[Spud]

Worth a shot!<br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/rolleyes.gif' alt='Rolling Eyes'>

[gaulois]

I was somewhat reluctant to use blogging as a tool to activate the FHQs out of their apathy (or assimilation!). My reasoning was that I wanted the tool to be more participatory (and encourage people to simply write in French). I originally thought that blogging encouraged passivity amongst the People, which is something I had to contend with.<br /> <br /> But it turned out that Le Canard is evolving into a blog or commentaries (often biting satire) on news, with the odd articles of mine. This step was necessary to take control of the media or propaganda we are getting in our franco Canadian Heritage subsidized medias. If you think that your anglo mainstream medias are biased, you have not seen what we have to contend with as FHQs.<br /> <br /> So I do think now that blogging is a powerful mechanism to raise awareness on a given topic. The Canard is gathering a regular 30 visits per day. I remain hopeful it will help change the world of FHQs and of DD. I have yet to publish the related article in English.

[sthompson]

On the subject of what we can do to make blogs more effective...Nothing much seems to be happening with the "official" coalition/network of activists around deep integration (yet, anyway). At first I was content with that method of working together, but I've been considering more and more the idea of a <i>blogger</i> coalition of like-minded sites, either with or without a central site, depending on what makes the most sense. Most of the blogs that are concerned with issues of Canadian sovereignty and fighting deep integration haven't been invited to be part of the official "grassroots coalition" on this anyway, probably because more established organizations are still mainly unaware of the new blog culture and its potential, but working <i>together</i> WE have the potential to wield some real power, especially online.<br /> <br /> I'm not sure what it would look like and what it would do, but maybe that is a possible next step forward.<br /> <br /> Gaulois, that reminds me--would you be willing to post the "no deep integration" ribbon on Le Canard? Although, we should really post a French version of that action as well, and at LEAST offer the ribbon text in French. I'll ask Jesse about that.

[gaulois]

You can check le Canard bottom right screen for its "campagne du nom" underneath the Ghostchild RSS feed <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/wink.gif' alt='Wink'> <br /> <br /> I could use the string "Non à l'intégration nord-américaine" graphics file if Jesse does not mind my earlier demonstrations of wit. DDC is an other good site to spread the gospel. And maybe Ghostchild?<br /> <br /> Talking about blogs, it would be neat if we could each have our own bent on sovereignty and views on deep integration and still interoperate. It could be something as simple as carrying each other web linkage to a sovereignty/no deep integration collective blog thread, i.e. <br /> <a href="http://lecanardreincarne.freesoul.ca/forum_viewtopic.php?28.706">le Blogue du non à l'intégration Nord-Américaine</a>.<br /> <br /> I although very much doubt that Vive sovereignty bloggers can beat the 26 pagers Quebec separation thread!<br />

[Calumny]

I posted the graphic on the DDC entry page a few days back.<br /> <br /> I was in Ottawa a few days back and was sure I spotted a red and white robbon logo in the back window of a car. Just noticed it out of the corner of my eye and couldn't ascertain whether it was 'no deep integration' related.<br /> <br /> All of these on-line tools are well and good however, we still need to get people from 'outside' of the community, i.e., regular Canadians who don't visit political sites, to visit them, which to my mind involves off-line action, e.g., posters. You can have the best site in the world with the most important message however, if your audience consists of the same thirty or forty people who already agree with the message, you're probably not going very far with it. <br /> <br /> How many Canadians have any idea of what 'deep integration' means? I'd just be asking them if they want to become (while I dislike using this term to describe the U.S.) 'Americans', which in essence is what the matter boils down to and is easily understood by most.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

[gaulois]

[QUOTE BY= Calumny] How many Canadians have any idea of what 'deep integration' means? [/QUOTE]<br /> Anyone belonging to a minority would have a pretty good idea. Judging from history, the majority will likely not really find out and do something about it until it is too late. It is really a battle of apathy IMHO, i.e. the ones perfectly happy in selling out and the ones that think that it cannot be stopped anyhow, so why bother (better go do "personal development")? Protected minorities have tremendous experience on the matter of apathy; they have the ones that have sold out, the ones too depressed about fighting this and the few remaining ones that thinks it is worth a fight.

[Calumny]

Actually, my point was that using terminology most of your audience won't 'get' is a bit pointless. The message has to be in terms they will 'get'.<br /> <br />

[sthompson]

And it's a good point. This was batted around a lot at the Council of Canadians meetings etc. I think a lot of people feel "Americanization" is a much easier term for mainstream Canada to grasp than "deep integration". There seems to be some reluctance to use the "Americanization" term among lefty types though, maybe because it seems it could easily lead to accusations of "anti-Americanism" etc. Meanwhile, "deep integration" is a known economic term, and especially the term commonly used by the proponents of that plan--and in our Canadian media when talking about it. The media use should lead to more awareness about what it is, and it seems to make sense to use the term that is used most when talking about this. But then, maybe we are buying into the corp-speak too much by using the corporate word, and we would be deprogramming people and exposing what it is more by using "Americanization". <br /> <br /> PS I added the DD and Le Canard links to the ribbon campaign page links. Thanks guys.

[Calumny]

[QUOTE]Meanwhile, "deep integration" is a known economic term, and especially the term commonly used by the proponents of that plan--and in our Canadian media when talking about it.[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> True. <br /> <br /> Calling a spade a spade, the plan is more or less a harmonization, or joining, of our economy with the U.S. economy or, more accurately, the submersion of our economy into that of the U.S.<br /> <br /> Needless to say, describing the spade as a spade, as above, would likely to ring quite a few alarm bells with Canadians. <br /> <br /> However, this being a 'democracy' and all, the 'harmonization' plans can't be hidden from the public view. Still, having the plans in the public view and having the public actually view, acknowledge and understand the plans are two different things.<br /> <br /> I wonder who coined the term 'deep integration'?<br /> <br /> I googled 'deep integration Canada'. Oddly enough, the first 100 or so links are are sites like Vive, notacolony, Council of Canadians, etc. The Fraser Institute is also represented. <br /> <br /> Mainstream media was curiously absent in the links provided. Apparently, 'deep integration' doesn't get a lot of play in the Globe for Sale or Post(erior).<br /> <br /> One of the few non-activist links is <a href="http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/ineas-aes.nsf/en/ra01710e.html">here</a>. The information, particularly the last paragraphs, and source are interesting. <br /> <br /> Personally, there's something about this phrase that just turns me off. It isn't the meaning of the term, it's just the combination of the words themselves. I'd really like to see how a focus group reacted to 'deep integration', i.e., when presented with the term would most be interested in finding out more or disinterested/turned off?<br /> <br /> I'm sure if the term used for the proposed plan was 'becoming part of the U.S.', you'd get a lot of Canadian 'interest'. For some reason, I don't think we'll see the same interest generated in a fight against 'deep integration with the U.S.', particularly in how this is presented, i.e., a logical harmonization of regulations to bring these up to date, etc.<br /> <br /> I guess my point is that many of the folks forwarding 'globalisation', 'deep integration', etc. are experts in creating messages to sell products, create the 'need' for products, build an 'attachment' to a product (Got to love that Pop'n'Fresh) and as experts in these, and other, types of communication, can be expected to know what will turn people off a product. <br /> <br /> So, how would I advertise a product I didn't want to generate either positive or negative interest in? What if I could create a name that no one cared to look past, whether presented by me or by my 'competitors'?<br /> <br /> Okay, so maybe I'm stretching things here.<br /> <br /> The message has to reach the audience. Most Canadians aren't dedicated 'Canadian sovereignists' or leftists and aren't interested in hearing the jargon of either. Most Canadians are just Canadians. To get their attention, just tell them Canada is joining the U.S. That is after all what everything is all about.<br /> <br /> A shock and awe 'We're joining the U.S.' campaign might do wonders.<br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[FurGaia]

Three comments on this issue: <br /> <br /> 1) I find the idea of a "consortium" of bloggers working towards a unified goal interesting (see <a href="http://www.blogpac.org/core">BlogPac</a>);<br /> <br /> 2) There should not be too many "campaigns" going on at the same time, although links to other important issues can be made available to visitors; and<br /> <br /> 3) IMO, this is the most important point: in whatever campaign is on, the "consortium" must provide the TOOLS for participants to ACT LOCALLY. Case in point: the "Red and White Ribbon Campaign for Canadian Sovereignty". Ribbons & posters have been provided. Already, there are testimonies about their use.<br /> <br /> - <a href="http://www.canadaka.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5374">here</a>: <i>I've already got a ribbon. One for me, one for the misses (she actually made them), one for the car, one for the dog, one for the cat, one for the kids, and a handy few to stick on unsuspecting american tourists cars...</i><br /> <br /> - Also <b>Calumny</b>’s comment above: <i>I was in Ottawa a few days back and was sure I spotted a red and white ribbon logo in the back window of a car. Just noticed it out of the corner of my eye and couldn't ascertain whether it was 'no deep integration' related.</i><br /> <br /> - For my part, I have photocopied 100 posters (two-sided: information & display). I have also added a note reading thus: <i>Please ... do not throw away! If you are not concerned by this issue, or you are but your time schedule does not permit you to participate in this campaign, kindly pass on this information sheet to someone who you think might be interested (family, friend, co-worker, neighbour, … ). Thank you!</i> - just to ensure more circulation of the information. The posters are rolled up with the "display" side on the outside so that the "Ribbon" is in clear view, and the roll secured with an elastic band. I thought that would get the attention of the person I am addressing. It seems to be working.<br /> <br /> I give the posters in hand using this introduction: <i>Hi! I am helping in a campaign about Canadian Sovereignty. This is just an information sheet if you would like to participate.</i> I have tried to keep it short and simple. Maybe there is a better introduction but for the time being, that is the one that I am using. <br /> <br /> I have already distributed 35 posters. Of all that I have met till now, only one has refused to take the poster. As for the rest, many did not seem to have any idea what I was talking about but took the poster all the same. That was a good sign. A few looked pleasantly surprised. That was great!<br /> <br /> I shall distribute 35 more today and the rest on Thursday. I try to do it around 7 p.m. when people are at home and have already had their supper. <br /> <br /> - My point is that whatever the form of the online forum, it would be essential that TOOLS FOR LOCAL ACTIVISM be provided if we want to have an impact on the whole community and not just the online one.<br />

[Calumny]

Mosy likely it was one of your posters I saw, FurGaia. Good work. Shows the benefit of this type of activity.<br /> <br /> [QUOTE]My point is that whatever the form of the online forum, it would be essential that TOOLS FOR LOCAL ACTIVISM be provided if we want to have an impact on the whole community and not just the online one.[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> This is a critical point. To move anything forward, we have to get Canadians, who may not otherwise not be on the web looking for political forums, involved in the process . <br /> <br /> Then we have to have the information they need easily accessible to them. Most can be expected to be seeling further information and won't spend a heck of a lot of time looking for it.<br /> <br /> In terms of getting peoples attention, artists who can create catchy posters that will catch the interest of average Canadians are in my view invaluable assets. A picture is, as they say, worth a thousand words. Much truth in that.<br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[gaulois]

Movies or mockumentaries could also be quite useful to reach a broader base. The ribbon campaign is quite valuable but cannot convey the content and the emotions that movies can convey. The ribbon campaign could be linked to a movie and a blogging network and tae advantage of some media convergence. I forgot the raio scene or "podcasting" that would also benefit.<br /> <br /> In regards to the original topic of blogging, do keep in mind that although the majority of people are not and will not be reading it, the media people (including the ones in politics) are quite affected by the blog scene (&Internet democracy) and must respond to it. Remember that it is all about perception (and not reality). So blogging on the current events is extremely important to raise the bar on the mainstream media.

[sthompson]

Good point gaulois, and it's true, just judging by the number of times CBC has emailed me about various things appearing on Vive <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'><br /> <br /> Plus the MAI and missile defence were defeated in large part by online work, so there's no question online activism can be very effective. I think many of the bloggers who have some contact with each other and Vive on this issue are using even more sophisticated tools in many cases than have been used in those efforts, and could create even more, so the chances are good that we can have some serious impact working together with some unity of focus.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, I agree that we need to combine what we do online with offline campaign activities and as much work in other mediums (radio, film, etc) as possible, because we need to reach as many people as possible. (And the printable posters for this campaign were a great idea, FurGaia.) Each also becomes promotion and reinforcement for the other after all--if we get Vive mentioned offline, it will increase hits, while the website can increase exposure for offline efforts, and so on.<br /> <br /> A blogger coalition could provide some good press opportunities; we could even hold a press conference. If we got on TV for example, that would be huge exposure for all of us, and for the movement.<br /> <br />

[Canadaka]

Thanks for letting me know about this topic Susan.<br /> <br /> Someone actualy brought up a blogging question on the <a href="http://www.canadaka.net/forums/">Canadaka.net Forums</a> awhile ago, it got me thinking about creating a bloggins system for CKA.<br /> <br /> Lots of the free blog sites have limitations, I want to make something very flexible and fun. For Canadian bloggers, also would like to possibly allow it to link to any existing blogs a person might have. But it would be a good pooling of like minded Canadians.<br /> <br /> They have the right wing blos at http://www.proudtobecanadian.ca/blog so we need something to counter that.<br /> <br /> You bring up a good idea about a coalition, this blog idea could tie into both Vivelecanada and Canadaka.net. Link to there member account son either site if they have one and draw visitors from both sites.

[Dr Caleb]

Welcome to Vive, Canadaka <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/wink.gif' alt='Wink'><br /> <br /> We don't have to counter the righties or lefties - what we have to do is work together on the ussues upon which we agree. And disagree on the other issues with a minimum of namecalling <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'><br />