Getting the Message Out about Getting the Message Out

An off-topic point of privilege: After a bit of a hiatus, my better half, Kathy Mitchell, is blogging again at Getting the Message Out. Her topic is internet-based grassroots organizing - the technical how-tos of web campaigning, not so much on any particular issue. That's basically what she does for a living for Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, on a wide array of consumer topics: operate web-based campaigns, email communications and action alert systems for their advocacy division.

Maybe y'all can give her some love: Kathy was sad to get a site meter report showing a tick or two above zero readership after not posting for several months, so go check out her blog and let her know folks will read if she'll keep writing. With all the political blogs out there, I'm surprised there's not more people writing on this particular niche topic, but it appears to be a pretty small field.

Her big issue of the week: New software installed by some members of Congress to keep grassroots internet advocacy groups from forwarding constituent email from action alert systems to their elected representatives. (Two Texans, Michael McCaul and John "I don't think we have racial bias in Texas" Carter, are using the blocking software.) Consumers Union and more than 100 other groups have come together under the coalition banner Don't Block My Voice to demand that Congress continue to accept citizen email. Check it out and sign their petition to Congress.