Hi World

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Hello cyber visitor, welcome! My name is Despina, I’m an Australian and a government employee and I’ve started this blog because as a researcher on the policy implications of Web 2.0 and citizen engagement by government, I thought I should take the practical plunge into blogging. I’m an enthusiastic exponent of using the web to expand public sector communications and in particular, to explore the potential for enhanced dialogue with citizens on policy and priority setting in government.  This little blog is a  platform for me to share what I can (and there are restrictions given my government role) but more importantly, to learn about e-participatory developments from you. Let’s talk, share and collaborate on all things e-empowerment! I welcome your contribution on this theme.

Native App or mobile Web?

A simple discussion on the various options relating to Apps etc

Mobile apps in local gov

Apps Apps and Apps

A great resource on all things Apps – the new black!

https://apps.gov/cloud/advantage/main/start_page.do

New Social Media Guide

Check out this new Social Media Guide

http://bit.ly/dPm8In

Vote Victoria App a Success

With 4626 downloads, our modest little experiment in App development with Vote Victoria App proved far more popular than initially expected. So, we’re pleased. Here is a summary of feedback received via the Victoria Online feedback form (until 28 Nov – am) regarding the Vote Victoria app:

It’s fantastic to see up to date use of technology coming from our government departments. Hopefully this can continue in the future! Well done
Would be good to find all locations, not just those near my iPhone. Seems nice otherwise so far.
Very informative and well presented application. Being away from any television telecast sat evening I look forward to keeping up to date with the election results.
The app for election is great however doesnt allow you to select a location after you accept use current location would be more useful as voters may need to forward plan their voting
The app would not show me where I can vote, kept telling me to check my GPS
What a wonderful resource! Thanks very much.
I love the new Vote Victoria iPhone app. Good work, it saved me when I forgot to vote until 5.45pm. It was a quick download because it was a small app. With it I managed to get to the closest voting location on time. Future improvements, add in a way to automatically set a reminder to vote.
My Internet connection died. There is no way to refresh the live results to get it back.
Love the app! Thanks for moving with the times. Next election, would be good to advise waiting times at polling booths…
Sorry, but this app is rubbish. No total seat count???? Ummm, it’s the seat count that decides the result and you don’t have it??? Fail, fail, fail
Needs to show the number of seats won/ lost and in play. Otherwise, very good.
Was good but needed 2pp count not just first. Also needed seat totals and in doubt seat summary to follow it without needing the tv and radio. More, equally positive feedback was received directly on the app site – so – all up, we’re very happy with the results. Do you have any suggestions for other Apps we could develop?

Latest research on internet trends

This recent report from Morgan Stanley analyst, Mary Meeker is excellent. It highlights the huge take up of Smartphones and online video as dominant trends among other very interesting trends.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/42793400/Internet-Trends-Presentation

New Vote Victoria App!

Really excited to announce that our little collaboration with Victorian Electoral Commission and Deloitte has produced fruit! I was the initiator of a collaboration to create a simple App for the iPhone to help Victorians easily locate a voting centre (including details for early voting options) plus simple result details relating to the upcoming Victorian state election. The collaboration was a great example of innovation in action because we did the whole thing from initial research and concept to production in 6 weeks! And it was a truly collaborative project with much goodwill, enthusiasm and generosity from all those who gave of their time and expertise to get it done in record time due to the fixed date of the election. The hashtag is #vicvotes and the review below tells you more. Please visit the site.

http://bit.ly/btLPk6

Online Dialogue Slides

A great set of slides to help you think around online engagement

http://www.slideshare.net/collaborationproject/online-dialogue-brainstorm-guide

Unlocking Government

This is a good resource and well designed offering a  host of information on open and accessible government initiatives

http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_CA/ca/industries/government/unlocking-government/index.htm

New UK Social Media Guide for the PS

http://www.coi.gov.uk/documents/Engaging_through_social_media.pdf

New British Site Powered by the People

Well worth an exploration http://www.digitaldemocracy.org.uk/thoughts_on_power.php