Ever since I read The Amazing Money Machine article in the Atlantic I was intrigued about how his campaign is using social software functionality to create that machine. This machine has the potential to stay engaged after the election and bring real democracy to America. How cool would that be?
As a Community Guy I am of course fascinated by all that. I got invited for a neighborhood party to do some phone volunteering. You bring a computer and your cell phone, a short introduction and off you phone. I thought it would be at 4pm, but the party started without me already at 1pm 
It was after three when I realized my error and Nina had just fallen asleep.
I thought I missed out, but if the Obama folks are so clever, I should be able to do it on my own. 
I went to Obama’s website and there was the phone, a little sign up no more than you do for your typical web 2.0 site and you can select which swing state you want to put your full weight behind.
New Mexico didn’t have any phone numbers at the moment, so I selected the battleground (talking about framing) state Ohio. They assigned me 25 numbers and with one click I had a popup with name, number and a little script of what to say in front of me and off I went. From selecting Obama’s website to calling the first number in less than 5 minutes without any human involvement. Smooth and super scalable.
From the neighbor I know that the main goal is to find undecided voters. You don’t try to change their minds, that is much more effectively done via a face to face visit of volunteers on the ground in Ohio. Continue reading »
