Friend, Follower, Foe? OFA Probes Base for Online Connectedness
BY Nancy Scola | Monday, March 15 2010
Credit: BarackObama.comOrganizing for America, the field wing of the Democratic National Committee, has just emailed supporters with what is at least its third survey since last January asking allies and fans how they feel about the direction of the organization. This survey, though, is extra-heavy on Internet questions, suggesting that OFA might be putting some renewed focus on revamping -- or at least reinvigorating -- its online strategy, something the Obama campaign, of course, was particularly known for.
"How would you rate the quality of the emails you receive from Organizing for America?," reads one question on the 18-question survey, and another asks whether OFA is sending out their missives too infrequently, not often enough, or at just the right clip. One often-heard critique of OFA's early days is that while the Obama campaign's emails had a certain style, eloquence, and passion, Organizing for America's early email blasts read like those of a dozen other organizations at least -- and were a bit heavy on the fundraising asks. Supporters here are also asked to rate how likely they are to participate in "Organizing for America’s next *online* activity," like signing a digital petition or sending a letter to the editor.
Finally, Organizing for America is curious just how well its supporters are connecting with them/the President's persona online. "Are you a fan of Barack Obama on Facebook?," the survey asks. "Do you follow @BarackObama on Twitter?"