Tool: Engaging with Local Blogs and Online Media

TOOL: ENGAGING WITH LOCAL BLOGS AND ONLINE MEDIA

ü  Sharing content with local blogs

ü  Responding to online media and blog postings

GOALS

·  Provide consistent positive content for local blogs

·  Correct misinformation posted in online news articles and blogs

·  Reinforce positive coverage with positive feedback

·  Influence local elected officials, decision-makers and their staffs who view blogs and online news articles

SHARING CONTENT WITH LOCAL BLOGS

(See attached contact list with local blog information)

Often, local blogs will repost emails, press releases and general comments from community groups and individuals. When sending a letter to the editor or a message to a local elected official, consider sharing this with the local blogs. You may also compose a more detailed explanation of your support, or address some particular issue or misconception in an email to local blogs. Some may repost

RESPONDING TO ONLINE MEDIA AND BLOG POSTINGS

(See attached contact list with local blog and online media information)

Almost every day, local blogs like the Bloomingdale Blog post information about the McMillan redevelopment. There are also frequent online media articles that cover the redevelopment. It is important that members of the community are following local blogs and media, and responding with either positive reinforcement or correction of misinformation.

A good way to stay informed when local media writes about McMillan is to subscribe to Google Alerts with the search terms: “McMillan Sand Filtration” and “McMillan development” and “Vision McMillan Partners,” for example. You can also email and ask to be included in the email listserve and/or media clips. You can also check Vision McMillan’s Facebook page and the Neighbors for McMillan Facebook page.