TaylorMade

Jeremy Gould has been blogging some really interesting stuff recently as the UK Government looks at social networking. I’d admit I’ve long been a sceptic of social networking but find myself enjoying sites such as YouTube and Bebo more and more so I do see the attraction – but is this craze new?

Top of the charts

Facebook is now the most popular social networking site ahead of rivals MySpace and Bebo. All of these sites have a similiar theme, you create a profile , add friends and have your own web page with little gadgets plugged in. I can’t help thinking I’ve seen this all before, several years ago in fact.

In mid-1995 Geocities began offering people the chance to create their own personal website, for free, with no technical knowledge required. In 1997 it was the 5th most popular site on the Web, so is social networking really new? Do Facebook, MySpace and Bebo really represent Web 2.0? I can’t help think if this is as far as we’ve come in the last 10 years then really we haven’t moved very far at all. Ok the underlying technology is more sleak, the presentation better and availability much more accessible but the concept remains the same.

Next big thing

As a Government web developer Web 2.0, in particular social networking, is the next big thing for us to tackle. However, should we not be getting our own houses in order first? In Northern Ireland I think we’ve set a benchmark in terms of corporacy, writing style and more importantly, accessibility standards. All Departmental sites must adhere to certain guidelines in terms of layout and compliance and after 3 years of continual graft, we’re getting there. Elsewhere in UK Gov I don’t see evidence of such standards and in the main most sites need to look at their standards first before thinking about engaging with social networking tools. Of course website rationalisation over time will tackle and reviews are underway but for now is there not a danger of drowning before we’ve learned to swim?

A nswers on a postcard please

I’ve spent a lot of time recently reviewing Open Source scripts such as Plone, PeopleAggregator and Dolphin. All very interesting, exciting in fact but I’m struggling to think of a use. How can Government employ such tools to deliver something different, interactive and more importantly, that is useful to the citizen? Am I going about it the wrong way, should Government tap into existing networks, such as Wikipedia or YouTube (as 10Downing Street have) and show we’re not afraid to “let go” of our information? Of course in letting go, there are potential pitfalls as DEFRA experienced. It will be interesting to see what comes from Whitehall over the coming year. I don’t think a few blogs is a clear demonstration of Government’s committment to social networking but what is? Well despite my writers block I’ve decided to throw a few ideas out there, they may have legs, they may be daft but we’ve got to start somewhere!

MPebo’s

A bebo style site showing all current MPs. Citizens can then sign up as a “friend” and post their erm, love for their local MP!

FOIpedia

Since the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, citizens can now write to Government to ask for information on various matters. Often a lot of work goes into a response but it after its gone to the citizen it remains on an internal system somewhere. Why not create a Wiki and share that information with the world?

JobSpot

Instead of advertising jobs, why not have a Government expert blog about it? Inspire people to work, blog real life stories, give them inside tips, links, contacts etc.

Got an idea of your own, tell me about it!