blogging

In this workshop you will learn how new technologies are changing the face of modern politics.

• Do you feel that you have no voice in political decision making?
• Do you want to see more accountability in government at all levels?

Thanks to new web-based technologies, the days of hidden backroom decision making are drawing to an end. Web tools such as blogs, wikis and other new media are providing avenues for participation in policy making, and transparency in government like never before. Politicians and bureaucrats who are embracing these technologies are opening up constructive dialogue with their constituents. Others are feeling threatened by the increased levels of accountability provided by the new technology.

Participants will learn how they can use blogs, wikis, new media, and other online tools to become engaged in forming our political destiny. Participants will be introduced to the Local-Motive policy wiki, the Saugeen Community Blog, and other tools such as How They Voted.com which can empower individuals to make a difference in society.

Presenter: Shane Jolley

What do knitting, baking and snow storms all have in common? They're all fair game for local blog personality, Ted Myatt. Ted has maintained a personal blog since May 2006 and his Web site has already been written up in several international magazines as being a hot spot for topical and technical knowledge.

This one-hour presentation will outline what it means to maintain a personal blog: the time commitments, the community support, what it means to publish your thoughts to an unknown audience, the motivation and benefits behind why you would want to publish your thoughts, and of course the technical skills required to maintain a blog. In addition to his personal experiences over the last year, Ted will: demonstrate the software he uses to maintain his personal, on-line journal as well as highlight some of the different kinds of blogs that are available on-line today.

This will be the perfect presentation for those who've been wondering what it means when they hear someone say, "I'm definitely blogging this." Or "Haven't you read my blog?"

Animal Control Officer, Renee Robbins, will lead you through the ins-and-outs of running her business-related blog (on-line journal). "I myself thought that there would be really no need to do such a thing..then Elaine (my web master) said try it...and I cannot believe the response." You can read Renee's blog at The Owen Sound Animal Shelter Web site

This one hour presentation will talk about the benefits of having a blog, the level of technical knowledge required, and the time commitment involved. Renee reveals, "the best part is people have developed a relationship with me...they think they know me, they trust me and they want to use my services. It's like we're having a conversation."

This presentation will be an introductory look at blogging and will not require previous technical knowledge or expertise.