Local politics. (Oh, and Twitter.)

Note: If you're trying to get a handle on this Twitter thing, I've written a plain-language explanation.
Years ago, it was nerdy to be obsessed with tech, but now, being obsessed with social media is actually considered progressive, at least by some of my constituents. I guess all of us [former] tech nerds need to celebrate, and even though we see so much self-aggrandizement in the Twittersphere, I'm joining in the fun by making my opinions and live Council meeting updates available via email, RSS, text message (coming soon), and the web.
In true open-source style, the public will own the content and publishing process. My hope is that we will see both scheduled and spontaneous discussion take place. I encourage individuals, businesses, and institutions to comment on all things political in Fayetteville, but be careful to be engaging in your discussion. Spamming links, even useful links, will dilute your brand and increase the noise on our "channel," earning you a bad reputation. Establishing peer-to-peer conversation is the way to use Twitter as a marketing tool. (I realize this will be perceived as a warning to the newspaper industry, but my comments are targeted at no one. The advice stands for every Twitter user.)
Want to join in? There are two ways to participate: read and publish. (Anyone can publish.)
You don't have to have a Twitter account to read the discussion. Just visit http://search.twitter.com and search for "#faypol" (that's for fayetteville politics). You can bookmark the search results or use them in your favorite RSS reader. If you'd like to receive the updates via email, use a service like Twilert.com or Tweetbeep.com. Unfortunately, there isn't a good way to track the discussion via text message, but when/if the City starts sending official updates, you can receive those via text message.
If you want to participate, you'll have to register for a Twitter account. That's easy, just head to http://www.twitter.com and sign up. Once you've signed up and filled out your profile, you can add your thoughts to the discussion by including "#faypol" in any Tweets you'd like to be included. There's no censorship, so voice your mind, but be respectful as you do it.
I'll see you in the Twittersphere.