A Compilation Of Citizens Mixed Reactions On Uk Local Councils On Twitter
This video feature Chris Pirillo, talking about TweetCongress.org in America, which is TweetMinster.co.uk. An overview about government officials on twitter and the reactions.
following my local council on twitter. yeah. on 12seconds.tv

Reaction from a hyperlocal website – HarringayOnline via @hughflouch
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NewcastleCC’s reaction examples via @alncl
- Conversation 1
Customer: “I am wondering why Newcastle City Council is following me. Is this a type of Big Brother surveillance?”
NewcastleCC: “Wouldn’t be very subtle if it was! No, we’re following Twitterers in and around Newcastle to join in the conversation.”
- Conversation 2
Customer: “Newcastle City Council (@NewcastleCC) just added me on Twitter. Great to see authorities communicating with people using new technologies
”
- Conversation 3
CustomerA: “Just got a Follower request from @NewcastleCC”
CustomerB: “RT @CustomerA “Just got a Follower request from @NewcastleCC” Yes, me too! I wonder why?”
NewcastleCC: “@CustomerB @CustomerA Because we’re interested in what people in Newcastle have to say.”
CustomerA: “@NewcastleCC I didn’t see it as a negative, quite the opposite! It’s great that you’re using social media….what would you like to know?”
CustomerC: White“@CustomerB @CustomerA Don’t worry, it’s harmless. Been following @NewcastleCC myself for a little while now. No anti-free speech talk yet.”
CustomerD: “@NewcastleCC Maybe they think it stands for Newcastle Credit Card, and not City Council?”
CustomerA: “@CustomerC @CustomerB I think it’s great that they’re using Twitter, cheers for the heads up!”
- Conversation 4
CustomerE: “NewcastleCityCouncil is now following me?! Why?!!”
NewcastleCC: “@CustomerE We follow other journalists too!”
CustomerE: “@NewcastleCC ha… thanks for replying! should probably tell you that I’ve never been further north than Leicester…”
CustomerF: “@CustomerE time you got out more then! Come to #thinkingdigital”NewcastleCC: “@CustomerE I agree with @CustomerF on this one!”
CustomerE: “@NewcastleCC @CustomerF I doubt I’ll find the cash for #thinkingdigital but a road trip to Newcastle is now in the planning stage!”
CustomerF: “@CustomerE you could always try and blag a press freebie from Herb. Or make it a promo visit for Wired UK – have a stand!”
NewcastleCC: ”@CustomerE Excellent”
Here is a example of a David Cameron answering a question from twitter through youtube.
Catch Simon Wakeman’s radio interview about Medway Council’s Twitter here (opens new page) - http://www.simonwakeman.com/2009/03/24/radio-interviews-on-council-twitter/



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Liz Azyan (Doctoral Researcher – PhD, Royal Holloway, University of London) holds a Diploma in Computer Science, a 1st class BSc (Hons) degree in Business Computing (2003 – Best Student) both from MARA University of Technology (Malaysia) and a Distinction in MSc in Business Information Systems (2005) from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Michele Ide-Smith Says:
Hi Liz,
Very interesting stuff. This is exactly the area of research I am planning to cover in my MSc research project! I’m fascinated in peoples’ attitudes and perceptions to engaging/interacting with their Council via social media.
Thanks,
Michele
p.s. my blog is coming soon – should be ready this week!
Posted on July 26th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Liz Azyan Says:
Hi Michele,
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my new website. I’m glad to hear that you’ll be embarking on this topic for your MSc research project. It is very fascinating and I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun finding all sorts of interesting attitudes and perceptions. People are so complex in their behaviour online so you’ll get a good mix of things.
I wish you all the best in your research and please keep in touch. I’d love to hear what you find out in your research
Can’t wait to read your blog!!!
Liz xxx
Posted on July 26th, 2009 at 3:45 pm