Google’s Apps are Ready to Take on the Government
This week, Google unveiled its government app that is geared toward government agencies. This collection of apps is the first cloud computing app suite to receive the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) certification meaning it is much more convenient for federal agencies to adopt them. The app suite creates a virtual web of communication for use within an agency. All employees will be able to access a synced calender with all events on it, a secure document database so that agency departments can share information as well as video data. Hopefully, this will be a useful integration for government agencies and will therefore increase the efficiency and effectiveness of doing business. Large cities such as Los Angeles have adopted this new platform and many others will soon follow.
The UK Government Takes New Steps to Allow Citizens to Have a Voice in Policy
The United Kingdom government has sought out Facebook to learn how to allow citizens to interact with the government and let their voices and opinions be heard (from Mashable). With Prime Minister David Cameron’s latest plan to take on spending cuts, he began looking for ways to let those he serves have input on the policy changes. He is exploring how Facebook can serve as the primary channel for the UK government to not only connect with users but also serve as an information resource. The program, dubbed “The Spending Challenge” has already seen success. Could this be the start of a new trend? Democracy faces many challenges today and among the top ones is the feeling that there is a lack of democracy. Many voters in America feel like their vote doesn’t matter or their voice is ignored. By opening up direct communication, this could be changed. Assuming the spending challenge achieves its goals in the UK, many other governments could look into copying the project as a way of improving communication between the government and its people.
License plate advertising could be the new thing
Recently, California has reported (via mashable) that it is considered selling advertisements on digital license plates as a creative way to raise money to fight the state’s high budget deficit. These ads would only show when the car was stationary. Some people are concerned about safety, saying that flashy advertisements on license plates could be distracting. Others are in favor of this plan because it will
bring money in for the state. Still, other people are more concerned about the over-saturation of advertisements already out there. Billboards are everywhere. Giant posters on the sides of buildings are everywhere. Print ads are everywhere. Pop-up and banner ads on the internet are everywhere. Even our cell phones are not safe from ads. What I’m interested to see is how this will play into political campaigns. California tends to be a “hot” state with intense elections, both state and national. Let’s pretend this plan happens. Let’s also pretend it can be cost-effective. What would happen if someone is stuck in grid-lock traffic on the highway and every car in front of them had the same political candidate’s name on it? Isn’t that what you’d want? Your campaign would be seen be a large mass of people at the same time. Political candidates could even have more than one ad that could share their goals if they get elected or facts about why they are a good choice for office. Personally, by the time election day comes around, I’m tired of all of the political messages on television. If I had to suffer that plus staring at them while sitting in traffic because it is literally on the car in front of me, I’m not sure if I’d be more knowledgeable about the election or if I’d just be irritated by the bombardment of advertisements everywhere I go.
Social Media Solutions prides itself on being a “hands on” social media agency. Our team has not only a strong educational background in business development, but also has a multitude of real-world experience in designing successful strategic initiatives for global corporations and small businesses alike. Our staff will partner with your company to ensure the development & implementation of the best social media strategy possible. 
