As a result of a number of factors including the
meta panel discussion regarding getting more people to write more in depth diaries, SusanG's diary rescue, and other discussions regarding participation at DailyKos, as well as my realizations about the
less healthy aspects of my participation here, I have resolved to alter the way I interact with this community and use this site.
I know others on this site have related to comments I've made about DKOS addiction (not talking to Bob Johnson but looking in his general direction and whistling :) ) so I thought I'd share my thoughts with the rest of you. Maybe it'll help lurkers, too. I don' t know.
First of all, I've just discovered HOTLISTS and SUBSCRIBING. Been here for a very long time and never used those features. It's kind of like TiVO for Kossacks. I can keep an eye on subjects and diarists that I want to look out for by subscribing to them, and go back and read when I'm ready instead of worrying about missing something.
I am also going to resist the sort of "all things to all diaries" tendency. I float around and read and speak up on things that bug me, that I feel needs correction, or that I agree with or that I can snark at. All fine and dandy, and kinda fun, but there's no depth there. I'm going to comment less, and diary more. I'm going to dig into specific and more in depth diaries on subjects of my choosing, instead of trying to
not miss anything.
I realize that I've been staying on the surface of a lot of subjects and issues, and that it really does nothing to expand my capacity as a Democrat and an activist. It's a cheap thrill ride. Not too much more.
I am currently no longer participating in political activism outside of this site, after several years of heavy grassroots participation, campaign management and volunteering. (I moved across country, didn't dig in once I moved 'cuz of burnout and frustration.) I am involved in community economic development activities, but nothing to do with elections or the Democratic Party. I'm not sure I'm interested in changing that at this point except on behalf of Eric Massa (if Team Massa happens to read this, let me know, because I've been trying to hook up with y'all to find out if I can help on weekends and closer to the election) or possibly election protection activities for 2006 if the opportunity presents itself.
What I would like to do is to collaborate with some folks here on some subjects and try a new way of participating, more along the lines of what Jerome did with other kossacks to create his energy policy (or OUR energy policy, I should say.)
The things I'm going to write about and would like to diary about are:
* Crashing the Gates, State Party-style. What are the state parties like? What are the differences in participation and by-laws and what does that mean for crashing the gates? What are the pitfalls of State party participation and how does it actually impact the effectiveness of Democrats as a whole?
* Professionalism (or lack thereof) vs. Professionals (i.e. consultants) in the Progressive Movement.
* Rising Stars in the Democratic Party. I'm hearing some good stories about people like Deborah Bowen in CA and love what I'm reading about David Van Os in Texas. Want to dig in on this, maybe collaborate with some other kossacks.
* Better online dialogue with electeds on specific issues. I have on idea on a particular subject so far, and I've got a kossack in mind to discuss it with, so stay tuned.
If anyone is interested in collaborating with me on any of these subjects, please respond and we'll work out how to do that.
Also, for the record, I may like to participate in helping with the planning of next year's Yearly Kos. EAST COAST!!!