You and the Media
(en francais)
I'll leave the typical 'the media is biased against us' topic for another day. My opinions on this are many, varied and probably not what most people would expect. Before I dive into the deep end with the sharks, I want to make sure I have my First Aid kit with me. :)
Although much of what I'm going to list here is probably preaching to the converted, I believe it's still worth saying if it motivates even a couple more people to jump onboard.
Blogging has opened up an entirely new world for everyone to have their say - unedited and uncensored. This is a very good thing, especially for Canadian Conservatives, thanks to inititives such as the BloggingTories.ca
While techology is a great thing, we certainly don't want to ignore the basics. Letter writing and Radio Call-in shows are still mediums that are important to getting the conservative message out.
An effective letter writing campaign can work wonders. Four or five people dedicated to sending in one or two letters a week will produce results - especially if the letters are well written. Even in traditionally non-conservative ridings, there are plenty of conservatives to be found. We need to give them a reason to step forward. Show them that there are other like-minded people out there that are not willing to accept the status quo.
Try it out with your local paper. Form a group and focus for a month. Pick topical issues and send in a well written piece highlighting Conservative policies on the issue. Stick to the positive, avoid the negative and certainly don't give the Liberals more ink by talking about them. Here's a link to a good style guide that we prepared for supporters during Frank Klees' leadership run. I haven't had time to update it, but the guide itself is simple and effective.
Style Guide
Radio Call in shows are the same. Identify local call-in shows and listen to them. Keep an ear out for topics that relate to Conservative policies. Never waste an opportunity to jump in and get the message out. As with the letter writing, keep it positive and about Conservative issues, not about what the Liberals are doing. The last thing people want to hear is another 'angry conservative'. Kill 'em with common sense. When you do it this way - even the most left-wing radio personality has a hard time responding. Here's the Call-in guide that we prepared for the same campaign.
Call-In Guide
I'll end this with a little story. Earlier this year a Conservative Regional workshop was held in this area. Stephen Harper was there and participating in an open free for all question and answer session. He posed this question to everyone attending - "How do we start attracting good candidates in all the ridings" A friend of mine stood up and answered - "Stop losing by more than 10,000 votes." While many laughed, my friend was dead serious in his reply. Many ridings won't be won over night and certainly not without plenty of work. Be a leader:
It isn't easy, it often isn't fun - but it certainly is necessary. One vote at a time - We will succeed.
Although much of what I'm going to list here is probably preaching to the converted, I believe it's still worth saying if it motivates even a couple more people to jump onboard.
Blogging has opened up an entirely new world for everyone to have their say - unedited and uncensored. This is a very good thing, especially for Canadian Conservatives, thanks to inititives such as the BloggingTories.ca
While techology is a great thing, we certainly don't want to ignore the basics. Letter writing and Radio Call-in shows are still mediums that are important to getting the conservative message out.
An effective letter writing campaign can work wonders. Four or five people dedicated to sending in one or two letters a week will produce results - especially if the letters are well written. Even in traditionally non-conservative ridings, there are plenty of conservatives to be found. We need to give them a reason to step forward. Show them that there are other like-minded people out there that are not willing to accept the status quo.
Try it out with your local paper. Form a group and focus for a month. Pick topical issues and send in a well written piece highlighting Conservative policies on the issue. Stick to the positive, avoid the negative and certainly don't give the Liberals more ink by talking about them. Here's a link to a good style guide that we prepared for supporters during Frank Klees' leadership run. I haven't had time to update it, but the guide itself is simple and effective.
Style Guide
Radio Call in shows are the same. Identify local call-in shows and listen to them. Keep an ear out for topics that relate to Conservative policies. Never waste an opportunity to jump in and get the message out. As with the letter writing, keep it positive and about Conservative issues, not about what the Liberals are doing. The last thing people want to hear is another 'angry conservative'. Kill 'em with common sense. When you do it this way - even the most left-wing radio personality has a hard time responding. Here's the Call-in guide that we prepared for the same campaign.
Call-In Guide
I'll end this with a little story. Earlier this year a Conservative Regional workshop was held in this area. Stephen Harper was there and participating in an open free for all question and answer session. He posed this question to everyone attending - "How do we start attracting good candidates in all the ridings" A friend of mine stood up and answered - "Stop losing by more than 10,000 votes." While many laughed, my friend was dead serious in his reply. Many ridings won't be won over night and certainly not without plenty of work. Be a leader:
- Sell memberships
- Raise money
- Get the message out
- ID supporters
- Get supporters out to vote
It isn't easy, it often isn't fun - but it certainly is necessary. One vote at a time - We will succeed.
WE Speak at 8:46 p.m.
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