Monday, June 06, 2005

What about the Blackberry?

Campaigns have advanced greatly in the use of technology. The internet is now an important communication tool (though I still argue it does not replace field work). We must also evaluate new ways to improve simple efficiency within the campaign. I have already discussed text messaging for different communication purposes. The coming about of the blackberry has put phone, text, and email communication in one's pocket. Is it possible to send out email ads over the blackberry network. . .or should we just reserve it for intra-campaign communication.
While not specifically mentioned in the readings, I can describe several different instigated where a blackberry has come in handy during campaign season. While I do not own one, I have observed and spoken to those who do. First, a friend of mine working at a polling firm found it helpful to keep in touch with his boss and other clients when working with a client in rural Missouri (internet and cell reception were not available).
The Democratic Caucus of the Pennsylvania House issues most of its staff blackberry so they are readily available to the Leadership (Minority Leader and Whip) when they are either home or on the road doing opposition research or on a campaign.

2 Comments:

Jorge said...

I also referenced Blackberries in my blog on texting!

I don't think it's possible to have campaign e-mails yet on Blackberries because they cannot show good graphics. But I wouldn't be a good reference point because I don't own a Blackberry.

You can be sure in the next couple of years that Blackberries will be able to show cell-phone video. We won't have to worry about campaign e-mails, but full scale campaign ads zapped right to our Blackberries/ cell phones.

8:18 PM  
Emilienne Ireland said...

This is a comment to test automatic reporting.

Dimmy, please go ahead and delete it.

8:03 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home