In September of 2007 the State Department launched its first ever blog site called "Dipnote". Dipnote offers the public a chance to take part in discussions involving public policy. The blog also provides a direct source of information pertaining to foreign policy. Dipnote is in its first year and is already showing promising signs for the future.
Business Challenge
The U.S Department of State is concerned with engaging the public in dialogue concerning important foreign policy matters. The department is also working to inform the public of the travels and activities of the officials.
Approach Taken
The Department of State created Dipnote. A blog that offers the public the opportunity to discuss foreign policy with government officials in a way that is productive and collaborative. Blogging on Dipnote is only possible by meeting certain criteria on the website. Criticisms of the department or policy issues are welcome as long as they do not contain vulgar language and language that may be deemed offensive or abusive.
Results Achieved
Since the department implemented the blog, views for the website have nearly doubled from 8-9 million in one month to 17 million. Issues such as nuclear technology have elicited over 80 responses. The video with Condoleezza Rice speaking with Cal Ripken Jr had 50,000 hits in one month.
The success of Dipnote comes from the fact that it isn't really censored and it allows for the free flow of idea trafficking. The department even allows postings to be shared on the popular facebook to attract the younger crowd. In conjunction, Dipnote has even brought forth the Arabic Language forum; a blog that combats misperceptions of international U.S policy.
Lessons Learned
The usage of the blog Dipnote is beginning to provide insight on how to be responsive to the public. However, critics of the site say that the State Department is on the right track but they need to make use of the comments being made and interact with those based on what is said.
