I thought I would share my feelings on the Rec List and Tip Jars.
I'm going to save my Recs for stories which need attention. These might be the most important policy issues of the day, such as environmental destruction, Middle East peace or energy policy.
Or, I would save my recs for stories which are Action Alerts. These might be that Joe Lieberman is going to give a speech and someone should be there to protest, or record some video, or whatever.
A tip jar on the other hand is more flexible.
I use tip jars much more often. Tips are for feel-good stories and general appreciation for what the writer has said.
So, to sum up --- I want important policy diaries to be the main stuff on the Rec List for a while.
Currently, the Rec List shows
- Palin blamed by Secret Service for Death Threats
(basically, commentary on the ethics of Palin and her supporters)
- a diary giving thanks to Joe Biden for his campaigning and his character
- Undoing Bush's damage
- Preemptive Impeachment
- "What happened here" A diary on Proposition 8 in California, African-Americans and more.
rather vague in parts.
- Bill Ayers speaks out
- the IGTNT diary of the day
- Coleman vs. Al Franken
Of these, only #3 and 4 is about specific new action action in Congress or by President-elect Obama.
I like all of the topics. But as a priority, I want to see more policy diaries that have to do with energy, environment, education, national security, health care. Who is voting for what and why.
Maybe a 2nd rec list would be for non-policy diaries.