Comments on: Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside learns how the Internet works http://lamespotting.com/2009/03/15/fredericton-mayor-brad-woodside-learns-how-the-internet-works/ New content whenever I can think of something to write Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:14:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Lamespotting » Review of Fredericton’s use of new media http://lamespotting.com/2009/03/15/fredericton-mayor-brad-woodside-learns-how-the-internet-works/comment-page-1/#comment-579 Lamespotting » Review of Fredericton’s use of new media Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:06:49 +0000 http://lamespotting.com/?p=445#comment-579 [...] He’s doing a great job with Twitter and he engaged the citizens with his Facebook group about the Costco (although may not have given him the desired result). [...] [...] He’s doing a great job with Twitter and he engaged the citizens with his Facebook group about the Costco (although may not have given him the desired result). [...]

]]> By: Independent http://lamespotting.com/2009/03/15/fredericton-mayor-brad-woodside-learns-how-the-internet-works/comment-page-1/#comment-169 Independent Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:32:52 +0000 http://lamespotting.com/?p=445#comment-169 I think the Facebook group proved what everyone already knew: there is a vast majority of people who support Costco moving to Fredericton, and a minority who oppose for a number of reasons. I don't think this proved to be the best consultative method. It worked well as an echo chamber for two varying points of view. No substantive debate ever really occurred. It was either "I think we need a Costco" vs. "Save the frogs". No further conversation evolved beyond that. The Facebook group helped Brad Woodside show he has support to plow ahead. It did little to help build better public policy. As an aside, I support the Costco development. However, I find the argument that we can encourage local shopping by building a Costco to be foolish at best. If local means the store itself is nearby, then yes, shopping at Costco will be local. If local means supporting locally-owned businesses, farmers, and producers, Costco is anything but. I think the Facebook group proved what everyone already knew: there is a vast majority of people who support Costco moving to Fredericton, and a minority who oppose for a number of reasons.

I don’t think this proved to be the best consultative method. It worked well as an echo chamber for two varying points of view. No substantive debate ever really occurred. It was either “I think we need a Costco” vs. “Save the frogs”. No further conversation evolved beyond that.

The Facebook group helped Brad Woodside show he has support to plow ahead. It did little to help build better public policy.

As an aside, I support the Costco development. However, I find the argument that we can encourage local shopping by building a Costco to be foolish at best. If local means the store itself is nearby, then yes, shopping at Costco will be local. If local means supporting locally-owned businesses, farmers, and producers, Costco is anything but.

]]> By: Lamespotting http://lamespotting.com/2009/03/15/fredericton-mayor-brad-woodside-learns-how-the-internet-works/comment-page-1/#comment-168 Lamespotting Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:55:56 +0000 http://lamespotting.com/?p=445#comment-168 There is only one Network in New Brunswick, which lists it as Saint John. There's even a Facebook Group for that: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=0&gid=2245498656" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=0&gid=2245498656</a> There is only one Network in New Brunswick, which lists it as Saint John. There’s even a Facebook Group for that: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=0&gid=2245498656

]]> By: Maureen http://lamespotting.com/2009/03/15/fredericton-mayor-brad-woodside-learns-how-the-internet-works/comment-page-1/#comment-167 Maureen Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:27:50 +0000 http://lamespotting.com/?p=445#comment-167 When you go to the "Costco for Fredericton" and click on the name of the administrator, Brad Woodside, a small box opens showing a photo of Mr. Woodside with Bill Clinton and the information that he is in the Saint John Network. I find this rather odd for the mayor of Fredericton. Isn't there a Fredericton network he could join? It can also give the mistaken impression that he is living in Saint John. When you go to the “Costco for Fredericton” and click on the name of the administrator, Brad Woodside, a small box opens showing a photo of Mr. Woodside with Bill Clinton and the information that he is in the Saint John Network. I find this rather odd for the mayor of Fredericton. Isn’t there a Fredericton network he could join? It can also give the mistaken impression that he is living in Saint John.

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