Local government organisations are by their nature risk averse so it’s important that we can build case studies and share best practice within the public sector. Twitter seems to be the way most people are doing this at present.

I’d be willing to come down to speak to you and I know of plenty of others who would help out too.

You can DM me or email mail@al-smith.co.uk

You are absolutely spot on when you say that you can talk the talk of social media until the cows come home. What is actually needed is getting the heck out there and doing.

Case studies such as these are worth their weight in gold.

I have just followed you back on twitter.

Fascinating to see this. I come from a local government background – some years back, and am now a slightly unusual labour party activist. I am trying to make social media work in town as a way of airing some of the issues we need to talk about and have established a ning website.

I want the local govenment and the hospital and police etc to be part of it. I think that will happen, but they all have to get it cleared at different levels so it can’t just happen as quickly as i would like.

You might have some tips for me.

I work quite closely with my MP and I think he would like to put on a conference to look at the uses of social media to strenghthen the democratic process.

If we manage to get this off the ground would you be interested?

Am also dropping in on lots of facebook groups and a local forum. Like you I got a pretty suspicious boardering on the hostile welcome when i went into the forum. I think I have got over it now, but it was only because some level headed members came in and looked after me!

I will be keeping an eye out to see what you do.