It's What You Don't Have

After reading Nash and Ireland's media contacts for a website, it's really interesting that a candidate could face more peril from what they don't have on their website, than what they do have.

Too often, skittish political candidates are worried about the content of their website. Could the opposition gain insight by posting valuable candidate information? These same candidates used a generic model for creating their website that was dumbed down and superficial.

Instead, Nash and Ireland point out that candidates often fare better for having more information on their website. They need not worry about the opposition because they are talking to the media and ultimately voters through their use of website material. Because of the fast paced media cycle, many journalists use candidate websites for valuable information. Journalists can get background information on the candidate's biography or policy positions so that they can better focus their questions - saving time for both the candidate and the reporter.

In sum, always be forward thinking with your candidate's webpage and provide detailed information. It won't hurt you, but will in fact help you.

As an aside, I was shocked to read about the candidate running against Dianne Feinstein posting and answering e-mails on his website. I think that's a great idea and I'd like to see more candidates for office do it. Even if it is a staff member responding to the questions, it's a great idea to use the internet creatively to connect with voters.