Liberal Party Site Blogger
Update: over the course of the election my opinion on Feschuk’s writing flipped 180 degrees and its clear to me that I ought to have let him spit out a few more words before judging him. While I doubt he swayed many voters, his pieces were a refreshing change from the typical election banter. +1 for Mr. Feschuk, -1 to me for overlooking the value of humour.
What is probably the first web gaffe of the campaign, this ‘feature’ on the Liberal site presents a classic lesson in how not to pretend you know about blogging:
Throughout the campaign, Scott Feschuk â chief speechwriter to Paul Martin â will be filing reports from the road using his Blackberry, a wireless handheld device that enables political staffers to stay in touch, instantly communicate with the media and develop freakish, superstrong thumbs with which they can crush most European sedans. Respond to Scott’s blog at sfeschuk@liberal.ca. Link to blog, while it remains…
Most bloggers will find these examples insulting to their intelligence; web readers who aren’t clued into blogging will figure the Liberals have indeed gone off the deep end:
11:27 AM – Well, we’re off and running. Running hard! Well, technically speaking, most of us walked to 24 Sussex from Rideau Hall. Me, I waddled. But I’m a team player: I waddled hard. Now we’re talking about speeches: the PM apparently wants to give some. He’s completely resisting my strong advice that he express his vision for the country through interpretive dance.
… or…
6:36 AM – Wow, look at me! I’m in “cyberspace,” where no one can hear you scream. Or maybe they CAN hear you scream but they don’t pay attention because they’re too busy looking at naked ladies. Either way, stop screaming, would you?
I for one am betting this so-called “Internet” is really going to catch on. It’s neato. Take, for example, these things knowns as “blogs” – you’re soaking in one right now! These blogs are great because they allow people with special insight to instantly convey their astute observations and sage opinions to a knowledge-starved world. Or so I’m told. Personally, I’m mostly going to use this one to talk about the lost thespian promise of Erik Estrada. Because really, someone ought to. The man had screen charisma the way Marlon Brando had neck fat.
I sent a note to Mr. Feschuck suggesting he keep on writing in exactly this style if he wants to help Stephen Harper win.