Jesse Gordon, 617-320-6989, jesse@NotOneDamnDime.com, page 1

Political Information in an Internet EraPolitical Information in an Internet Era

Building a Big AudienceJesse Gordon JesseGordon@JesseGordon.org(617) 320-6989 1770 Mass Ave #630

Cambridge MA 02140

Spokesperson, NotOneDamnDime.com Editor, OnTheIssues.org / Speakout FoundationTechnology Director, RobertReich.orgCo-founder, MassForDean.orgCo-chair, MassScorecard.org

                                                                                                                                                                      

Jesse Gordon, 617-320-6989, jesse@NotOneDamnDime.com, page 2

Anti-war email message calling for a spending boycott on inauguration day 2005.

Email “went viral” News media reported on the viral nature of the

email as well as the content of the message. Our appearances on TV, radio, and newspapers

reached an additional 50-55 million people. About 2 million people participated.

Jesse Gordon, 617-320-6989, jesse@NotOneDamnDime.com, page 3

Survey by Bentley College (Waltham Massachusetts)

200-210 million emails 40-45 million people via email 30-35 million people via MSM 2 million participants in boycott $81 million in total delayed spending 16,000 people signed up on blog 1,276 Bentley survey respondents

Jesse Gordon, 617-320-6989, jesse@NotOneDamnDime.com, page 4

Why did it work?

Easy to participate (“do nothing”) Could boycott locally Synergy of numerous other protests on same

day Viral email meant you got info from friends Mainstream media was ignoring anti-war

message

Jesse Gordon, 617-320-6989, jesse@NotOneDamnDime.com, page 5

Catering to mainstream media

Easy blog posting with state/city (built list of 16,000)

Blog organized by state/city for local press quotes

Recruited local volunteers for press appearances

Press kit on website Fun blog reading (1/2 million website visitors)

Jesse Gordon, 617-320-6989, jesse@NotOneDamnDime.com, page 6

What’s next?

Tried “email your Congressional rep” on April 15, 2005 (too hard to participate)

Tried email assist to May 1 2006 pro-immigration “Great American Boycott” (insufficient synergy)

Next try: March 17 2007 anti-war rally