So what do you think about social media in this election? I'm not sure it influenced any outcomes, but it meant some interesting moments. By social media, of course, I mean Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn. Even if you're not on these outlets, most of the candidates are.
Good example: check out Charlotte social media expert Jeff Elder's comparison of Charlotte's mayoral candidateson Facebook.
I follow a lot of politicians on Twitter (and I'm followed by quite a few as well). At WBT we follow the equal time rules very carefully – in fact we try to go above and beyond. In the weeks leading up to the election we don't talk to one candidate without talking to them all (on the same show). That led to some confusion for me as I post on Facebook and Twitter.
Should I "talk" to a candidate without also "talking" to all the others on line? Both candidates for mayor, lots of city council candidates, suburban mayors and school board folks were all over Twitter. Sending out messages, sometimes directly to me. I decided that if I couldn't respond to all I wouldn't respond to any. Since not every candidate is on line, that meant political Twitter silence from me. (Sorry guys, now you know why I was ignoring you!)
Social media is sort of like the Wild West but I think most journalists are doing a good job of feeling their way around it. Do any of the old rules apply? What do you think?