Should John McCain Become a Blogger?
;)
The Internet and new media is playing a big role in the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections. Barack Obama has certainly taken it to new heights when he revealed his vice presidential running mate through text message.
John McCain has gotten some grief because he's not very comfortable using a computer, especially to communicate. I can certainly understand his reluctance as I'm a Neanderthal when it comes to technology.
But, based on my experience, I'd tell John McCain to become a blogger because launching a blog has proven to be very successful for me. I'm able to talk with our guests and our associates about whatever I want, and people can talk back to me. I think blogging brings people together, and I think that's what campaigning is all about. It's a conversation - an exchange of ideas.
It seems that 73 percent of Americans use the Internet regularly. And while that number is quite a bit lower for people over 65, like myself and Mr. McCain, online proficiency is very important because in today's society it proves that you are current and you're keeping up with the changing times.
If blogging takes too much time, my friend Blake Little, who helps me with my blog, suggested that McCain try micro blogging - something called Twitter where people write quick "Tweets" about what they're doing or thinking. Blake told me more than 70,000 people follow Barack Obama and his campaign on Twitter. We're even testing Twitter with our own Marriott site.
Considering how people and companies are relying more and more on the Internet to communicate ideas, especially to our younger people, it's sure important to embrace new media channels as well as we can. Even Abraham Lincoln embraced new technology in his day - back then it was the telegraph. Who knows what channel the next presidential election will be waged on.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
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Posted By: Pam Wilson (9/15/2008)
Comment: I was under the impression that John McCain did not use the computer because of the inability to raise his arms due to injuries sustained during his time of captivity. It is unfortunate because blogging is a great way to connect with people.
Posted By: Don Prochaska (9/14/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott: The "Internet Marketing Report" of September 10, 2008 featured a compelling story on your blogging, so I decided to check it out. Your messages are clear and convincing, and I am glad that I have "discovered" your blog. Keep up the inspiring work, and thanks for sharing your wisdom. Don
Posted By: D (9/12/2008)
Comment: I've been on twitter for months now......it is a great service.
Posted By: jim (9/11/2008)
Comment: You see your column is exactly the reason why Marriott is a domiant player in the hospitality industry and why John Mccain after years of public exposure and experience is neck and neck with a junior senator from Illinois. You may be over 65 but 90% of all americans havent a clue what Twitter is. Maybe when my GOP decided to run a man for president who was over 65 they should have approached you. I find it frightening that the next president of the US might be a guy who doesnt understand E Mail!!! How will he lead us into the future. I say Bill Marriott for president!
Posted By: Bill (9/9/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, I do appreciate your blog because it is a way for you to communicate with me and of course everyone else. Realistically, I am not likely to ever hear your thoughts in person because we do not work together nor are we in the same place. Your blog allows me to read your opinion on various matters. I both appreciate and enjoy reading things from your perspective.
Of course, the big use I get from the internet is making reservations on your website. I can check prices, make changes, etc, all without feeling guilty about using up a reservation agent's time.
However, please do keep those reservation agents, anytime in the last 10 years that I've been unable to find a hotel room, they've been able to do it for me. They were lifesavers, I tell you. You wisely have both an online and a telephone presence, which is good.
Posted By: melissa (9/6/2008)
Comment: mr. marriott this is my first time reading one of your blogs and i find it a bit interesting. i am a young adult and know that many young people do blog and read blogs and if Mr. McCain was to post blogs then it would benefit him due to the fact that most people communicate through technology, he would not only reach the young generation but also those that have been around just a bit longer. thank you very much - Melissa
Posted By: Renee Crews (9/6/2008)
Comment: I would be more interested in seeing Barack Obama blog.
Posted By: J. Acocella (9/5/2008)
Comment: While "blogging' may be the "thing to do, what ever happened to just verbally talking or "old fashioned" letter writing?
MVCI owner
Posted By: Dominik Sobotka (9/5/2008)
Comment: Actually, I am rather wondering why I did not find the Mariott twitter feed more prominently placed on your websites and why Bill doesn`t have his own twitter feed - even if its just to push down the blog`s rss feed. I would follow it for sure...
Posted By: Tish Johnson Cook (9/4/2008)
Comment: Thank you Mr. Marriott for always delivering a refreshingly witty and thoughtful commentary.I love the way you always engage your audience in a discussion about issues that effect us both personally and socially. You could simply use your blog to only endorse the Marriott brand; however, you have taken an approach that inspires your readers, leaving us with something to think about or to share with others.
Posted By: J.D. Kyzer (9/4/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott,
I had no other way to get this directly to you. Below is an email I sent to one of your outstanding employees.....
9/4/08 10:43 AM
Melody,
Thank you for your help with Marriott Hotels. I have a very good feeling about this new relationship. I have used Hampton Inn hotels for most of my career and was very skeptical when researching other hotels. Everyone at Marriott has been extremely friendly, professional, and responsive to our needs with an unbelievable sense of urgency.
If everyone in this company feels the same way you do I am sure that we will be more than satisfied in every city we visit.
Thank you again for your commitment,
J.D. Kyzer
Head Soccer Coach
------------------------------------------
Hi JD,
Here is the final edit to the grid with the availability we can offer. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Melody ******
Sales Manager, Marriott National Group Sales
Marriott International
Posted By: Sridhar Rajagopal (9/3/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott I personally feel that all the people who are contesting for elections in whichever part of the world should have their own bolg in order for them to reach out to a wider base and gain peoples trust and confidence in them.
Posted By: Joan N. Ostheimer (9/3/2008)
Comment: I was hoping, when I clicked on Twitter, that I would be directed to a Home page for Twitter, as I was unfamiliar with the site and how it worked. Instead, what opened was an endorsement for Obama. Whether I am an Obama supporter or a McCain supporter, I felt used and disappointed, because I am a Bill Marriott supporter. I do not want to believe that the intent of his Blog was to direct subscribers to an Obama endorsement. Please tell me this was not Mr. Marriott's intent. If it was I will be forced to use different criteria when deciding which hotel I stay in on my next trip.
Joan N. Ostheimer
Professor of Hospitality
Massasoit Community College
Brockton, MA
Response: This is Blake Little responding on behalf of Bill Marriott. Linking to Barack Obama's Twitter page was not an endorsement. Linking to relevant material within a blog is common practice. If John McCain had an official Twitter page, we would have linked to that as well. Based on your feedback, we have provided a link to Twitter's home page within the text. Thank you for your comment.
Posted By: John B. (9/2/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott,
There are young men in old bodies and old men in young bodies. McCain should avoid being labeled an old man in an old body. We need a flexible president who can bridge generations. What better way to exhibit the active, flexible, adventurous mind than learning to blog? Making the effort would certainly show him as a future thinking president who is reaching out to all Americans by whatever means he has to communicate.
Posted By: Dawn (9/2/2008)
Comment: Mr Marriott... I enjoy reading your blog. I'm not much of a blogger but find reading them such as yours very interesting especially when it's about a subject matter or product that I use. Thanks!
