Neil, can't think of a single reason to respond to someone who dismisses my contributions over the years, So here (not hear) for the record is a recent message to Todd Steward on some of the ways to get the message out.
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First I must say how much I have admired Jeremy's work over the years. I noted his recent Letter to the Editor. I list below a few personal experiences in providing social/political comments.
1. Letters to the Editor a traditional outlet
It is tough (but worth the reward), I write maybe 6 a year to the Globe and get perhaps 1 published. The Globe limits Letters to 200 words. This is the reason Connie could not get excepted because she wanted to write OP Eds. You must be brief, address a single point and go for the gonads, that is, an emotional hook.
A much easier place to get published to the Globe or CBC readers of the WEB is to add comments to feature articles. During the recent Stats Canada debacle I added a comment on the CBC site and within 15 minutes had 32 thumbs up.
2. Letters to CBC Talk shows.
Each show has its "flavour". The Sunday Edition is sophisticated (to a degree) . I have been "published" there on the mindless hype on media. Keep it short, erudite and use a couple of $3 words.
"Cross Country Checkup" is for the great unwashed but Rex is bright so he likes thoughtful pieces. (I get read for picking contrarian positions). "Q" is much more fun and hits the younger set. I got "Letter" of the day for my satire on "body scanners". Again keep it short witty and go for the gonads.
3. Social Media
In addition to political Leaders on Facebook there are activists like Judy Rebick, Ceasefire.ca, various democracy groups. You can add all kinds of comments. I used to post to Michael Ignatief's wall till I ran into a wench over gun laws and "reason over image". Quit in disgust over their pandering to urban paranoids whose votes they already have. BUT I still follow his site. The video today "launch national food policy" would appeal to many Cappers. With due respect to Mellisa, compare her facebook site to Iggy's. Part of the problem here is the conscious decision to stifle the party leader. A decision made by the NE. But when a leader ceases to speak for a party no one speaks for the party or gets the media phone calls.
Very few of Connies's videos were shot professionally. Video technology is now in the hands of the vulgar. A program like Power Director is under $200. A video like Iggy's can be shot and up in an hour.
4. The Blast emails
This was a primary tool in Connie's day with well over 5,000 subscribers. It is not as sexy as social media but kept the public aware of CAP and kept the donations rolling in. Connie is broadcasting and receiving a warm response.
The blast to the Media list put electronic copy right in the editor's in basket , no need to reenter or retype.
It would cost you nothing to sign up for free web seminars from Lyris or Campaigner to understand the marketing model.
Regards, Phil
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I subsequently edited Jeremy's letter to bring down to under 200 words.
The hot shot junta that took over the party don't bother with press releases or blast emails. Members don't even know the roster of the NE.
This is not negative. It is a simple statement of fact.
Draft a policy, Draft a press release, join the party, make a donation, start an EDA. Or simply continue to make flaming attacks on those who have actually, "been there done that, got the tee shirt". Run for a position on the Executive.
