How a Public Service Blog can Improve Tranparency

Efforts are on to utilize the power of the public service blog . People now have become extremely Internet savvy. They use blogs in large numbers. There are millions of blogs that provide information on an array of topics. Anybody who wants to provide specific information regarding anything can use the Internet or more specifically, blogs, to deliver news.

The Common Features Of Blogs
o Inexpensive
o No elaborate technical knowledge needed
o Easy to setup
o Consume very little resources
o Can be published from any computer
o Can reach thousands of readers in seconds and minutes through RSS or site feeds
o Can receive feedback
o Content easily is searchable

Things To Consider Before Jumping In With Public Service Blog
o What is the focus area, like whether it provides information about trents of hiring, government technology, or other areas of public services
o Who is responsible for the published content
o Is there a content policy

These are questions to ponder over before jumping onto the public service blog bandwagon. It needs a bit of technical training to equip one with the skills that would be needed to publish a blog. Anyone in the workforce can be trained to publish and maintain a blog.

There is also a big concern for who would publish the blogs. One should be responsible in what he or she publishes. There should be an internal consensus on questions like who would update the public service blog on a regular basis. Specific persons can be allowed to do so for specific situations.

It is extremely easy to publish a public service blog . Once published, it is there for the good only. If a person publishes content that is not suited for publication, it can cause problems. The government or public body must have clear guidelines when it comes to blogging.

Benefits Of A Public Service Blog
It can facilitate better communication. This holds true for both internal and external communication. Government bodies and offices are usually spread across a wide geographical area. A public service blog can guarantee that there is clear internal communication. Everyone can keep updated about the latest things happening in the service unit and get a thorough knowledge too.

Anyone can share ideas and receive feedback. Anyone can post ideas and suggestions which are taken into consideration. Moreover, the employees have a room to communicate the ideas that they have. It is much better than boardroom meetings.

This is also a way to keep the public informed. Everyone who surfs the Internet can subscribe to the blogs. One can receive updates as and when surfing through the Internet. Keeping people informed is the sign of transparent working. A public service blog can be an efficient tool to ensure transparency.

The Public Service Blog Can Be Personal Too
This blog can also be about the personal arena of the functioning of the government. The blogger can share the little things going on at the office with the public. However, they do not have to publish everything. Do remember that the readers of the blog are looking for news updates and not the personal matters.

A public service blog can be a good thing for both internal and external communication. It should be done with proper training, clear consensus, and clearly established blogging policies. When done correctly, it can avoid communication gaps and foster transparency in working of the government.

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