How will blogs/forums be used against candidates in 20-30 years?

nbiggershaft · 08-02-2007, 11:26 AM

Every now and then we find a letter hidden in a desk from some politician or public figure that gives us a unique view of a person. But what happens in 20-30 years when our politicians have grown up in the forum age? For example, if anyone on this board ever ran for president would someone find everything they posted on Liberty Lounge.

I know I've said some things here and on OT that would be ultimately devasting to a political career (not that I will pursue one), I doubt many of us haven't.

Do you think we will have blog detectives dominating future politics?

Linzyhop · 08-02-2007, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by nbiggershaft

Every now and then we find a letter hidden in a desk from some politician or public figure that gives us a unique view of a person. But what happens in 20-30 years when our politicians have grown up in the forum age? For example, if anyone on this board ever ran for president would someone find everything they posted on Liberty Lounge.

I know I've said some things here and on OT that would be ultimately devasting to a political career (not that I will pursue one), I doubt many of us haven't.

Do you think we will have blog detectives dominating future politics?

i completely think with the internet age becoming what it is, it will be harder and harder for any politician to keep their personal beliefs about anything off the internet. Generally those running for political office of any kind are going to have articles and opinions published throughout their "rise to power"... I think more so with the net, and the flip floppers in the future are going to have a lot to explain given their track records......

motivez · 08-02-2007, 03:12 PM

Well, these forums are for the most part anonymous.. We wouldn't use or give away anyone's personal information without their consent unless forced to by some sort of subpoena..

Along with that, many sites wont be around in 40 years.. unless someone archives the content ( like web.archive.org -- but it's imperfect ) it's somewhat unlikely that everything they wrote will be available for consumption.

I definitely think with some of the bigger sites (redstate, dailykos, and so forth) it's more of an issue.

DosEquis · 08-02-2007, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

Well, these forums are for the most part anonymous.. We wouldn't use or give away anyone's personal information without their consent unless forced to by some sort of subpoena..

Along with that, many sites wont be around in 40 years.. unless someone archives the content ( like web.archive.org -- but it's imperfect ) it's somewhat unlikely that everything they wrote will be available for consumption.

I definitely think with some of the bigger sites (redstate, dailykos, and so forth) it's more of an issue.

In other words, lizny won't have to worry about posting nudes here and then having them turn up in 10 years when she has an important job.... as long as she avoids dailykos.

Linzyhop · 08-02-2007, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

In other words, lizny won't have to worry about posting nudes here and then having them turn up in 10 years when she has an important job.... as long as she avoids dailykos.

no, an ex has those pics somewhere. i'm screwed either way....

DosEquis · 08-02-2007, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Linzyhop

no, an ex has those pics somewhere. i'm screwed either way....

Joe_Cool · 08-02-2007, 09:47 PM

I have no doubt that if (when?) I decide to run for Congress or whatever, my posts here, on OT, and on other boards I've been a part of will find their way into the election. And you know what? I'm ok with that. I haven't created an "online persona" that I pretend to be when I'm posting. I am who I am, and I say what I think. So if anything, my posts will help my campaign as I view it, not hurt it. Because if I ever do run for office, I want people to vote for or against me based on what I stand for - I won't tailor my beliefs to win votes.

SoFlaJDM · 08-02-2007, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by Joe_Cool

I have no doubt that if (when?) I decide to run for Congress or whatever, my posts here, on OT, and on other boards I've been a part of will find their way into the election. And you know what? I'm ok with that. I haven't created an "online persona" that I pretend to be when I'm posting. I am who I am, and I say what I think. So if anything, my posts will help my campaign as I view it, not hurt it. Because if I ever do run for office, I want people to vote for or against me based on what I stand for - I won't tailor my beliefs to win votes.

so you like to insult people who don't agree with you in real life?

Joe_Cool · 08-02-2007, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by SoFlaJDM

so you like to insult people who don't agree with you in real life?

Nope. I like to insult people who act like idiots in real life, just like I do online. Hell, my best friend and I have nearly completely opposite views on most issues. And - OMG! - we're still friends.