Rants Log-in | Search Rants | Account Info

THE NEW DDD

No, this is not a potent insecticide. It is a new, direct – and, maybe, dangerous – democracy. It is a democracy wrought by the New Media – specifically, the Social Media. It is brand new, powerful and potentially dangerous for business and politics. Of course, what may be considered dangerous for business and politics could become elixir and power – to the people!

This subject is in reference to the recent corporate-client initiatives posed by Netflix, Bank of America and, most recently, Verizon, that immediately reversed by customer outrage, expressed through the Social Media. Airlines, as well, are alert to this new, composite, strong arm. This is unprecedented, and obviously of great concern to business – as well as to professional politicians. Never in history has public opinion been able to mobilize so quickly, so directly and with such immediate effect.

Our government is called a democracy, from the Greek, demos, meaning people and politics. Those Greeks governed themselves, directly. Elected surrogates stand between us and our governance; we are a democratic republic. With DDD in development, we now are entering tenuous and unexplored territory. The one-way sway, formerly exercised by business and politicians, now has a counterweight. The public can now exert its influence immediately, directly – and straight to the mark.

This has already been proven on the political front, with the election of Barack Obama. Now, business is learning that, You don’t mess with the people – not with their newly acquired, strong, side arms of Twitter, texting and FaceBook.

T’is oft-said that people have power,

With undertones, frequently, sour.

But, then came along

FaceBook’s siren song –

The pols, C-E-Os, now, all cower.