The new activism

[LadyShea]

Twice now I have seen change.org petitions and Twitter flooding campaigns seem to make a difference (Mabus and the school-zone violation=jail time issue) and looky here too.

From what I gather the change.org petitions send a frickin email with EVERY signature. Thousands of emails might do the trick with most anything.

We should devise a test. Anyone have an issue to annoy er I mean petition about?

[erimir]

The Democrats to grow a spine?

[LadyShea]

Sure, that's a good one. Let's flood the DNC Chairman's email.

[ChuckF]

I bet mickthinks has some ideas. And I know vm's e-mail address.

[livius drusus]

Has anyone dubbed it spamtivism yet?

[LadyShea]

Not that I know of, shall we dub you the coiner?

[livius drusus]

Yes! I expect a Google first within minutes.

[BrotherMan]

Slacktivism. It's a perfect way for internet shut ins to protest and make their voices heard without, you know, actually having to do anything. It's a step above the Facebooktivism of just changing your status, or whatever.

[BrotherMan]

Two sadnesses on both our accounts.

[Watser?]

It is a very low threshold way to get people to sign onto things. I just look at it as an addition to existing forms rather than a replacement. People who never bothered to go out into the streets (and still don't) can participate with ease. And i do thing Change.org and Avaaz manage to make a difference in some cases. Amnesty International does it too, they even have text message protests. But they also still have the snailmail letter writing thing.

[LadyShea]

Well, I haven't seen "actually doing something" accomplishing shit in a long time. Spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to travel to DC to March on Washington to be ignored sucks. Spending hours writing thoughtful letters to Congresscritters to be ignored sucks. Talking with idiot neighbors and shit to be ignored sucks. Serious blogging and working to get media attention to get ignored sucks.

Spamming doesn't always get ignored, apparently and it IS way easier than all the other "actual" stuff. Let's do that.

[Adam]

Actually doing something generally happens outside, in designated areas, with a permit, and regulations to ensure that it doesn't disrupt the flow of business. A deluge of emails, or SMS messages, or whatever, is essentially a DDOS attack. If this catches on, I expect to see legislation criminalizing it within a year.

[ChuckF]

Originally Posted by BrotherMan

Slacktivism. It's a perfect way for internet shut ins to protest and make their voices heard without, you know, actually having to do anything. It's a step above the Facebooktivism of just changing your status, or whatever.

[Qingdai]

I am sorry for your lots. From broman's wiki link "joining a community organization without contributing to the organization's efforts," this is often a problem in small groups.
People think they're talking (and they are sharing information) but the doing something about it is often lacking.
I just went to a neighborhood association meeting, which I might add, is RIPE FOR TAKE OVER, and found that although there is increased traffic on their website/facebook account and Google groups email group. There are the same 5 people and the same lack of attendance at the meeting.
On the bright side, I am chalking for position and will soon rule the world neighborhood in a few easy steps, if I follow through with my 12 step plan (step 1: come up with a plan).

[LadyShea]

I am going to Kiddo's school's Title I meeting tonight. These meetings are required by the Title I funding laws and stuff.

Now, nothing I say, do, or think will make a quantum particle bit of difference in any way, shape, or form. They need warm bodies to send a head count to say they have "parental involvement and meaningful two way communication", and are offering an "out of uniform pass*" as an incentive to get said warm bodies and countable heads. I know this, so I will take my warm body and countable head down there so it can get ignored as usual.

*Out of uniform pass only good on the date listed on the pass. Other limitations may apply, see the student handbook for details

[JoeP]

Will you be huffing and puffing? What body count can we expect?

[LadyShea]

Nope, because the one thing I have no argument with is how this principal handles the school funds. This particular meeting is to fulfill the necessaries for Title I funding (which is a Federal program) so I will be there to help with that.

I am compartmentalizing to prevent death and destruction. I deserve a medal.

[Corona688]

Originally Posted by LadyShea

I am compartmentalizing to prevent death and destruction.

And if it worked for the titanic, it'll work for you.

[LadyShea]

Hey now! My mind is not fatally flawed like Titanic was and we don't have icebergs here!

[Adam]

What are you gonna do with your supposedly unsinkable mind when the principal starts throwing ice cubes at your head? Huh? Huh?

[LadyShea]

I was one of only 5 parents. Poor principal. I even admitted to her that all evidence indicates she is an exceptional funds manager, because I felt bad for calling her Bobblehead* in my mind and that there was nobody there.

She nods constantly while others are talking/presenting*.

[Qingdai]

Duck and cover, my good man. Do they teach nothing at these new-fangled learning institutions, any more?

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by LadyShea

because I felt bad for calling her Bobblehead* in my mind and that there was nobody there.

She nods constantly while others are talking/presenting*.

Again with the unrealised potential that I wish you'd followed through on. And hubby had videoed.