MANILA - Chris Talbot, founder of Talbot Digital, believes offering iPads and other incentives to build online engagement for electoral candidates in the May 2013 polls is the wrong way to mount a digital campaign.
Talbot, who helped in US President Barack Obama's campaign in 2008, said senatorial bet Jamby Madrigal's online contest that offered an iPad for Facebook likes is an example of the trial and error mentality of social media in the Philippines right now.
"The intent is right. The intent is to generate more support and more energy from new supporters to build your base but the apple and carrot is the wrong way to do it. Whatever that incentive is...," he said.
Talbot said social media is an untapped resource that could help electoral candidates in the Philippines gain more votes. He said that with 1 out of 3 Filipinos already connected to the Internet, there is a greater chance for candidates to reach out to voters.
He urged candidates to start a conversation with voters and produce content that can be done multi-platform.
"I think it is going to be a game-changer very soon. I see it as a fairly untapped resource here in the Philippines. In politics, we talk about leaving no stone unturned...," he said.
"At some point, you are going to see one national campaign turn it on and that will be the new blueprint for campaign using social media," he added.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
