Will the Russian Winter turn into an Arab Spring? In 1991, the world watched as the Soviet Union disappeared after a failed coup to overthrow President Mikhail Gorbachev. During the past month, the world has been wondering if Russia is in the middle of another government upheaval that may change the course of history. It is too soon to determine whether Vladimir Putin and Dimitry Medvedev will continue to hold their country's top two leadership positions; however, I predict that they will not lead as long as they had anticipated.
On February 11, 2011, I discussed some of the underlying reasons why Egypt's President Mubarak was forced from power. I stated: "[i]t was a combination of Mubarak's dictatorial rule, routine police brutality, a suspended constitution, and poor living conditions for the average Egyptian that fueled the revolution. However, social media platforms and technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and texting enabled the Egyptian people to political crowdsource and communicate with each other to discuss their unhappiness with Mubarak's 30 year reign and to coordinate a strategy to try to create change."
Russia has some of the same problems that plagued Egypt. Former President Putin and current President Medvedev are seen as dictators, there is rampant police brutality and political corruption, recent constitutional changes that have benefited Putin and Medvedev, and major economic challenges. These issues plus social media missteps by Medvedev and Putin have fueled anger that may foment change. According to published reports, Medvedev/Putin may have also utilized the Russian secret police to try to block protestors from using social media. This is the same tactic that Egypt's Mubarak tried and it failed miserably.
The international community first noticed that the Russian people may have finally grown weary of Putin's stranglehold over the Russian government in late November during a mixed martial arts fight between Russia's Fedor Emelianenko and America's Jeff "The Snowman" Monson. After the fight Putin stepped into the ring to congratulate the winner and the crowd booed Putin. According to the BBC, the scene was uploaded to YouTube and subsequently viewed more than 2.5 million times.
In Russia, booing Putin during a public event was seen as a major signal that there may be underlying problems with his iron grip on the country. Subsequently, during the recent election there were numerous allegations that Putin's party may have participated in electoral fraud. Widespread anger and protests against Putin are increasing daily and instead of properly addressing the concerns of the Russian people Putin is generally ignoring them and acting as a Czar. Therefore, I would not be surprised if the Russian Winter turns into an Arab Spring.
To learn more about these issues you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Politics and Social Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics and Social Media. Show all posts
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Governor Brownback's Staff Twitter Overreaction Has Caused Cyberbullying
Last week, Kansas High School student Emma Sullivan used Twitter to discuss her feelings about Governor Sam Brownback. While participating in a Youth in Government Program Sullivan tweeted, "Just made mean comments at gov brownback and told him he sucked, in person #heblowsalot.
Governor Brownback's office was not amused by the Tweet and Niomi Burget, assistant director of scheduling for the governor forwarded the tweet to Deborah Brown of the Shawnee Mission School District who then contacted Sullivan's principal. Sullivan was "asked" to write an apology to the governor but refused. Whether Sullivan was "asked" or "ordered" to write an apology to the governor is a question that needs to be answered since Sullivan was exercising her First Amendment right to criticize the governor.
Does Governor Brownback's office spend a significant amount of time and public resources on social media monitoring? Does his office spend taxpayer dollars to deploy a social media monitoring service? Or, does his office spend taxpayer dollars to do Twitter searches on a regular basis? What type of resources does his office allocate to social media monitoring and how does it determine when to react?
I told the Associated Press that this incident reflects poorly on the governor's office and that it needs to learn how to properly deal with social media related issues. It is disappointing that Governor Brownback's office still has not properly put this issue to bed.
Sullivan is now being cyberbullied because Governor Brownback's office did not understand how to respond to a negative tweet from a high school student. When Governor Brownback's office is interested in learning how to properly resolve this matter he may contact me at 301-652-3600 or at bshear@shearlaw.com.
To learn more about these issues you may contact me at http://shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
Governor Brownback's office was not amused by the Tweet and Niomi Burget, assistant director of scheduling for the governor forwarded the tweet to Deborah Brown of the Shawnee Mission School District who then contacted Sullivan's principal. Sullivan was "asked" to write an apology to the governor but refused. Whether Sullivan was "asked" or "ordered" to write an apology to the governor is a question that needs to be answered since Sullivan was exercising her First Amendment right to criticize the governor.
Does Governor Brownback's office spend a significant amount of time and public resources on social media monitoring? Does his office spend taxpayer dollars to deploy a social media monitoring service? Or, does his office spend taxpayer dollars to do Twitter searches on a regular basis? What type of resources does his office allocate to social media monitoring and how does it determine when to react?
I told the Associated Press that this incident reflects poorly on the governor's office and that it needs to learn how to properly deal with social media related issues. It is disappointing that Governor Brownback's office still has not properly put this issue to bed.
Sullivan is now being cyberbullied because Governor Brownback's office did not understand how to respond to a negative tweet from a high school student. When Governor Brownback's office is interested in learning how to properly resolve this matter he may contact me at 301-652-3600 or at bshear@shearlaw.com.
To learn more about these issues you may contact me at http://shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
How To Respond To A Social Media Crisis or Scandal: Don't Be A Weiner
One of my favorite television shows, Seinfeld, was not only funny, but it also perfectly discussed the New York City experience. If you have ever lived in New York City you are bound to have come across one of the quirks of the City that was memorialized on the sitcom.
For example, my wife and I once received a ride back from Long Island after a formal affair from a friend of a friend. The ride took about an hour and a half and this person dropped us off one avenue (about 3 city blocks) away from where we lived because he didn't want to have to drive around the avenue and a couple of blocks. It was also raining and my wife was wearing a dress and I a suit and we were both carrying an overnight bag. It was reminiscent of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine went skiing with her friend and her friend didn't want to drop Elaine off in front of her apartment building because the friend would have had to drive around the block.
Seinfeld comes into play in Anthony Weiner's social media scandal because there is an episode where George decides that he should do the opposite of everything he has done his entire life in order to become a success. To avoid or respond to a social media crisis or scandal act in the exact opposite manner that Weiner did. These are some examples in no particular order of how not to act like a Weiner:
1) Don't take naked or inappropriate photographs of yourself with a smart phone or a camera and then upload them online. Instead, if you enjoy looking at yourself naked stand in front of a mirror.
2) Don't have sexually charged conversations online with others and/or send them inappropriate photographs of yourself. Instead, listen to Avenue Q and "The Internet is for Porn" song.
3) Don't wait days to talk with an attorney once your actions have become public. Instead, hire an attorney immediately and be truthful with your legal counsel.
4) Don't falsely claim that a crime has been committed to explain an errant social media post. Once Weiner refused to file a police report it was evident he was lying. Instead, be truthful about the matter. If your attorney believes a crime may be involved due to the online behavior do not go on the record with an explanation because that may be utilized against you at a later date.
5) Don't hold multiple press conferences and act obnoxious and indignant towards the media. Instead, treat the media with courtesy.
6) Don't lie to your political staff. Many congressional staffers work long hours for years with little compensation because they believe in the causes that the politician champions. Instead, be honest with your staff or do not go on the record with them if your attorney advises against discussing the matter.
7) Don't lie to your constituents, colleagues, and friends. The cover up is almost always worse than the initial activity and digital footprints will most likely expose the truth. Instead, if your attorney advises that there is no legal liability involved honestly explain what happened even if it is embarrassing. The American public is extremely understanding and is willing to forgive their politicians, athletes, entertainers, and heroes. If your attorney advises against discussing the matter publicly refuse to answer questions regarding the matter until your lawyer advises otherwise.
8) Don't drag out the situation. If there appears to be no legal liability apologize immediately. Delaying the inevitable apology will only further fuel the media frenzy and create more anger. Don't follow Tiger Woods' social media scandal playbook.
9) Apologize, apologize, and apologize. When you thought you have apologized enough apologize some more. Show contrition and humility. You need to demonstrate remorse for all the harm you have caused.
10) During a resignation do not pretend you are General Douglas MacArthur giving his "I Shall Return" speech. Instead resign with grace and humility. Weiner's resignation speech sounded more like a political stump speech than a resignation. Weiner should have shown more contrition. For example, during his resignation speech he stated, "most importantly my wife and I can continue to heal from the damage I have caused" and that "I will be looking for other ways to contribute my talents".
In general, the public does not care how Weiner will heal or be able to contribute his talents. He has been over-exposed (no pun intended) and people are sick and tired of looking at him and listening to his untruthful statements. New York may have to spend more than a million dollars to hold a special election to fill his former congressional seat so why didn't Weiner apologize to all of the taxpayers who will now have to foot the bill for his reckless behavior?
Weiner's short-term economic situation may be difficult; however, his long-term economic prospects may be rosy. If he stays out of the spotlight for a period of time, demonstrates that he has learned his lesson, shows contrition, and makes penance he may be able to make a comeback. I think it may take years before he may be able to make a political comeback; however, a professional comeback as a political analyst or a lobbyist may be around the corner.
Weiner may want to utilize social media to launch his professional comeback when the time is right. However, he should stay away from social media until he is able to utilize the medium without sending out inappropriate material. If Elliot Spitzer is able to make a comeback after only a few years Weiner should be able to do so also.
To learn how to respond to a social media crisis or scandal you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
For example, my wife and I once received a ride back from Long Island after a formal affair from a friend of a friend. The ride took about an hour and a half and this person dropped us off one avenue (about 3 city blocks) away from where we lived because he didn't want to have to drive around the avenue and a couple of blocks. It was also raining and my wife was wearing a dress and I a suit and we were both carrying an overnight bag. It was reminiscent of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine went skiing with her friend and her friend didn't want to drop Elaine off in front of her apartment building because the friend would have had to drive around the block.
Seinfeld comes into play in Anthony Weiner's social media scandal because there is an episode where George decides that he should do the opposite of everything he has done his entire life in order to become a success. To avoid or respond to a social media crisis or scandal act in the exact opposite manner that Weiner did. These are some examples in no particular order of how not to act like a Weiner:
1) Don't take naked or inappropriate photographs of yourself with a smart phone or a camera and then upload them online. Instead, if you enjoy looking at yourself naked stand in front of a mirror.
2) Don't have sexually charged conversations online with others and/or send them inappropriate photographs of yourself. Instead, listen to Avenue Q and "The Internet is for Porn" song.
3) Don't wait days to talk with an attorney once your actions have become public. Instead, hire an attorney immediately and be truthful with your legal counsel.
4) Don't falsely claim that a crime has been committed to explain an errant social media post. Once Weiner refused to file a police report it was evident he was lying. Instead, be truthful about the matter. If your attorney believes a crime may be involved due to the online behavior do not go on the record with an explanation because that may be utilized against you at a later date.
5) Don't hold multiple press conferences and act obnoxious and indignant towards the media. Instead, treat the media with courtesy.
6) Don't lie to your political staff. Many congressional staffers work long hours for years with little compensation because they believe in the causes that the politician champions. Instead, be honest with your staff or do not go on the record with them if your attorney advises against discussing the matter.
7) Don't lie to your constituents, colleagues, and friends. The cover up is almost always worse than the initial activity and digital footprints will most likely expose the truth. Instead, if your attorney advises that there is no legal liability involved honestly explain what happened even if it is embarrassing. The American public is extremely understanding and is willing to forgive their politicians, athletes, entertainers, and heroes. If your attorney advises against discussing the matter publicly refuse to answer questions regarding the matter until your lawyer advises otherwise.
8) Don't drag out the situation. If there appears to be no legal liability apologize immediately. Delaying the inevitable apology will only further fuel the media frenzy and create more anger. Don't follow Tiger Woods' social media scandal playbook.
9) Apologize, apologize, and apologize. When you thought you have apologized enough apologize some more. Show contrition and humility. You need to demonstrate remorse for all the harm you have caused.
10) During a resignation do not pretend you are General Douglas MacArthur giving his "I Shall Return" speech. Instead resign with grace and humility. Weiner's resignation speech sounded more like a political stump speech than a resignation. Weiner should have shown more contrition. For example, during his resignation speech he stated, "most importantly my wife and I can continue to heal from the damage I have caused" and that "I will be looking for other ways to contribute my talents".
In general, the public does not care how Weiner will heal or be able to contribute his talents. He has been over-exposed (no pun intended) and people are sick and tired of looking at him and listening to his untruthful statements. New York may have to spend more than a million dollars to hold a special election to fill his former congressional seat so why didn't Weiner apologize to all of the taxpayers who will now have to foot the bill for his reckless behavior?
Weiner's short-term economic situation may be difficult; however, his long-term economic prospects may be rosy. If he stays out of the spotlight for a period of time, demonstrates that he has learned his lesson, shows contrition, and makes penance he may be able to make a comeback. I think it may take years before he may be able to make a political comeback; however, a professional comeback as a political analyst or a lobbyist may be around the corner.
Weiner may want to utilize social media to launch his professional comeback when the time is right. However, he should stay away from social media until he is able to utilize the medium without sending out inappropriate material. If Elliot Spitzer is able to make a comeback after only a few years Weiner should be able to do so also.
To learn how to respond to a social media crisis or scandal you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Update: Social Media Crisis Management, Weinergate, Politics, Football, and the Law
Soon after I made my original post regarding Congressman Weiner's alleged inappropriate Tweet, Mr. Weiner came clean in a news conference in New York City. Mr. Weiner apologized for lying and his terrible mistake throughout his social media crisis.
If Mr. Weiner would have hired an attorney well versed in social media matters immediately after this scandal broke and received and followed his advice the fallout of this situation may have been lessened. People make dumb mistakes all the time. However, Mr. Weiner should have known better, especially since fellow Congressman Chris Lee resigned a few months ago due to a similar situation.
It will be very difficult for Mr. Weiner to regain the trust and respect of his constituents and his colleagues. As I have been saying for a long time, be careful what you post online. One wrong post may destroy your professional career and/or personal life.
To learn how to properly handle a social media crisis you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
If Mr. Weiner would have hired an attorney well versed in social media matters immediately after this scandal broke and received and followed his advice the fallout of this situation may have been lessened. People make dumb mistakes all the time. However, Mr. Weiner should have known better, especially since fellow Congressman Chris Lee resigned a few months ago due to a similar situation.
It will be very difficult for Mr. Weiner to regain the trust and respect of his constituents and his colleagues. As I have been saying for a long time, be careful what you post online. One wrong post may destroy your professional career and/or personal life.
To learn how to properly handle a social media crisis you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.
Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.
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