So a few months ago, I talked to Robert Scoble about why today's Web 2.0 world doesn't "get" Washington. 463's Sean Garrett totally nailed it in a blog post a few months ago, too, right around when I went into Radio Silence (more on that below). Robert said he wanted to learn more about the issue, and we talked more about it at SXSW. He said he wanted to come check this place out for himself, and I was happy to oblige
Anyway, for the past five months, Julie Barko Germany (of G.W.'s Institute for Politics and Democracy on the Internet) and I have been knocking on doors, making calls and talking to talking heads and pretty much seeing how we can get Robert (and his audience) a geek's-eye view of why DC isn't as easy to operate in as the SIlicon Valley. Why can't Net Neutrality legislation get passed? Do politicians really think the Internet is a Series of Tubes?
Things like that.
Meanwhile, throw another wrinkle into the mix. Some of you may have noticed I haven't been blogging much. Part of it has been because I've been planning stuff. The other is that I've been writing about pretty much the same stuff (tech policy) for a place that actually publishes daily newsletters devoted to the same, and it's not exactly good to compete with your employer. I also have agreed to maintain objectivity, and so while I learn the "journalism" game I've been playing it "safe" and leaving the tech policy space up to Andrew Noyes (who I really have to thank many times over for helping me get my foot in the door, and who I still owe some drinks to) and Sean.
So, where are we? I've been MIA off learning the Tao and Zen of Objectivity (which really isn't that hard, considering I've had some great teachers) and stealthily planning this Geek Attack on DC. And, it's happening. Finally.
We're on. Julie and I will be helping Robert turn his lens on this fair city next week, with a swing by Personal Democracy Forum on Monday, followed by some days on the Hill and with other policy gurus. We're scheduled to talk with some heavy hitters. Some may come through, others may not. Even more may jump in. Either way, the idea is to give him (and all his readers out in the tech space) a perspective on what this place is all about.
For instance, Congress is full of people whose lives are scheduled by other people in 15 minute intervals. We're going to be rushing around, alot. It's not ideal, and it'll make for some tough going, but you know what? Everyone involved is going to learn something new, we hope.
Also, we're throwing a little party on Wednesday night.
Many people need to be (and will be) thanked over the next few days as I document this.
Oh, and for those who have been wondering what I've been up to? I suggest a subscription to Washington Internet Daily.
Andrew,
Many congratulations on pulling together this terrific event. If at all possible (and if my son's Cub Scout day camp cooperates), I will try to be there.
I also think you have done a terrific job with Capitol Valley, in a very limited time frame. I hope -- and strongly suspect -- that you won't be laying low for long.
I also wanted to let all of your friends and supporters know that my new, free Web service, BroadbandCensus.com is now publishing daily news and information! We're covering the ins-and-outs of Net Neutrality, the efforts to create a national broadband strategy, how Web 2.0 is reshaping the political landscape, wireless policies that impact broadband, and other topics. Please feel free to check us out.
And while you're there, don't forget to Take the Broadband Census!
Drew Clark
Editor and Executive Director
BroadbandCensus.com