Mark Drapeau is the epitome of Government 2.0 and I am sorry I thought anything contrary.
Five months ago, I saw Mark’s name for the first time after reading his debut Mashable article providing an insider’s perspective to government.
Mark is an Associate Research Fellow at the National Defense University’s Center for Technology and National Security Policy in Washington.
While I enjoyed reading the article, I thought less of him and responded on my blog with harsh words and questioned his motives.
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I’m sorry, Mark.
In the months since, I’ve come to respect Mark as a guiding light that other federal government managers should emulate. He understands the intersection of technology and policy and he speaks with an authority that is commendable.
His subsequent probing Mashable contributions aside, I’ve particularly enjoyed conversing with Mark (usually in private, direct messages) on Twitter under his moniker @cheeky_geeky.
Earlier this month, Mark wrote an eye-opening op-ed at PBS’ MediaShift blog projecting into ways social media can transform government collaborative models and empower individuals to take action.
Every citizen now has the potential to be a collector, an analyst, a reporter, and a publisher — and so does every government employee. Engaging, trusted personalities employed as brand ambassadors will complement — not replace — traditional public affairs and government outreach.
Depending on their agency or office’s mission and goals, individuals can follow customized strategies to engage specific niches of the public at events, in interviews, and through constant, pervasive use of new and emerging media tools.
Did I mention Mark’s single? Another great piece at that link that delves into Dr. Drapeau beyond his social media passions.
As Jake Houseman told Johnny at the end of Dirty Dancing, “When I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong.”
I was wrong to say Mark was confused about social media. He knows more than me, and I look forward to learning more from him–and collaborating with the biological scientist–down the road.
Thank you for reading my article. If you enjoyed it, please consider receiving more strategies and tips by feed reader or email. If you use Twitter, I am at @ariherzog.
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