2008 and the Right Online

Eric Odom offers his perspective on gains and losses related to the regards to 2008 and the right online and addresses the growth and relationship building within the the conservative new media during 2008. Generally, he finds many successes that build a foundation to move forward:

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships! I think 2008 has been a tremendous year for networking and relationships on the right. With groups like the Sam Adams Alliance and Americans for Prosperity actively engaging the blogosphere and hosting events where face to face conversation occurs, we’ve seen great advances towards a more personal network of activists.

In fact, I would go as far as saying that I’ve met at least 300 bloggers this year that I didn’t know until 2008. Many of those bloggers were meeting other bloggers for the first time in their lives. We saw state based blogger networks come together under one roof for the first time ever in several states. These bloggers now know each other personally, and are far more willing to work together in promoting a message.

Not only are bloggers getting to know one another, but every day eActivists are now networking like never before. This is all happening thanks to social networks and micro-blogging platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Groups, etc.

In 2007, the center-right movement was virtually non-existent in these realms, but going in to 2009 one might argue that the conservative/libertarian presence in social networks is far more powerful than anyone would have predicted. Indeed, 2008 has been a strong year for the right online.

Eric goes on to address that "The Republican party has provided a wealth of fuel for eActivists on the right." He addresses the current building success of the #dontgo Movement, the Social Media Platoon, #diggcons, Red County, Rebuild the Party, and TCOT. Eric concludes:

I think we’ve seen more action within the right online in 2008 than we’ve seen in all previous years combined. Sure, very little of it has actually translated in to offline success, but we’re not ready for that just yet. 2008 was our “foundation building” phase. We needed a foundation build of people, and we’re now getting that in place. I believe 2009 will be the year for that foundation to prove its value. I believe that in 2009 the right online will move mountains.

---

Tags: 2008, conservatives, new media, Right Online To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!