A Well Placed Reminder

I was recently sent a post-card with some advice that everyone should bear in mind:

On Anonymity

I value my anonymity.

Although as readers and followers of my Twitter rantings may have noticed, I don’t actually place that high a price on it. After all, in the last few weeks I’ve mentioned the fact that I attend Edinburgh University in some capacity, was previously involved in student politics at Glasgow University, have lived in the constituency of Mike Rumbles and Sir Robert Smith and currently live in Alastair Darling’s constituency. I strongly implied where I was sitting and discussed who I was talking to at the Scottish Social Media Dinner. I also occasionally tweet the same thing from both my Hythlodaeus twitter account and my personal twitter account, which share at least half a dozen followers.

While those combined factors would still make it hard to identify me, they do not make it impossible. There are many ways one could go about it. The most obvious way would be to check the details of who owns the Hythlodaeus.com domain name. This can be done in a matter of minutes at no cost. While my domain name information is registered in the name of my hosting provider in order to prevent this, such inquiries have led to the downfall of controversial websites before now. Other possible methods could include tracing my IP address from comments left on other blogs, attempting to exploit bugs in the WordPress software to gain access to my FTP server in the hope that I have other websites or personal information stored and if you had enough time, googling my tweets in the hope I tweet something on both my accounts at the same time. In an extreme case, one could even go to Glasgow University and check the alumni records, although I’m hardly worth the effort.

So why do I do it?

Well, unlike Tom Harris, who spoke at the Social Media Dinner about why he dislikes internet anonymity, I don’t see it as a threat to civil debate. Those who follow politicos on Twitter will probably know what I mean when I say that people still get heated, uncivil and irrational when they use their real name. I’ve seen some amazing examples of this, often involving poster-boys and -girls from the main parties, such as Harry “Tory Bear” Cole, Iain Dale and “Bevanite” Ellie Gellard. It’s worth noting that all three  have made media appearances to discuss their parties, thrown some pretty nasty public insults and been accused of being incapable of civil debate.

I believe that my anonymity is empowering. I feel less bound by expectations. I feel less bound to defend the SNP and more able to be openly critical of some of it’s decisions. I also feel better able to acknowledge the occasional aspects of Labour and Scottish Tory policy which I agree with. I feel less bound to be confrontational and more able to focus on consensual politics.

I’m not the only one who finds this. Christopher Poole, who founded one of the largest anonymous and disreputable websites on the internet has this to say:

With the anonymous system, you’ve got a place where people are uninhibited. … You’re getting very truthful conversation. And you judge somebody by the content of what they’re saying and not their username, not their registration date

Source: CNN. 4Chan founder defends online pranks.

I’m happy to admit that 4Chan is hardly the best example of empowerment through anonymity, causing as much anarchic chaos as it does good, but they are just the latest in a long line of individuals and groups to use anonymity as a tool. Voltaire, Alexander Hamilton and James Matherson all published anonymous works in the 18th century, in the 19th century many left-wing works were published anonymously to avoid persecution, while the 20th century saw beat generation and hippie counter-culture figures and groups adopt anonymity. There’s nothing new going on here and nothing to be threatened by.

Blogs like myself, Subrosa and Lallands Peat Worrier simply carry on a long tradition of civilised and anonymous debate and discourse. There are those who do not, instead choosing to spread bile, but equally there are those who spread bile and hatred using their own names.

Take advantage of the anonymity of the author, and judge on content, not identity. Take advantage of anonymity and say something you wouldn’t say otherwise.

Top Five Fictional Politicians

A feeling which seems to be common to those who are involved in politics, either directly or as observers is that there isn’t enough political entertainment on TV.  While Channel 4, ITV and the BBC have graced us with some fantastic dramas and comedies, from The New Statesman, House of Cards and Annie’s Bar to modern day tales such as The Trial of Tony Blair, The Thick of It and Mo, these are produced infrequently, at a rate of a handful of hours of television per year.

These are five of my favourite fictional political figures from the best political works in the past decade or so.

5. Senator Arnold Vinick (The West Wing)

I fell in love with Alan Alda as an actor when I saw him in M*A*S*H* repeats. He’s a natural actor who excels at playing believable characters. Known for his left-wing views, Alda must have been an obvious choice to play Vinick, the non-religious, left-leaning Republican who faced off against Matt Santos in final series of the West Wing. Alda and the West Wing writing team created a character who I would have voted for despite being on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Vinick consistently gave the impression of being a throughly decent politician.

4. Nicola Murry MP (The Thick of It)

The Thick of It is very probably one of the best things to be inspired by the New Labour project. Every single character takes attributes from people who have appeared in since 1997, magnifying them and playing them back to illustrate the absurdity of modern politics and the effects of spin. While Malcolm Tucker is undoubtedly the most amusing character, Nicola Murry is the very epitome of the post-Blair Minister, with a wonderful well meaning but not quite on the ball attitude. It’s easy to imagine Bob Ainsworth, Hazel Blears or any of the lesser known Ministers of the last few years facing similar problems. A very apt caricature indeed.

3. Havelock Vetinari (Discworld Novels)

I have a grudging admiration for Machiavellian politicians, up to and including Lord Mandleson. However, there is no-one who is quite as Machiavellian as Terry Pratchett’s assassin-trained Patrician. Lest we forget, this particular politican is known for his creative forms of execution, always getting his way (unless Sam Vimes is involved), regulating crime by legalising it and masterminding political intrigues which make the de Medici family look like rank amateurs. His slightly sinister, but extremely stylish leadership is only improved by his infrequent and brief appearances in the Discworld books.

2.  Laura Roslin (Battlestar Galactica)

Laura Roslin is very possibly the worst politician on this list. Unlike Bartlett or Vinick, she acts with her heart rather then her head, letting her personal beliefs (amongst other things) cloud her judgement on numerous occasions. Despite this, she does do a statesmanly job in terrible circumstances, standing up to military coups, terrorists, cultists, robots, robots that look like humans and cancer during the exodus to the 13th colony. She wouldn’t get my vote, but she is an interesting and compelling character who is a refreshing counter to the predominantly martial atmosphere of BSG.

1. President Jed Bartlett (The West Wing)

President Bartlett has an approval rating which can only be dreamed of by real world politicians. Members of staff involved in both the Clinton and Obama administrations have spoken admiringly of the character, while Obama was hailed as ‘a real-life President Bartlett’ during his election campaign. It goes without saying that President Bartlett is the ultimate idealised politician – a PhD in Economics, strong religious beliefs which he doesn’t let effect his decision making, humble, at times an under-dog, willing to face down his opponents but willing to compromise because sometimes that’s better then nothing – yet possesses convincing human flaws. I suspect it would take some doing to find someone who has seen the whole of the West Wing and who would not vote for Bartlett.

Scottish Social Media Dinner 17/02/10 – Social Media & Politics

It is an unwritten law that members of the digerati must record their experiences of meeting other members of the digerati for posterity, making mention of who they meet and liked. It’s like Technorati, but for the real world.

Given this undeniable internet mechanism, I have to begin this post by thanking Craig McGill of Contently Managed for organising the night, and Jeff at SNP Tactical Voting for bringing it to my attention. Despite my initial doubts about it, it was an extremely good night and very worthwhile. I would recommend future SSMDs to others.

There were four speakers: Tom Harris (a Glasgow MP who I seldom agree with but who does maintain an interesting blog), Patrick Harvie (co-convenor of the Scottish Greens, MSP, blogger and all round lovely chap), Andy Reeves (a Lib Dem campaign manager and blogger) and Allison Thewliss (the SNP Councillor for Calton Ward, otherwise known as Bellgrove Bella).

Some interesting points were made all round. Tom Harris focused his speech on how social media has affected his political career and how it can be used (and mis-used) by politicians past and present. His anecdotes regarding his exit from the Cabinet and current social media related scandals raised a good few wry smiles. I certainly wouldn’t mind hearing him speak again, not least because he is a man who is not afraid to publicly criticise his leader and his fellows without resorting to backstabbing.

Andy Reeves also focused on his career history, with the emphasis on how he’s helped build up the Lib Dem’s web and social media presence. Again an interesting speaker, adding to some of Tom Harris’ points.

Patrick Harvie was probably my favourite speaker of the night, and not just because I agree with the Greens more often then I care to admit. Of particular note (in my mind) was a criticism of the Scottish Parliament launching with cutting edge (bleeding edge in many respects) web services, which have failed to keep up with the advances in technology. Having spent far too much time recently reading the Report of the Consultative Steering Group, which, amongst other things was responsible for much of the digital vision of the Parliament in the ’90s, it’s an issue that has become of great interest to me. So, I’m very glad to hear a review of the Scottish Parliament website is now underway, and has recieved input from one of the most prolific bloggers in Parliament.

I was also interested the ways which Patrick uses the social media tools. Specifically, the use of twitter for ‘micro-consultation’ (my term) with constituents at short notice. This is exactly how MPs and MSPs should be using Twitter, Facebook and other services, although it can never replace traditional constituency work. I was surprised that Patrick finds blogging to be a chore however, possibly illustrating how essential a tool it has become, but also showing that it’s part of the job rather then the hobby which it is for many bloggers. As I already mentioned, Patrick seems like a very lovely man and I’m quite disappointed that I didn’t get time for a longer conversation with him.

Finally, Allison gave my second favourite speech. I was very glad that she threw in a bit of party politics, because none of the other speaker were particularly forthcoming on what they thought their opponents could be doing better. It was also great to hear what she’s doing and trying to get the council to do to engage with people via social media. It was a much more frontline point-of-view then the previous three speakers. I’ve come away thinking that in many ways, there are a lot more uses of social media for councillors then there are for national politicians, with it allowing much deeper and wider engagement with the small wards. Allison and her husband are very nice as well, and I enjoyed their company.

The crowd for the event wasn’t exactly what I expected. It was nearly entirely male dominated, with only a few women. It also seemed to be dominated by online businessmen, developers and the ilk, with a few media types thrown in. I seemed to be the only politico there other then the politicians, although that isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the issues raised by those outside the politics bubble were interesting.

I wasn’t the only person who was shocked by the lack of women at the event, with a very heated discussion regarding the treatment of women in politics and online taking place during the Q&A. The young women who asked the question which started it took a lot of flack from the audience, possibly for approaching the issue in a full-on manner but equally because of sexism. Her main points were very valid, with the blogosphere seemingly divided across traditional gender lines, although I’m going to have to investigate and see if, as she claimed, female politics bloggers take more comment flack then males. She specifically gave the example of the Labour blogger and activist Kezia Dugdale, who I do not read but who is highly recommended and respected by a cross-party group of bloggers.

There were a number of other interesting questions asked, which I may blog about individually at a later date, but I think that all that remains to be said is that it was a throughly enjoyable night which I would happily repeat. The next Scottish Social Media Dinner takes place in Edinburgh, at the end of March, with the theme of podcasting. I may well attend, if only to find out how effective a tool podcasts really are.

Scotblogs Awards 2010 Nomination

I am not normally one to blow my own chanter, but as the Scotblogs Awards voting comes towards a close, I would like to say a few words.

I am not expecting to win anything, being as I am, a newcomer and a largely unestablished writer. As always with these things, it’s nice to just be recognised, not least when there are better, more established and certainly more academic blogs then mine up for nomination.

So, in short, I’d like to thank the organisers of the awards and of Scottish Roundup, which is almost certainly one of the best resources for Scottish bloggers and blog-readers. Thank you very much, folks.

I’d also like to thank you, the readers, for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. Hythlodaeus.com is something which I had been contemplating for a while (I actually bought the domain name nearly a year ago) and I’m glad that it’s been successful, if sporadic. Hopefully content will become more regular in the months to come.