accountable for their actions and are forced to participate in the social media discussion. Used properly, social media could benefit governments greatly, allowing politicians to connect to voters and citizens.

Check out my colleague's blog posts:
Kaitlynn Dodge
Robyn Landau
Sarah State
Zach Sandor-Kerr

It's tea time.

The first tea party, the Boston Tea Party, was a protest against the British Government imposing the Tea Act. Now, 200 years later there is a new tea party being held in America.

Emerging in early 2009, the Tea Party Patriots have used social media, as well as other traditional media to mobilize Americans in the fight against taxation.

As David Brooks, New York Times columnist, explains in the Toronto Star’s article, Tea Party rattles America, the Tea Party is comprised mostly of members from the educated class.

To learn more about the Teat Party, check out Katie Couric’s @katiecoutic interview with the leaders:



There is a consensus that the Tea Party is a political wild card in the American system and there is a real possibility that it could become a third party. If only they could decide on a leader.

The Tea Party held the first National Tea Party Convention in Nashville at the beginning of February. Sarah Palin, the favourite to unite this party was a keynote speaker. Her speech was highly criticized for her use of crib notes written on her hand.

Joy Behar and a panel discuss the controversial Q&A on CNN below:



Having a heavy social media based campaign has allowed citizens to voice their ideas and concerns in a way that has never been done. The Tea Party Patriots have a strong presence on Facebook, Twitter, Ning and Youtube, as well as a standard website.

We in Canada saw the outrage to Harper’s proroguing of Canadian Parliament on Facebook two months ago. Is social media the new political tool? How is a consensus to be reached using the social media platform? How is a leader chosen? How does a group move forward after gathering such a following? How can these groups unite and mobilize further to make significant change?

Personal Brand Plan

My Personal Brand in a nutshell...



And here it is, the much anticipated personal brand plan. The brand of Kathleen. Enjoy. Please leave your thoughts, comments and/or concerns below.

Personal brand plan

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