2003 Denver Municipal Election - Gulchie Awards
On Tuesday I will announce the Gulchie awards for this year's general election. There will be one winner in each election race. I want to thank everyone that took the opportunity to offer up nominations.
Gulchies are awarded to the campaign that uses website, e-mail, and weblog most effectively. The use of Internet and Web technologies reflect the candidate's understanding of technology as it applies to running the city. In the 21st century voters should be wary of a candidate that does not have a good grounding in technology. This is the area where we in the city can increase productivity and delivery of services. Technology can also help to democratize city goverment by enabling increasing participation by our stakeholders. Candidates that emphasize the use of technology that is standards compliant reflect the type of forward thinking necessary in our new world.
Website graphics design, while important, is not the determining factor in the Gulchie. Coyote Gulch is looking at the websites with an eye towards functional rather than professional look and feel. Therefore a campaign can win without a large budget for a web design firm.
The use of e-mail effectively is the second category we look at. E-mail is a very inexpensive and effective means for getting out the word to supporters and others.
The third area would be the use of a weblog (chronologically ordered website). Weblogs are a threaded discussion as opposed to e-mail which are unthreaded messages. We want to hear from you candidates in your own voice but we can't always afford the time to come to events. The links on weblogs to other weblogs and content on the Internet is a new type of conversation amongst groups. Unfortunately no campaign used this technology to reach the voters in this election. All campaigns in this election get a bad grade for ignoring this opportunity. I talked to several candidates that lamented the lack of coverage from the Denver dailies, especially if they were not in the mayoral race. Some supporters add that their candidate is the most personable, one on one. These are the areas where a weblog can help you.
What are the specifics?
Website
 Websites should not be so busy that it is hard to find information.
Websites should be easy to navigate, frames should not be used.
Give supporters an opportunity to contribute to the campaign online.
TV ads should be posted online in enough file formats to allow all computer users to view them. This shows an inclusive attitude.
Make it easy to find event information. Include addresses and contact phone numbers. Keep this content current.
Include short and current content. Position papers are not an interesting read usually and a snippet of a candidate position is more accessible.
Websites are not car dealer showrooms. Back off the hard-sell tactics. Many visitors are not supporters and too much selling might keep them from coming back.
Strive to present a confident, humble image.
E-mail
Don't assume that people that sign up for e-mail information are automatically supporters of your campaign.
It's OK to include fundraising events in e-mail but also include community events (very important) along with campaign news. A short note from the candidate is a good approach.
Avoid using e-mail just for fundraising and recruiting volunteers.
Events in e-mail should track with the event information on the website. Use e-mail for clarification on event details if locations or times change.
Keep one e-mail list and assign someone to keep it current.
Weblogs
No campaign used a weblog this year. That'll change going forward. Several candidates in the 2004 Presidential campaign are already on board with a weblog.
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