Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-15

  • It's my own fault. I should have obviously provided more whiteboard πŸ™‚ The 2.5 yr old got creative. #babysittinglessons http://t.co/bQ6YTikH #
  • . @MrsMoldor @moldor YAY! πŸ™‚ I hope you can organise one, it'd be great to meet you both in meatspace ("IRL" is stupid, this *is* RL!) #
  • .@TimDLittle I don't think it is that simple. Brands simply aren't as manageable these days, better to have connected workforce /cc @donkey #
  • Ben 10 is awesome, I completely understand it having a significant following πŸ™‚ Spider Monkey! #
  • .@donkey I've heard of employers (in the US, of course) asking for all social media passwords as a condition of employment. #securitytheatre #
  • Currently browsing the AGIMO Gov 2.0 Register, some interesting stuff http://t.co/d7k0Z4hs #gov2au #opengov #gov20 #
  • We've got some initial info & regos open for #govhack #govcamp & #govjam in June. Details coming soon! http://t.co/QBUULzzN #gov2au #
  • Ok, Canberra peeps, anyone got a responsible teenager who can babysit two lovey girls Friday night for some cash? Please DM me πŸ™‚ #
  • .@nearyd I know guy who did martial choreography, inc dual pole for gandalf & dwarves axe styles. Exciting! He's an amazing dude πŸ™‚ #hobbit #
  • I feel I should share for ppl considering attending Shen Yun, I found it pretty awful. I walked out. #justsayin #
  • Just met dissatisfied girl working in a beauty salon. Through the conversation she is now super keen to do computer forensics. Awesome πŸ™‚ #
  • Got a friend who is looking at ways to assess "openness" of technologies. I wrote this a few years ago, still useful πŸ™‚ http://t.co/HuItxm4M #
  • Nah, that's just silly πŸ˜‰ sudo is enough kthxbai RT @Zemmiph0bia: True love is giving your partner root access #
  • Every country tries this at least once RT @rtaibah: Iran plans to unplug the Internet, launch its own "clean" alt http://t.co/lOEx8yEH #
  • .@MrsMoldor Awww! Please come too! Would be awesome to meet you, and we could pay out on @moldor together πŸ˜‰ /cc @Rog42 @hollingsworth #
  • .@cgiffard @peter_tonoli @xtfer Heh, totally! I've taught loads of workshops to kids by cracking a computer open, it never fails to amuse πŸ™‚ #
  • .@johnallsopp I wasn't allowed a gaming console in my house. <violins=tiny> /cc @_chesty_ @csimps0n @davidramli #
  • .@peter_tonoli @cgiffard Heh πŸ™‚ Well one floppy loaded the OS, and the other was for loading programs πŸ™‚ #
  • .@cgiffard Hah! πŸ™‚ I initially used a dual 5 1/4 inch disk drive computer, no hard disk, don't remember the CPU πŸ™‚ #
  • .@csimps0n Pentium 4s! I remember when I realised 2 slots on front of my PC weren't enough to show a *3* digit CPU speed πŸ˜‰ /cc @davidramli #
  • .@Davidramli @csimps0n "vinyl, bah! I remember when we made punchcards by hand w rusty hole punchers by candlelight, a UPS to keep us warm!" #
  • "I am alive" game review, fun, challenging, good story but finished in 6 hrs gameplay :/ #
  • Gar, tweet vs DM just bit me for the first time πŸ™‚ #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-08

  • Haha, I meant the game "I am alive". Funny πŸ™‚ Anyway, enjoying it a lot. #
  • Am checking out the game "I am dead", its quite stunning. Starts slow but has a good feel. I love when a demo works out πŸ™‚ Then, gym & work #
  • Just watched "Fanboys", so many good lines and cameos πŸ™‚ I thought it'd be awful but it was pretty funny πŸ™‚ #fb #starwars #
  • I've started a casual shaolin kung fu group training twice a week in Canberra. If you've always wanted to learn get in touch & come train πŸ™‚ #
  • So who wants to help run an epic #govcamp & #govhack in June. Details to be announced soon, just finalising an A-Team now πŸ™‚ DM me #gov2au #
  • 4km today, getting my groove back. Tomorrow, aiming for 5km πŸ™‚ #runlolarun #fb #
  • .@jkerrstevens interesting. Thx for staring πŸ™‚ /cc @trib @craigthomler #
  • .@benno37 I agree its been overly politicised, we need better definitions. Some GM is as you say, important, some is not (infertile crops) #
  • Met a Gov CIO yest who had read & enjoyed my interview w @vivekkundra. I've had lots of great feedback on that post, I need to blog more πŸ™‚ #
  • .@bernietb it does make a difference to call out false advertising. I agree system far from perfect, but if nothing done it'd be defunct. #
  • "Just keep pulling, we'll tear down the chains of…. oo shiny" Sleep dep makes everything funnier than usual πŸ™‚ #fb http://t.co/vzZLK6eb #
  • Going to see The Raid tonight with a kung fu mate. Very excited! Anyone else going? #
  • Fascinating. "Australian government takes action against Apple over β€˜misleading’ 4G iPad advertising" http://t.co/e1kUt3DA #
  • Rocking out to http://t.co/pyKDIeIm whilst working late. #music #rock #soundcloud #
  • HAAA haha! I just got rickrolled on my phone! Srsly, an SMS from "rickastley: never going to give you up!" I *LOVE* whoever did this πŸ™‚ #fb #
  • Cello Wars. Awesome! http://t.co/fS08cITv #music #fb #
  • Working late, thanks @steveathon for this to help keep me awake πŸ™‚ http://t.co/gbJ9vzVI #nirvana #music #dubstep #
  • .@MadamQ Hah, totally πŸ˜‰ I remember dialing into chat servers in Sydney whilst going to school in Goulburn. Got hit up with std rates πŸ˜‰ #
  • It is truly sad that when someone asks me if I'm on IRC I get so excited! IRC, the geek's social media before social media πŸ™‚ #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-01

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-25

  • .@shorebuck thx, it was hard to do but the point of music is to explore & represent concepts. I struggle to help friends in this situation #
  • New song up "Lucky", this one is a little disturbing if you read the lyrics. Enjoy πŸ™‚ http://t.co/T5rnxRpC #music #fb #nin #ghosts #
  • Latest song up "Lucky", a sweet instrumental remix (Vocal Ghosts project). Be warned this one's a bit disturbing #music http://t.co/T5rnxRpC #
  • I have the worlds best Dad. We just built a ramp to the garage at my new house so now I can get & park my motorbike! πŸ˜€ http://t.co/o0S1sBxt #
  • .@jpwarren heh, it'll go under my soundcloud, in the "voices of ghosts" set πŸ™‚ enjoy! http://t.co/xykIVQUr #music #
  • Have another NIN Ghosts remix in the making. Should be out tonight or tomorrow. Have several @mideion songs also in production πŸ™‚ #music #
  • Srsly great speech by @sherro58 at ACS Canberra conf. Spoke about opportunities and challenges for gov with IT. It wasn't recorded, gar! #
  • .@sherro58 saying IT gov spend still growing. A lot of work done around efficiency, eg reduced cost of commodities like desktop software #
  • .@sherro58 giving great talk about IT in gov. Dickens "IT was the best of times, IT was the worst of times" πŸ™‚ At ACS Canberra conf. #
  • .@peterbayley Hah! I find they sit behind the bleeding edge, but play a role translating to the mainstream. Sometimes even accurately πŸ˜‰ #
  • .@gmggranger yeah, I get back on the bike hopefully this weekend. VERY excited πŸ™‚ #
  • Listening to KPMG talk about emerging tech trends at ACS Canberra conference. Always interesting to see what others think. #
  • Report writing, gym, coffee and then conference. I'd almost be able to get used to this πŸ˜‰ #
  • Am going to head into Canberra ACS conf a bit today, schedule is quite interesting πŸ™‚ Should have gone to whole thing http://t.co/yqpMjrQh #
  • Not that I have $$ atm but need new laptop soon. Will be Ubuntu but deciding hardware. IdeaPad u300, Mac Air or maybe https://t.co/7Ytm0kOE? #
  • Just watched trailer for Resident Evil: Retribution. Looks amazing. Though the trailer appears to have Tron soundtrack πŸ˜‰ #fb #
  • The boys (Po & Ripley) in a calmer than usual mood πŸ™‚ http://t.co/6nFRM96M #
  • Interesting, Australia ranked 11 in world for place to do biz, just after US http://t.co/dsObwVOP /via @siliconbeach mailing list #
  • "We shouldn't export our guilt and responsibility by importing more wood esp from places that have less sustainable practices" Rob Oakeshott #
  • .@mwyres and encouraging little ole me to do open gov. So much awesome πŸ™‚ /cc @katelundy #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-18

  • "Mock not the twig, for the tree shall kick your face in" wisdom from Rag Doll Kung Fu game. Love it. #gamer #
  • Guaranteed procrastination on day where I need to work & study: ps3 has finished downloading mass effect 3 demo. Yay! #fb #productivityfail #
  • Doh, u rock anyway πŸ™‚ RT @thinkgeek: I hate to be bearer of bad news, but free shipping was last week through last night. It's over now. : #
  • Yay! MT @sund00bie: @piawaugh I thought this may interest you. thinkgeek has free economy shipping to Aus on orders > $40 atm, Yay! #
  • Just saw Pride & Prejudice by Canberra Rep, was fantastic! Especially the pay off at the end of the stage adaptation. Oh Darcy! πŸ™‚ #
  • Awesome water dragon at theatre 3. http://t.co/k5JhjgIQ #
  • .@kcarruthers @jkerrstevens and no one in Aus thought so, so we need to better recognise when we rock. Our community still kicking goals #
  • .@stuarthorrex goodness, can we make this video broader than twitter plz? πŸ™‚ /cc @craigthomler #
  • .@UpstartCanberra Did you guys see this? Vic gov grants for Vic-based ICT startups http://t.co/sEGU7EBH Also, might be worth seeing CollabIT #
  • Wish I'd been in all of this session πŸ™ Need guns rule. #barcampcbr http://t.co/N1WjnBNU #
  • RT @NETDe EXACTLY!!! Twitter is what YOU make it! Same with Any SM Platform (Or anything really!) #twittamentary #BarCampCBR #
  • .@deanlk @NETDe Yeah, there are some good core points that could be teased out but they're lost amongst the fluff #twittamentary #barcampcbr #
  • This Twitter movie is quite vacuous. Sorry, but apart from a few specific stories, it is just a lot of SMEGs spouting buzzwords. #barcampcbr #
  • Haha πŸ™‚ @loquacities made yummy cupcakes to promote #lca2013 enjoyed by @ruthellison & @share_s enjoying #barcamcbr http://t.co/CSGODQIB #
  • Haha πŸ™‚ @loquacity made some yummy cupcakes to promote #lca2013 enjoyed by @ruthellison & @share_s enjoying #barcamcbr http://t.co/CSGODQIB #
  • .@moldor knowledge -> empowerment. No knowledge -> disempowerment. Machiavelli was right, uneducated pop biggest challenge for democracy #
  • .@moldor If people have absolutely no engagement with their democracy, there is a prob. Esp when gov has such big impact on their lives. #
  • .@moldor Democracy that isn't mandatory is no democracy πŸ™‚ When 30% population decide the leadership that isn't exactly representative πŸ˜› #
  • Craig talking on how filter bubbles of Google/socmed/etc making it easier for people to have confirmation bias & not good info #barcampcbr #
  • Craig: only way to stand against 10yr movement to undermine public trust in public/academic institutions -> higher moral ground #barcampcbr #
  • Great point by Chris, the lack of mandatory voting in the US has led to intentional polarisation of public debate. Massive prob #barcampcbr #
  • Listening to Craig Cormick at #barcampcbr about science communication http://t.co/3wrqcagI Fantastic talk. Issues around quality comms #
  • My two talks at #barcampcbr 3pm discussing #gov2au community devel, 3.30pm talk #society5 & #distributeddemocracy http://t.co/s5jjJGBn πŸ™‚ #
  • Cool RT @stuarthorrex: just followed @nathansdunn creating scube.me mapping & geospatial tools for the dive community #BarCampCBR #opendata #
  • The points we're encouraged to remember from war on science talk at #barcampcbr πŸ™‚ @tribalscientist would approve πŸ™‚ http://t.co/0ft5QeVj #
  • Droid users at #barcampcbr connect to anu-secure & 8 char pass requested internal, use 11111111 then use conf pw for identity, guest & pw πŸ™‚ #
  • Have dobbed @craigthomler @trib @gavintapp & other #gov2au peeps to come to a gov 2.0 community development session at 3pm at #barcampcbr πŸ™‚ #
  • Have submitted a talk I gave to OSDC about #opengov to another conf due to #recordfail it's not a bad #gov2au talk πŸ™‚ http://t.co/g9TEJ4dh #
  • I am *such* a geek. Just set up wireless network properly (love my linksys w dd-wrt) & after much consideration set essid as Winterfell πŸ™‚ #
  • .@craigthomler yes. 1 changing public attitudes & needs, 2 policy & legislative changes of past few years, 3 OAIC office & state ICs #gov2au #
  • .@FakePaulKeating yeah, see what you think of the actual policy, esp "public comment" section halfway down this page. http://t.co/aneyG1gd #
  • .@NickHodgeMSFT it's my personal experience too, but many manage it through multiple accounts and the like. I think it's doable. #
  • .@FakePaulKeating interesting. Link? @grogsgamut is a pretty obvious precedent that challenges that πŸ™‚ #
  • Yes RT @Kiwiseabreeze: @piawaugh I think its really important to think/talk about where that balance should lie…. #futureofsecrecy #
  • Here privacy/security only exceptions RT @bxmx: I think many tend to overuse closed. I tend to ask why shouldn't something be shared 1st…. #
  • .@purserj indeed, too much ideology means we don't get to practical implementation & don't get ahead. Opengov is a continuum, not binary. #
  • .@bxmx exactly, that is why binary approach to dialogue is so unhelpful. We need to get beyond open vs closed to more informed discussion. #
  • .@FakePaulKeating why? I thought it's quite good & big step forward. Explicitly says ppl in APS are citizens too. How would you improve it? #
  • Public sector information as a public resource (& publicly available) is huge change in gov policy & culture. Still new tho #futureofsecrecy #
  • I find it odd some ppl think no one in gov should have private conversations. More openness needed, esp policy devel, but there's a balance. #
  • Not rly, just 1 event πŸ˜› MT @paulwallbank: #futureofsecrecy is private under Chatham House rules tells all we need to know re #gov20 future #
  • Sorry, yes another speaker at #futureofsecrecy RT @MartyAtDell: @piawaugh Me 2!!! #
  • .@BernardKeane I met a "futurist" who heard my background & said "you should be a futurist, we need more chicks". #totallyvaluedformybrain #
  • Point being made at #futureofsecrecy that trade negotiation in secret doesn't work. "Is counterproductive for just about everyone". #
  • The Lowy #futureofsecrecy blog with some interesting contributions from gov (inc defense), journalists & other analysts http://t.co/SRQnKbDu #
  • #futureofsecrecy forum is under Chatham House rule, so I won't quote people, but rather will share my thoughts. #compromise #
  • Lowy Institute #futureofsecrecy forum kicking off. Speakers inc @nicholasgruen, @turnbullmalcolm, OAIC John MacMillan & Maurie MacNarn. #
  • Going to a Lowy Institute forum on gov and secrecy. Should be interesting. Will live tweet. http://t.co/HJlMRkFL #
  • Would anyone else our there be interested in a #FuCamp a barcamp for martial arts? πŸ™‚ #
  • .@craigthomler @trib Strawmen are best burned in my opinion πŸ˜‰ Will check it out. Have a meeting now but the discussion is great to have! πŸ™‚ #
  • .@trib Also, not acting is subject to how much one group can do. We need whole of APS moving. Grassroots devel will help lift everything up #
  • Yes, THIS RT @jzb: watching morning TV is like reading Slashdot comments. I don't recommend either. #
  • .@trib I understand frustration, part. as from outside things aren't clear, which needs fixing. I have a good feeling things will improve πŸ˜‰ #
  • .@trib Sometimes I think you just like to be indignant. I've joined #gov2au discussion. We need to discuss problems, not jump to solutions #
  • Hah! Prolly RT @purserj: @piawaugh @latikambourke let me guess, "Next: How to keep your man happy in bed while keeping the house OCD clean"? #
  • .@trib heh, look forward to also reading your ideas to move forward, so to speak. There's already too much unconstructive ranty πŸ˜‰ #
  • Wow. "Do you honestly honestly feel just as beautiful without your makeup?" Arghhhh!!! THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD! #morningtvblues #
  • As in, no makeup? Makeup isn't beauty. RT @tenbreakfast: Naked Face Project: We talk to two ladies going without a beauty regime for 60 days #
  • Wow, breakfast television makes me feel ill. Apparently women can be builders because we do a lot of sewing (whut?). Lucky Ben 10 is on πŸ™‚ #
  • Just watched Fiddler on the Roof for the first time, in the theatre (at ANU). Was BRILLIANT! Amazing acting, singing, props, music. #fb #
  • .@bxmx tues after a long weekend is mega Monday. #
  • .@steveathon Coolies, if you are a gamer you might also appreciate "Ezio's more fun" πŸ™‚ http://t.co/0YB2CK3l #
  • Ah, "Cloud". I love it when ppl say "no hardware or software necessary!" or come up with the weirdest excuses to not host in Aus. #
  • Currently listening to an interesting speech in Australian Parliament on #tpp (radio). Sounds like Senator Christine Milne? See Hansard l8r #
  • Funny RT "US withdraws IANA RFP, β€˜no suitable responses’, ICANN manages to lose a one-horse race" http://t.co/rEYdLSNL via @regvulture #
  • #spinaltapbabby RT @thewetmale Yes RT @DavidParis: RT @evcricket: Woah. Babby found the volume knob. And then found 11. #babbywatch #
  • Taking a short break, and enjoying "Literal Assassin's Creed". Hilarious. http://t.co/YiYjNSoe #games #
  • Fantastic! RT @gavintapp: @piawaugh My fave 404 http://t.co/ojiePKri complete with 3d effects #
  • Haha for 404's RT @lukehopewell: @piawaugh If they make this the new 404 page I wouldn't care: http://t.co/YkgB3yh5 #
  • Seems to be a lot of 404's on the new APH website http://t.co/j2Ohamdc including from menu items in the footer. Hope they are fixed soon. #
  • Working hard today. Playing with stats and figures. I think I'll have to ramp up my #datavis playing this year πŸ™‚ #
  • Girls' Programming Network event coming up 24th March in Sydney. For high school girls who want to get their geek on πŸ™‚ http://t.co/ZYoS5UQt #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-11

  • Do it! Might be good to recommend to AGIMO? πŸ™‚ RT @jufemaiz: needed – an http://t.co/Vl3AuuhA clearing house, like an apigee for gov data. #
  • Ooh. "Victoria-based ICT start-ups encouraged to apply for Vic Gov’s $11 million Digital Futures Fund…up to $500,000" http://t.co/sEGU7EBH #
  • Thx for link πŸ™‚ Also fits into #gov20 & #opengov movement RT @candtalan: Why software freedom? http://t.co/P1i1mdfR #FLOSS #SFday @piawaugh #
  • I just posted some on my facebook. Will post full higher res video tomorrow. iPhones suck :/ /cc @jasmineleong @willozap @tribalscientist #
  • Very happy with my new, laser cut geek jewellery from @ruthellison! πŸ™‚ #fb http://t.co/TMfqac0I #
  • YES! Re(re(re))mix of Breathe by @mideion http://t.co/KnClpndP #music I love working with other musos πŸ™‚ #
  • Awesome! "Ezio's more fun" mixed by original instrumental artist http://t.co/WtkTgMMt See words at http://t.co/EXkeSJVt #assassinscreed #fb #
  • DIAC are doing monthly live chats on Facebook to engage with people and help them. Seems like a great initiative #gov2au #
  • Watching talk from Ronald Jones about social media monitoring and engagement tool they've made called Vizie. Some great stuff! #gov2au #
  • I'm going to drop in about 12 RT @CassPF: we're back. @NicholasGruen now talking about business models, social benefit and fair use #ADA2012 #
  • Reason behind @sandihlogan being a personal account was he wanted a personal presence, as an official spokesperson for DIAC. #gov2au #
  • Interesting. @sandihlogan involved his whole team in social media strategy, so now more people grilled and confident to engage #gov2au #
  • DIAC are doing monthly live chats on Facebook to engage with people and help them. Seems like a great initiative. #gov2au #
  • Watching talk by DIAC about their use of social media. They are very engaging online πŸ™‚ Huge congrats for their vision & hard work #gov2au #
  • Damien: key docs for dept use of social media are policy, governance, business case template, process guide and risk guide. #gov2au #
  • Damien Battisson from DEEWR: policy -> listen -> publish -> respond -> engage. Good approach to #socmed #gov2au #
  • This event is fantastic, reps from DEEWR, DIAC, ATO, A/G & CSIRO. Watch live at http://t.co/LX9vY9Yo #gov2au #socmed #gov20 #opengov #
  • Yes RT @timl: @piawaugh I swear if I see another "hey, check out our viral video…" type post…. #mutter #
  • Tune into the Cross Agency Communication forum to hear several agencies talking about social media & #gov2au http://t.co/LX9vY9Yo Starts now #
  • Yes RT @dannolan: Seriously that ADFA piece is a fantastic read – http://t.co/BMVgzbgO #
  • I think a lot of ppl in the #smeg & marketing scene don't quite get it. There is no special sauce. It has to actually be awesome to go viral #
  • Agree, no real insights or useful advice therein. @cameronreilly @kcarruthers #
  • Enjoying a stirring discussion about #opendata with @gov2nsw group. #gov2au ppl in Sydney should totally attend πŸ™‚ #
  • s/in/on @GeordieGuy @Wittylama @kattekrab #
  • -> peer review, ability for busy professionals to participate directly & avoidance of agenda hogging imo. @Wittylama @kattekrab @GeordieGuy #
  • .@Wittylama yes there is, the ACS. Requirements for membership a little out of date, but they do some good work. @kattekrab #
  • And now to sleep, perchance to dream. Night all! πŸ™‚ #fb #
  • Sunset, as evidence πŸ™‚ http://t.co/l6DghLNP #
  • Stunning sunset in Canberra atm. #
  • Just attended a gov change mgmt user group. Was a lot more interesting than it sounds πŸ™‚ Got insights to DHS "Tell Us Once" progress #gov2au #
  • "Mario Portals" This is epic. http://t.co/fhGpnh4t #gamers Now, to work πŸ™‚ #
  • First draft of "Ezio's more fun" for the Assassin's Creed fans & esp AC1 haters. After all, Ezio was more fun πŸ˜‰ http://t.co/EXkeSJVt #music #
  • Heh! πŸ™‚ It was & thx for the coffee! πŸ™‚ @dwhoban @brookebaskin #
  • That is awesome, but 32g would have been better πŸ™‚ RT @Jovianshadow: Nerd alert! @littlemissscifi @citizen_cam http://t.co/RyWuypqN #
  • Cute πŸ™‚ RT @netbadges: #Netbadges awarded @piawaugh a Gold Netbadge for tweeting about gov2. See the other winners: http://t.co/FV81z7Cn #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-04

  • Nice RT @geekscape: @piawaugh Finnish citizen's initiative for "open" law making … http://t.co/041ilTeX #society5 #
  • And follow #gov2au for national foo πŸ™‚ RT @davidjeade: @lv2photoWorld @sunnybank_spide follow @gov2qld for future #govcampqld events! #
  • Or webbed perhaps? RT @anrchars: @piawaugh @hackuador web to the power of web factorial #
  • Ta, glad to amuse πŸ˜‰ RT @dnwallace: Watching @piawaugh tweet @ #govcampqld is like watching a pedestrian cross Indian road – manic – love it #
  • Cool to hear ppl excited about #distributeddemocracy πŸ™‚ Now help spread word & build it ppl! http://t.co/uF7ZQ2pu & http://t.co/s5jjJGBn #
  • Yes! RT @solutist: shout out to friends & tinkerers coding for public purpose at #govcampqld @craigthomler @sherro58 @davidjeade @yvonnert #
  • I concur πŸ˜‰ RT @mattner_d: @fitzie_curtin I WIN! cc @piawaugh #mysterioustweetismysterious #
  • .@johnw3lls says the #govcampqld community is great at collab, sharing & doing cool stuff, inc awesome #govcamp Hear, hear! πŸ™‚ #
  • Ewww RT @hackuador: @piawaugh I heard "web 3" and "web squared" in our debrief /shudder #buzzwordbingo #
  • Yep & synergy too πŸ˜‰ @Kiwiseabreeze: @piawaugh have they used 'gamechanger' yet? I used paradigm shift in an article 5 yrs ago!! #govcampqld #
  • "paradigm shift" BINGO! #buzzwordbingo #govcampqld #
  • Yes… sometimes one needs to remember flameproof pants πŸ˜‰ RT @nathanscholz: .@piawaugh plus engaging with trolls can be fun #govcampqld #
  • Wow, only 20 Tweets away from my 20,000th Tweet. I have mixed feelings about this… #
  • So many great ideas from this panel. Need training for kids about online engagement, govs struggling to cope with global msging #govcampqld #
  • I don't think it's usually so nefarious. There is genuine fear of criticism & risk of embarrassment to Ministers. @maxious #govcampqld #
  • Call to action #gov2au #opengov #opendata add to wiki to share knowledge (tools, case studies, resources) http://t.co/j8N1yA0P #govcampqld #
  • Great advice, "we debate facts not opinions". Other panelist don't rly engage w trolls. Personally I found engaging is useful. #govcampqld #
  • .@sherro58 making great point that we're still experimenting w new tech, need purpose, not just to throw yet another socmed tool #govcampqld #
  • <Hide> Sry! Was talking to @cacotopos RT @dnwallace: Had lunch & good catchup with @piawaugh .. even if she did miss my talk πŸ™‚ #govcampqld #
  • TOTALLY! RT @davidjeade: #govcampqld great line up for social media panel! http://t.co/jHqQ1kpo @craigthomler @sherro58 #
  • .@Cacotopos non-fiction, meet @neva9257 πŸ™‚ Hey Nico, could you extrapolate on your research/work on reintegration of augmented soldiers πŸ™‚ #
  • Just reminding #gov2au #gov20 & #opengov folks to watch the #govcampqld hashtag today for all the awesome. #
  • .@johnw3lls 1:9:90 theory. For 100 ppl on Internet 1 is generating ideas, 9 do a lot of retweeting/repeating, 90 lurkers. #govcampqld #
  • .@johnw3lls talking about the WSIS conference. I was lucky enough to go in 2003, it was *fascinating*. Blog http://t.co/I8HM4QMh #govcampqld #
  • Cc @craigthomler MT @solutist: @piawaugh alas need to be back in office – is date confirmed? could be some synergies w http://t.co/KeBJcYEY #
  • StreetAR foo I was talking about in #govcampqld session at http://t.co/iV3FPv35 Also check out http://t.co/yhH3DMQB to get AR hacking πŸ™‚ #
  • Interesting. Report on tech in education from a few years ago. Marker for where we are in some respects πŸ™‚ http://t.co/3EiQsLEY #govcampqld #
  • .@DavidLMackie Heh, yes πŸ™‚ I reckon it was ahead of it's time for Aus. With NBN virtual worlds will rock for collab. Plus, better avatars πŸ˜‰ #
  • Love this πŸ™‚ RT @Cacotopos: @piawaugh ha ha ha, nice. No, through the augmented intelligence of collaborative group-think (the good kind). #
  • Hey @nambor, where is the StreetAR website?!? Your google juice needs some work πŸ˜‰ #
  • Talking virtual mapping & different uses. Some cool stuff with secondlife in schools to do collaborative building design. #govcampqld #
  • Early reading for #society5 & #distributeddemocracy projects πŸ™‚ http://t.co/d0dqPjf4 & http://t.co/uF7ZQ2pu #govcampqld /cc @juliancarter #
  • .@solutist can you stretch your Canberra visit to 20th April for #govcampact In early planning πŸ™‚ http://t.co/HRqnqHG2 #gov2au #govcampqld #
  • Arrived in Brissie! Looking forward to #govcampqld today & catching up w all the awesome ppl. Thx @dwhoban & @craigthomler for lift #typo #
  • Just arrived in Brissie! Looking forward to #govcampqld today & catching up w all the awesome ppl. Thx @dwhogan & @craigthomler for lift πŸ™‚ #
  • Yes! RT @evilsnoofy: Seriously Bro. http://t.co/kRgHUefd #
  • .@blakkat they draw you into a false sense of security, and then destroy you. #kittehs #
  • Huge congrats to @katelundy scoring assistant minister for industry & innovation. Great #WIN for tech sector IMO πŸ™‚ http://t.co/NUrg91TH #
  • Comments funny, 10yrs too late indeed. RT @mashable: Watch Out, Netflix: Hollywood to Reinvent Downloadable Movies http://t.co/a2rsg166 #
  • This is cool. A toilet with attached sink, so the water from washing your hands fills the cistern. A Coroma Start Flush http://t.co/tTDYAEzD #
  • JOY! http://t.co/EZBUPu8D RT #caketown @KingLeonidaz_: @piawaugh MADNESS…? This is SPARTA! #
  • This. RT @cjjosh: @tlcassandra @piawaugh While all this is madness I still love our system and all this happens without guns #
  • .@vlrojas machiavelli did say one of the biggest threats to democracy was an uneducated public. Clever, that one πŸ˜‰ #paraphrasing #
  • .@Matt_Ros where's the blood? If our politics were a fraction of the violent rhetoric espoused, we would be in dire straits /cc @tlcassandra #
  • Yes RT @tlcassandra I especially loathe comparing argument to combat. Today mean things will be said but noone will require bandaging. #
  • .@stuarthorrex to be fair, news should have integrity, critical analysis & enhance public dialogue rather than hype πŸ˜› /cc @abcmarkscott #
  • .@manaz_d sure, a majority is more efficient, and less democratic. Just like a dictatorship πŸ˜‰ #
  • Yes, with their scary faces and small hands. RT @shinyseal: @piawaugh maccas: temple of the clown #
  • Leaving Sydney I drove past churches, mosques, temples & atheist orgs, without violence. I love this country. Also, too many Maccas πŸ˜‰ #fb #
  • Awesome RT @weezmgk: @piawaugh Youbetcha. I crafted my Fed vote in 2010 precisely to get a hung Parlt. (Grn [1], ALP [2]) #
  • Minority govs are good for democracy. The more people realise that, the better. #
  • .@FakePaulKeating always, you keep telling us that in your fancy suits and with them fancy education words, mista! #
  • I'm sure you've both seen this, but isn't seems fitting for today. The Glenn Beck conspiracy generator. http://t.co/5d1UxIHM @gnat @trib #
  • You win, the US have bigger problems :/ RT @weezmgk: @piawaugh Here, Pia- marvel at REAL political stoopidity http://t.co/gTwFwrK3 #
  • You are ready! RT @trib: @gnat my personal handbasket has its own sun. And a gun rack and a year's worth of canned food. cc @piawaugh #
  • Thanks Nat, so much lulz πŸ™‚ RT @gnat: @trib @piawaugh does the sun rise in hell? Will you see it from your handbasket? #
  • MUST RESIST ENGAGING IN THE STUPIDITY! #fail #
  • "Labor at war", rly? Don't you guys cover actual wars? MT @abcmarkscott: Stay up to the minute on happening in Canberra http://t.co/rzIeIF6f #
  • .@cjjosh yes, hyperbole at times breathtaking. I've a theory that violent language is in inverse proportion to violence in modern politics. #
  • Today will be most irritating. I wonder if enough angst & hyperbole could change the fact Australia is doing pretty good in every sense. #fb #
  • .@adobernard08 do you know how our election system works? Ps, we did have our say, we got minority gov, better outcome democratically πŸ™‚ #fb #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-02-26

  • An unofficial photo of @silviapfeiffer at her wedding, just because Sue asked so nicely πŸ™‚ #liveweddingtweets http://t.co/cQswAg8P #
  • .@arcwhite TAKE A GOOD HARD LOOK AT MY ……… BOAT! πŸ˜‰ /cc @silviapfeiffer #
  • All the bridesmaids, Ursula, Barbara and I at @johnf & @silviapfeiffer's wedding. #liveweddingtweets #fb http://t.co/nSH2d3fB #
  • A photo of @silviapfeiffer's sister Ursula and I on the boat en route to the reception. Loving it πŸ™‚ #liveweddingtweets http://t.co/Sgt4sT3w #
  • RT to @willozap for #society5 MT @arfisk The ref is actually to another game I played about 3 yrs ago Superstruct #127 http://t.co/sUMir5ak #
  • Today is the wedding day of @silviapfeiffer and @johnf, its going to be awesome πŸ™‚ #bridesmaid #
  • FASCINATING. MT @arfisk The reference is actually to another game I played about three years ago: Superstruct #127 http://t.co/sUMir5ak #
  • Awesome, ACT comics meet launching "Beginnings" anthology. RT @emmajeans Don't forget to mark the date! https://t.co/rOOS0f6z #
  • There's now a wiki for collaboratively building the Distributed Democracy. Help design the future of #society5 πŸ™‚ https://t.co/4z4kgNrd #
  • Gorgeous πŸ™‚ RT @MrsMoldor: A promise to my children …. http://t.co/BJ4ab7Uj #
  • Awesome RT @rynobi: Geek denial: You Can’t Buy This Fallout 3 Nuka Cola http://t.co/93IzRLqU (gameinformer) #
  • WANT RT @ahornby: Nothing sounds quite like a Duke πŸ™‚ My dad had a restored 1978 900ss – classic. I always had jap bikes GSXR1100 was last. #
  • Really useful, dehydration important RT @chris_bloke: @piawaugh this is more about long distance, but might be related http://t.co/UdlZxNJI #
  • Keep seeing pretty Ducati bikes and BMW cars. Maybe one day, if I'm a good girl πŸ™‚ #
  • Sometimes when I do sprints I get extraordinary abdominal pain that lasts up to 30 mins. Anyone else get this? #fb #
  • Currently reading constitution of the "State of Sabotage". Fascinating stuff, esp all the precedents listed http://t.co/sau96MGK #society5 #
  • Fun to catch up with @mia_will and great to meet @DavidVandenberg from Fishburners. #
  • All you Canberra haters out there, πŸ˜› #
  • Ah Sydney, I spend more on parking in a day than I do in Canberra for a year. πŸ™‚ #
  • So tired, but finished lyrics and music remix for "ezio's more fun". Now to record, tmrw. Should be online within a few days πŸ™‚ #music #
  • Yes pls πŸ™‚ @citizen_cam: Also to @spunkyryan & @piawaugh, with whom at some point I swear I'll have a conversation longer than dozen words. #
  • Wonk <3 sounds so wrong πŸ˜‰ RT @spunkyryan: @littlemissscifi you are too kind gorgeous lady @citizen_cam @davidkbyrnes @damonism @piawaugh #
  • Caught up with the awesome and ever interesting @wittylama today πŸ™‚ Yay! #
  • Heh πŸ™‚ RT @gavintapp: RT @piawaugh: Heading over to #actwonkdrinks now. Good day for it πŸ™‚ <- gee, what will you have to talk about?? #
  • Awesome to see folk at #actwonkdrinks πŸ™‚ See new project at http://t.co/s5jjJGBn Esp Distributed Democracy, wiki coming soon! /cc @willowzap #
  • Heading over to #actwonkdrinks now. Good day for it πŸ™‚ #
  • So who is going to #bcc2012 #
  • Cutest piercings ever πŸ™‚ Tweeted with permission. http://t.co/17yd0FAe #
  • Having great discussion on online rights v responsibilities, punishment v concensus, P2P culture. Love it πŸ™‚ http://t.co/Yq7OFlEj #society5 #
  • Hi @gagnier @jacklerner @lisaborodkin @digiphile I saw social media rights piece, would love ur thoughts on #society5 http://t.co/Yq7OFlEj #
  • Nice & relevant to #society5 Social media rights RT @MsLods: @piawaugh did you see this piece (via @digiphile) http://t.co/NhygR5UF #
  • "Never never never never never never never never never let me go she said. Hold me like this for a hundred thousand million days." Aww #cure #
  • ARGH!!! SOMEONE FELLED ON IT! RT @mpesce: HAVE YOU TRIED TURNING THE INTERNETS OFF AND ON AGAIN? #ITcrowd #
  • .@NICTA wish I could have been there. TechFest is always awesome but I got stuck with work. #
  • Grin RT @madwebskills: Maybe if we all turn our computers off then on again simuntaneously? #IWorkInIT #
  • Latest song I'm working on (though not right now) makes fun of the unawesome elements of Assassins Creed 1. Should be good for the lulz πŸ™‚ #
  • Going offline for a few hours to work. Seems counterintuitive but too distracted online today. You're all too interesting… or something πŸ˜‰ #
  • Hey @ioerror @Asher_Wolf the online rights post up, further thoughts welcome πŸ™‚ http://t.co/Yq7OFlEj Distributed Democracy wiki nearly done #
  • Declaration of online rights discussion on #society5 http://t.co/Yq7OFlEj RT to #gov2au #gov20 #opengov #auspol @bernardkeane @stilgherrian #
  • .@intrepidfear And a big part of the problem online is figuring out the context. Eg, opinion vs peer reviewed studies. #
  • .@intrepidfear Great point. Could you extrapolate on blog please? πŸ™‚ Some might say everything is knowledge so long as you have context… #
  • I look forward to feedback on my attempt at a declaration of online rights πŸ™‚ Have built on existing efforts. http://t.co/Yq7OFlEj #society5 #
  • Hey @willozap I think the flickr slideshow is now embedded right for #society5 please check it πŸ™‚ #
  • Currently reading the latest #society5 post by @willozap "The perseverance of the nation-state" – what do you think? http://t.co/TaFpQBmX #
  • .@mikestuchbery Hah, everyone does it. History belongs to the victor of the day, does it not πŸ˜‰ #
  • Ever notice actual violence inverse proportion to violent speech? RT @mikestuchbery Which bloodthirsty warlord holds dominion over us today? #
  • Getting sick of "it's time to ask the people" election rhetoric. "The people" spoke, we have a minority gov, which is more democratic anyway #
  • I go to the gym for 2 hours and this is what happens! #
  • So much awesome. This could totally rock RT @benwilliamson: @piawaugh Let's break this down. http://t.co/DAUO7UAH #
  • Interesting RT @mumbletwits: My 2 cents & 400 words. http://t.co/GUgWuLPi #
  • Cast is off wrist! Scaphoid healed! I might wait another day or two before getting back on the motorbike πŸ˜‰ #fb #
  • Argh! Reading this is like watching a car crash. Is a little critical thinking too much to ask? http://t.co/tkw3nkUk #
  • Wow, makes me super comfortable in the scientific rigour of this hospital with reading material like this available. http://t.co/6cPoiGUW #
  • Feeling ripped off. The first time I ever see a character in a book with my name and she's disappointingly minor. πŸ™‚ #GoT #
  • YAY, I'm there & excited πŸ™‚ RT @BarCampCanberra: @piawaugh You can also find your name on the eventbright page : http://t.co/iqmiV74J GT #
  • Great article RT @stilgherrian: Me at @SMH: "You are what you surf, buy or tweet", on the surveillance society. http://t.co/nshx2UZX #
  • Playing with electricity, motorbikes, electronic monitoring boards and soldering, with a mate Paul πŸ™‚ #fb http://t.co/U5OtMpdL #
  • Have you made a nomination for 2012 Gov ICT Awards? Includes eGov, Gov 2.0 innovator & ICT pro. Closes Mar 1 http://t.co/CITgTnIz #gov2au #
  • .@AboutTheHouse if you Google stuff from aph, links don't redirect. Eg library occasional lecture series page http://t.co/y1a7Sq9L #
  • I'm keen to do two sessions at #govcampqld 1) #society5 & Distributed Democracy & 2) on changing tech culture in gov. Anyone interested? πŸ™‚ #
  • I'm looking on my HTC. No mobile theme. Might be optimised for iProducts? /cc @chieftech @camcgr @trib @gavintapp #
  • .@trib the Google webmaster tool is really useful for finding stuff wrong and fixing. /cc @gavintapp #
  • Great to see new APH website up, but there don't appear to be any redirects from old site? Unfortunate as wastes Google juice :/ #gov2au #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-02-19

  • It's not about belief, data's obvious but narrative unfortunate. He was on side after 10 mins. Amazing what respectful dialogue can do [2/2] #
  • Funny story: older guy upon learning I work in gov asked whether I believe in global warming. I said sad the issue been so polarised.. [1/2] #
  • Taking @silviapfeiffer out for her hen's night tonight with all the girls. Lots of fun planned, and sangria πŸ˜‰ http://t.co/xJbe6q38 #
  • Totally πŸ™‚ RT @mattner_d: @piawaugh Thinking of #society5 will you be speaking on it at #BCC2012 #
  • I love the sounds of a thunder storm and the sight of a landscape laid bare by lightening. Enjoying crazy weather in Canberra. #fb #
  • Just watched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang for the first time. Excellent movie! πŸ™‚ #
  • I think I had the best massage of my life today. Thai Bliss on Uni Ave Canberra. Really well trained staff. I got the remedial πŸ™‚ #
  • Heh, thx for the link to my NIN post @stilgherrian πŸ™‚ #
  • Video up! I'm the short, pale one πŸ˜‰ RT New post: @VivekKundra and some lessons learnt about tech in gov http://t.co/A1xQLJTY #gov2au #gov20 #
  • WIN RT @stewartsmith: @chris_bloke @piawaugh @mikal I bet Chuck Norris can transfer data faster than light πŸ™‚ #
  • Yes πŸ™‚ RT @nzlemming: @piawaugh @trib Heh, leading thoughts is like herding cats. You get a bit scratched up. #
  • True, but what of new ways? Quantum anyone? πŸ˜‰ RT @chris_bloke: @piawaugh @mikal sadly new pipes don't increase the speed of light.. #
  • Me too. Would be difficult T9 compete is think RT @jimboot: @piawaugh I'd be interested in the cost diff between Au & us cloud #aiiasummit #
  • .@trib you need then all πŸ™‚ you are in a position of being a thought leader. So lead πŸ™‚ #
  • RT to #gov2au #aiiasummit πŸ™‚ vid to come. New post: Vivek Kundra and some lessons learnt about tech in gov http://t.co/A1xQLJTY #
  • .@jackrdan Tethering from phone. Free & quality wireless should be a bare minimum expectation at confs today, *ESP* tech confs. #aiiasummit #
  • Gar, fascinating discussion atm whether Aus can compete on cloud services due to international latency/local laws & I'm stuck USB tethering! #
  • Yeah, this is a fascinating discussion tho because it goes to heart of validity of Aus capacity @steve_evil @rbtcollins @mikal @stewartsmith #
  • Thx all. Au cloud services a ? due to latency/laws @cgiffard @johnallsopp @rockyh @johnallsopp @rockyh @stewartsmith @jimboot @stryqx @mikal #
  • Would more international pipes help? RT @stryqx: @jimboot @piawaugh will no-one think of the physics? Useful only if latency not important. #
  • Me too. Would be difficult T9 compete is think RT @jimboot: @piawaugh I'd be interested in the cost diff between Au & us cloud #aiiasummit #
  • Thx RT @RockyH: @piawaugh it's not so much about safe harbour being an issue setting up cloud data centers here but latency and capacity. #
  • Lucky they have us πŸ˜‰ Loud constructive input important MT @trib: Too many still wowed by celebrity & buzzwords rather than dirty hands IMO #
  • Happy bday! You guys are too cute πŸ™‚ RT @nambor: …perfect day for a birthday too @alexmyoung 8) Happy birthday – I love you heaps!! #
  • I wonder if anyone will talk about safe harbour issues in relation to opp for Australia to be leading global cloud provider? #aiiasummit #
  • .@trib sure, in the two talks I've seen in the last 24 hrs, he has spoken primarily about old role and broader shift in society. #
  • Sure πŸ™‚ RT @TheFlashpacker: @piawaugh hey we're sitting behind you live streaming #aiiasummit could you RT the link? http://t.co/FPdk38xX #
  • .@trib heh, but Stephen, cynicism should not blind you or lead to pessimism. Everything always w/ critical thinking. Otherwise you miss out. #
  • Vivek: often gov collaboration stalled by us vs them attitude. Hard to get ppl over that. #aiiasummit #gov2au #
  • .@trib hah, @stilgherrian's cynicism sometimes get in the way πŸ˜‰ I'm not breathless, he us making some good points. Certainly some hype too #
  • Vivek in response to ? on what he'd do differently: move faster. He wants more focus on reforming gov hiring to get better ppl #aiiasummit #
  • Vivek: tech isn't a panacea, you still have disconnected ppl, you need to engage w/ *all* the ppl. But don't use that as excuse #aiiasummit #
  • Vivek: there is a shift in power from a few gov officials to the ppl. Which was the point of democracy but now we have the tech. #aiiasummit #
  • .@stilgherrian have you looked at it? I understand being cynical of dashboard hype, but it's a very cool project. #itdashboard #aiiasummit #
  • .@lukehopewell I think he is v interesting. At last nights #gov2au dinner he spoke about shift in society w SOPA as eg of public rebelling #
  • .@FCTweedie totally. Cloud is like outsourcing, similar risk unless carefully considered & strategic control maintained #aiiasummit #
  • Heh RT @stilgherrian: "Darwinian pressures of the consumer web!" DRINK! #AIIASummit #
  • Vivek: innovation in gov requires good policy/procurement & good people. He made the same point at last nights #gov2au event. #aiiasummit #
  • Vivek's shift to "cloud first" strategy was result of frustration with gov use and misuse of tech. #aiiasummit #
  • Vivek: when we identified issue projects we put then on hold & put sector on notice. We cancelled wasteful/failed contracts #aiiasummit #
  • Vivek: talking about IT Dashboard, a very cool initiative & open sourced too πŸ™‚ He challenged the status quo and focused on outcomes #gov2au #
  • Vivek gave kudos to Minister Conroy for his cloud speech & to @katelundy for her work on public participation. Yay πŸ™‚ #gov2au #aiiasummit #
  • At #aiiasummit on #cloud Be interesting to see how balanced it is. I think "cloud" useful if considered carefully http://t.co/f8In3ZMb #
  • Yes. Neither are top clicks from YouTube RT @bernietb: Oi, News Breakfast, Obama tweeting a valentines message to his wife is NOT news. FFS. #
  • Vivek on ? of gov procurement: centralised policies important but whole of gov contracts in consultation w depts. Mandate won't work #gov2au #
  • Vivek: procurement policy that disrupts status quo & enables engagement with innovative players is vital for gov innovation #gov2au #
  • Vivek on ? re gov as tech change agent: gov should demand projects on time, good service. He challenged sector to better serve #gov2au #
  • Currently a debate about whether online if even what citizens want, need. Good comments from the floor & Vivek #gov2au #
  • Gr8 point. At least you're not alone RT @AMCSviatko: @piawaugh But how do you recognise them & utilise them? #frustratedchangeagent #gov2au #
  • Vivek: the danger is to not move, to play safe. It's vital to move and be thoughtful but bold to use the opp. #gov2au #
  • And #gov2au @craigthomler πŸ™‚ RT @USAembassyinOZ: Check out @piawaugh for "tech, #opengov & innovation" with @VivekKundra right now! #
  • Vivek on ? of Digital Divide & representation: NBN major opp, but elsewhere you need to figure out innovative ways to engage ppl #gov2au #
  • Vivek on expectation mgmt: … but ppl do have many useful contributions to make, so you need to facilitate & support that #gov2au #
  • Vivek on ? on expectation mgmt of #gov20 we are in transition period. Ppl don't trust gov or feel they have voice. Need to persist #gov2au #
  • Vivek on my ? on innovation in tech: you need to let go of ppl who don't innovate, hiring practices important to get change agents #gov2au #
  • I'm starting to think I should invite @vivekkundra to contribute to #society5 & the #distributeddemocracy πŸ™‚ #
  • Vivek: #gov20 community, both in gov and in citizenship are driving innovation. Gov investment on NBN very important to innovation #gov2au #
  • Vivek: it is now easier to innovate and compete due to new tech, and those that innovate dominate, as they fill the space. #gov2au #
  • Vivek: European changes 2 gov transparency drove out inappropriate stuff. Basically new shift in power makes transparency inevitable #gov2au #
  • Vivek: Indian gov drove aggressive FOI changes, results of the transformation was short term pushback, longer term transparency #gov2au #
  • Vivek: SOPA a good example of conflict of old and new ideas, old and new models. It made for a public uprising & diff outcome. #gov2au #
  • Vivek: why is gov behind the ball? Basically because gov has traditionally looked to small groups, now gov needs to expand this #gov2au #
  • *Loving* this talk! #gov2au #
  • Vivek: greater shift in power today than ever before due to technology. 5b mobile devices. Everyone can be a sensor & publisher #gov2au #
  • Vivek: #opengov is an epic war between the status quo and progress. Inertia in gov is hard. There's a universal shift in power #gov2au #
  • Going to try live Tweeting @vivekkundra on tech, #opengov & innovation. @craigthomler is also here so follow #gov2au πŸ™‚ #
  • Great stuff RT @glenn_archer: RT @sherro58: Not just nonsense: #gov2au examples http://t.co/AZpvwLFi #
  • Heh RT @mpesce: No one take two seats on a peak hour train in my town. #cityrailavenger #
  • I feel the love πŸ™‚ RT @aguidodavis: @piawaugh yes, I will celebrate it by…working at tech support. πŸ™‚ #valentinesdayplans #
  • Tonight am going to hear @vivekkundra talk tech, #opengov innovation & gov. Should be awesome πŸ™‚ #gov2au #oddvalentineplans #
  • Happy Valentine's peeps! πŸ™‚ #fb #
  • Heh, totally πŸ™‚ RT @aguidodavis: @piawaugh If this is the black wrist cast of yore, further upside: feeling vaguely badass. #
  • Downsides with wrist cast: no motorbikes, no guitar, no gaming, limited typing, pain. Upside: bone supposedly healing. Only 3wks to go! #fb #

Vivek Kundra and some lessons learnt about tech in gov

Last night I heard Vivek Kundra speak about innovation, technology and Gov 2.0 at a dinner hosted by AIIA and Salesforce. It was a fascinating talk in that it exceeded my expectations significantly.

I had reasonable expectations that his experience as CIO of the US Federal Government and his insights to the US open government agenda would be interesting, but he also talked about the “epic war between the status quo and progress”, the inertia in government, the major shift in power from gov to the people, how tech in enabling a new form of democracy, the need to hire great people (and get rid of those not on board) and how issues like SOPA demonstrate that the people can overturn traditional power broker agendas through grassroots efforts.

He also spoke about the need to reform gov IT procurement practices to demand good services from the sector, to put them on notice and to engage smaller innovative players in the market. It was fascinating to see someone who was so senior in government take that strong a stance, but it makes sense. Government is the number one purchaser of tech, so how it engages the market has a profound impact. And as a huge customer, government should be able to demand the best possible service. At the same time, without great people internally who are empowered and incentivised, it’s hard to drive progress.

When asked how to actually drive tech innovation in government, policy, procurement and workforce reforms were very important, but fundamentally workforce. Vivek said that there needs to be rigour in hiring practices, a culture of getting the best people into the public service, a culture that rejects blockers and gets rid of those who don’t get on board with progress.

Some comments from Vivek that I thought useful and thought provoking (as captured by live tweeting on #gov2au from the evening):

  • The danger is to not move, to play safe. It’s vital to move and be thoughtful but bold to use the opportunity.
  • Often Gov collaboration is stalled by an us vs them attitude. This needs to be overcome.
  • It is now easier to innovate and compete due to new tech, and those that innovate dominate, as they fill the space.
  • Indian gov drove aggressive FOI changes, results of the transformation was short term pushback and issues, but longer term transparency and improvement of gov.
  • NBN is an enormous and exciting opportunity for Australia and for open government and Australia can play a leadership role.

I have to say, it was very interesting and stimulating. It kicked off some great discussions in the group too.

I have seen a few people respond to the Vivek coverage quite negatively. There is, of course, a lot of hype and fluff out there around Gov 2.0 and “cloud”, but it doesn’t mean you don’t listen critically, research what people say and come to your own conclusions. I am constantly surprised by people who insist on loudly voicing blatant cynicism, pessimism and general negativity, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this establishes a narrative that undermines the (often) valid and good points they are trying to make, whilst making it harder for other people to get actually get things done.

I would like to put out there that the more leadership shown by everyone in the tech community, especially the Gov 2.0 community and the media, the better a chance we all have of achieving great things.

Be the change you want to see, and all that πŸ™‚

I highly recommend people check out Vivek’s talk from the AIIA Summit on Cloud. It was a good example of thought leadership by a person who has actually got things done, a change agent who has made a difference. I’ve been told you should be able to watch it and all the summit talks online here tonight.

Thank you to Loretta form AIIA and Phil from Salesforce for agreeing to have Vivek speak to the Gov 2.0 community. A big thanks to Vivek too, it was great to meet you πŸ™‚ People can follow Vivek on @vivekkundra on Twitter.

It is worth mentioning that neither the AIIA nor Salesforce asked for anything in return for doing a Gov 2.0 discussion with Vivek, Salesforce paid for the dinner after the talk, and in the interview below I spoke with Vivek off the cuff without any direction from AIIA or Salesforce.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNMj4jd3q88[/youtube]

TRANSCRIPT

Pia: So I’m here with Vivek Kundra, he’s here in Australia touring around and talking to a lot of people and I just thought I’d take the opportunity to ask him a couple of questions for the Gov 2.0 community peeps out there, around Australia.

So, hi, welcome to Australia.

Vivek: Thanks for chatting with me, I appreciate it.

Pia: Yeah, that’s cool. Can you just give us a bit of an overview about your ideas on driving tech innovation in government. What you see to be the core things you need to do?

Vivek: Well obviously it always starts with the people and one of the most important things that needs to happen in government, around the world, is they need to be able to hire the right kind of people to drive innovation and be change agents. You can’t legislate and you can’t essentially mandate innovation itself so it starts with that.

Secondly I think you need need bold leadership. If you look at what President Obama did, he made technology a central part of how his administration was going to achieve some of the policy objectives that he had set out.

And the third, you need to be able to distrupt the status quo by making sure that you have a culture that celebrates failure. That doesn’t actually go out there and punish those that are at the bleeding edge.

Pia: And, I mean, if you’ve got that leadershipΒ  at the top level and you’ve got your, you’ll always have your enthusiastic geeks at the grassroots level, how do you drive that change in that rather large middle level?

Vivek: I should think it’s easier if you have a number of people on the front lines. The geeks kinda banding together trying to find a new way. But you’ve got to be able to make sure is that the middle management, unfortunately a lot of times you have people who are incentivised by the number of dollars that they manage and the number of years they’ve been in the job and that’s where from a political leadership perspective it’s very very important to make sure that you’re reaching out and embracing those that are on the front lines that understand the issues and understand the innovation that must be driven, and frankly reward those managers that are going to support, encourage and embrace that notion and that culture and those people.

At the same time the reality is, and we don’t talk about this often, we also have to be able to make the hard choices. If there are managers or people that are getting in the way, the Dr No’s, they are basically in deleriction of their duty. And what I mean by that is that’s not what the people of a country expect of their government. They’re basically putting their personal interests over the interests of the people.

Pia: OK, and finally ‘cos we don’t have a lot of time, what are your observations and thoughts about what is happening in Australia and some of the opportunities and challenges for Australia? Seeing you’re here and seeing what’s going on.

Vivek: Well I’m actually very excited. I think it’s amazing country with an entrepreneurial culture, to the number of meetings I’ve had and meeting people like you who are doing some amazing work in the public sector, whether it’s been public participation, fundamentally rethinking what a modern democracy looks like.

I’ve also seen some of the really really bold steps that are being taken to invest in strategic infrastructure. So the National Broadband Network is one example. You look at what’s happening as far as the government’s concerned. You’re seeing some of these technologies come into the goveernment.

But the fear I have is that you want to make sure you continue on that trajectory. It’s very easy for those people in the government who want to preserve the status quo to win out. And I think there is an epic battle going on between the past and the future. And it’s really really important that, from a policy perspective, that there are appropriate incentives for those who are architecting the future, to be the ones that are driving the country.

Pia: And do you think that epic battle presents a bit of a power shift from small groups of people to the broader community to engage…

Vivek: Well absolutely, it’s clear. We see it every day, whether it’s in Australia or anywhere else in the world. Therre is this shift in power from a few government officials behind closed doors to the masses, it’s real. And technologies that didn’t exist before exist today that have made this possible in terms of the very structures that are needed.

So the ability for anyone with a front row seat to their government with a mobile device. That’s amazing! We don’t think about it, we take it for granted, but now every citizen can be a co-creator. Every citizen can be a watchdog and hold their government accountable. Every citizen can actually go out there and be part of the digital public square and that is what I think is super exciting about the time we are living in.

Pia: Yep, sure. Well thank you very much.

Vivek: Thank you.

Pia: And I look forward to next time you come to Australia.