Socialmediaworx

To date, I’ve been impressed with the Barak Obama camp’s grasp of social media and how they’ve incorporated it into their strategy, even using Twitter to post updates from the campaign trail.

Now they’ve taken it a step further and introduced two-way texting, allowing people to text questions to the Obama team. Sadly, as this US News story highlights, if you’re going to offer a service, make sure you’ve got someone on the other end to respond:

U.S. News from southwestern Pennsylvania at 1:27 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: Where is senator Obama Campaigning this week?
*OBAMA at 1:27 p.m.: Thanks for your submission to Obama Mobile. Text HELP for help, STOP to quit. Std charges may apply. More info at www.barackobama.com/mobile
OBAMA didn’t reply further.

U.S. News from southwestern Pennsylvania at 11:56 a.m. on Aug. 15, 2007: Are you still offering a two way text service where I can ask questions?
OBAMA at 1:06 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2007: Sorry for the wait—you can check out the Senator’s schedule at barackobama.com. He’ll be in Iowa until the 18th. Thanks for getting in touch! -Becky ! HQ

U.S. News from northwestern Pennsylvania at 1:38 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: What will you do to prevent outsourcing of american jobs?
OBAMA at 6:10 p.m.: Thanks for caring enough to get in touch with the campaign—you can find more information at answercenter.barackobama.com Thanks - Becky HQ

U.S. News from Maryland at 1:44 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: How does your health care plan differ from the other Democratic candidates?
OBAMA at 5:15 p.m.: Barack believes each American deserves affordable & quality healthcare & is committed to achieving this in his 1st term:barackobama.com/issues/healthcare

U.S. News from central Virginia at 1:53 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: Hi! I’m wondering what barack’s favorite flavor of ice cream is. Thx! This is cool OBAMA never replied. [This is a trick question; the candidate actually doesn’t like ice cream.]

U.S. News from eastern Virginia at 2:11 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: What foreign policy expertise does Mr. Obama have to back up his promises on global terrorism and communication with volatile countries like Iran?
OBAMA at 5:12 p.m.: Barack has always been strongly against this war. He urges politicians to move away frm partisanship&think constructively to end it: barackobama.com/issues/iraq

U.S. News from eastern Virginia at 2:20 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: What does Mr. Obama think of “Obama Girl?”
OBAMA never replied.

U.S. News from Michigan at 2:57 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: Will your policy on the war in iraq change if the surge is shown in September to have made progress? Would you consider staying the course?
OBAMA at 5:12 p.m.: Barack has always been strongly against the war. He urges politicians to move away frm partisanship&think constructively to end it: barackobama.com/issues/iraq

U.S. News from New Jersey at 9:38 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2007: If elected would u support the prosecution of former Administration officials?
U.S. News from New Jersey at 9:47 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2007: Under an Obama Administration, would it be ‘legal’ to intercept this text without a warrant?
OBAMA at 7:42 p.m.: Thanks for caring enough to get in touch with your questions— you can check out barackobama.com/issues & answercenter.barackobama.com throughout the campaign.

*This is the initial “Thank You” response that was texted to all queries.