Over the years, politicians have come to realize the power of the Internet in reaching out to people. Many of them have even hopped on to the social media bandwagon to boost their campaigns. However, election fever only lasts one year, at most, and as a citizen, I’m more interested in how they can use Web 2.0 tools to do their jobs, day-in and day-out. Why? Because the very nature of these tools means I get to be able to participate and have my voice heard.

Being one of the more popular platforms out there, blogging has attracted many politicians all over the world. Even the President of Iran has one, and he appears to write the entries himself. I find it commendable for a very busy head of state (if you’re aware of any other president who blogs, please let me know).

Unlike speeches, it’s down-to-earth, direct two-way communications with constituents. No more mainstream media as the middleman, who can cut your interview and leave out what you really wanted to say on air. Post in the blog, and the people respond - making it a quick and easy form of consultation for any piece of legislation or project implementation.

Blogs can change perceptions and opinions. It humanizes the often distant politician in the eyes of the readers. It also helps to get various parties understand each other’s position on a certain issue, and bridges the age gap by appealing to the younger generation. Lastly, by posting monthly schedules, they can impress upon people that they are working hard and that the votes have been worth it. I’d certainly want to know what my locals officials are up to, besides seeing them only during the campaign period.

Unfortunately, there are some who still don’t quite get the media. Perhaps aiming for control, a few won’t allow user comments on their blog. Others are content to let their staff run their blog without writing a single word on it themselves, which doesn’t make it a real blog for me. Still, others create their own posts, but make them too unbearably long to read, or sound like nothing more than press releases. One thing that they have to keep in mind: Blogs are meant to be short, personal, and interactive. A splash of humor here and there won’t hurt, either.

For developing nations, Internet penetration may still be somewhat of an issue, but projections are good, and the rapid growth means that using social media may no longer be a choice but a necessity. Where the people are, the politicians will have to follow.

Do you follow any politician’s blog? If so, are you satisfied with how they’re running the sites?