Why Use Wikis?

A wiki is a web site that allows users to create, add and edit content collectively. Wikis allow users to share knowledge and up-to-date information.

We can use wikis internally for work groups or externally with our customers , partners and citizen groups. Wikis ease the burden of organizing information in a world that is drowning in data.

Wikis provide governments with an ease tool for citizen engagement.

RSS & the City of Virginia Beach

The City of Virginia Beach uses RSS to deliver official news releases, information about city projets and events. RSS provides citizens with a quick and easy way to get the information that they want when it's updated. They are one of hundreds of local, state and national government organizations using RSS. Check it out!

Business Cards for Twitter

Do you love Twitter? Do you do business and keep in touch with professional colleagues with Twitter. Now you can send your business card via Twitter. At twtBizCard, it is simple and easy. All you do is create a business card then by filling out a short online form, add #twtbizcard to a @reply!

Why Tweet?

Twitter makes it really simple for the world to communicate in real-time. On Twitter, people answer the question, "what are you doing"? And other people respond. Amazing, huh? No, it's human nature.

So why should we tweet? The City of Virginia Beach is using Twitter to enrich two-way communication and collaboration between it's self and citizens. We want citizens to be part of the process of government.

Web 2.0 Lunch & Learn

Bring your lunch and hear more about web 2.0 technologies. Each session will begin at 12 noon and end at 1 p.m. Here's the Web 2.0 Lunch & Learn schedule:

Podcasting - 9/10 - HR Training Room A
Communicator & IM - 9/22 - HR Training Room A
Facebook - 10/05 - ComIT Conference Room, Bldg 2
Wikis & Social Bookmarking - 10/22 - ComIT Conference Room, Bldg 2
Photo & video sharing - 11/06 - ATC Theater
Twitter - 11/19 - ATC Theater

Seating is limited. Please register by emailing sshipp@vbgov.com. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Should My Department Blog?

Your mind is whirling with possiblities. You've discovered that blogging is fun and exciting. How can you use a blog? Blogging may not be the right tool for your situation.

Before jumping in, your department needs to think about these questions:

1. Do we have the time and resources necessary to maintain a blog?
2. Do we have appropriate content?
3. What about intellectual property, consumer protection, and privacy laws? Can we blog and comply with the necessary federal and state regulations?
4. What is your outcome? Do you want to increase visibility, engage citizens or open new channels to distribute information?

Your Department's MCG representative is an expert in message creation and delivery. They are your partners in this work as well. Please consult them first!

It takes time and resources to develop a readership. The best bloggers write with a knowledgeable, geniune voice. Blog posts should not be controversial. They need to be interesting to the reader. Find out more by reading the City's Web 2.0 Report!