We have a PR problem

[wbbgjr]

Fellow Ron Paul Supporters,

We have a Public Relations problem. I've noticed that on a lot of comment sections on blogs, news stories, Youtube, etc some Ron Paul supporters are very hostile and sometimes personally attack people with differing views.

I think a lot of this comes from many of us being very passionate about our support, but for some it seems like it's just a contest to be right.

We need to ask ourselves, are we putting out these hostile comments just as an ego trip and we want to prove we are right? or are we going to put out constructive comments to gain new Ron Paul Supporters?

If we want to give Ron Paul a chance, I believe we need to be ambassadors of Ron Paul. Our comments need to be friendly, concise (long responses are ignored), and a two way dialogue. Seek other people's opinions. If the other person changes your support for Ron Paul then so be it, but I believe the opposite will happen and we might actually gain a supporter in this way.

 

[Seamaiden]

Hello! Another voice of reason.

 

[Richie]

+1

 

[NewEnd]

I dont think angry rants on forums are a problem. That's the internet for you.

The only problem is people wasting their time responding to complete assholes, thinking they are going to change their mind.

 

[RonPaul4President]

The only problem is people wasting their time responding to complete assholes, thinking they are going to change their mind.

Are you referring to people on these forums as well?

 

[tsoldrin]

I think a bigger problem is we have too many folks that are trying to assume the mantle of self-appointed sheriff in town and attempting to micro-manage what is essentially a very dynamic, diverse and wide reaching grass roots movement, and that's just impossible. I see a lot of 'do this and don't do that', 'say this and don't say that', and 'do that but do it this way' but not much leading by example, and setting a good example is really the only way you can influence the direction of such a mob.

 

[wbbgjr]

I dont think angry rants on forums are a problem. That's the internet for you.

The only problem is people wasting their time responding to complete assholes, thinking they are going to change their mind.

True, but I'm guessing that their angry internet attitude reflects their attitude when speaking about Ron Paul in the real world.

When talking about Ron Paul, I like to speak about easily understood topics such as, "Ron Paul wants to cut spending. Currently, we need to print money to pay for our expenses. This causes inflation which makes your dollar worth less." I never bring up the Federal Reserve because it would require more time than I have to explain. And if I don't do a good explanation I just sound like I'm a conspiracy theory nut.

 

[wbbgjr]

I think a bigger problem is we have too many folks that are trying to assume the mantle of self-appointed sheriff in town and attempting to micro-manage what is essentially a very dynamic, diverse and wide reaching grass roots movement, and that's just impossible. I see a lot of 'do this and don't do that', 'say this and don't say that', and 'do that but do it this way' but not much leading by example, and setting a good example is really the only way you can influence the direction of such a mob.

I'm just presenting my views just like everyone else. I do believe that there is a "right" way to talk to people and making enemies is the wrong way.

 

[Quantumystic]

Unfortunately, this is a tough one.

Considering just HOW messed up this Bush admin has been... they've outraged so very many people w/ their sheer arrogance, that people want blood.

We are mirroring that historic moment when the first "King George" simply went too far and ignited a Blood Revolution.

Today, we do indeed see...

"...a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism..."

And so, we are left w/ 3 possibilities:

#1 Take to the streets in Bloody Revolution

#2 Take up the Cause for Political Revolution

#3 Give in, and Give up

#1 is a Last Resort. #3 is unacceptable. That leaves #2. Which means Ron Paul.

 

[wbbgjr]

I think a bigger problem is we have too many folks that are trying to assume the mantle of self-appointed sheriff in town and attempting to micro-manage what is essentially a very dynamic, diverse and wide reaching grass roots movement, and that's just impossible. I see a lot of 'do this and don't do that', 'say this and don't say that', and 'do that but do it this way' but not much leading by example, and setting a good example is really the only way you can influence the direction of such a mob.

There is a difference between me stating my views or others stating their views (free speech), and being the sheriff. I'm not advocating shutting people up, excluding people, or punishing people that do want to do it differently.

We are all on the same team and I'm just stating what i think would be beneficial. Open to discussion.

 

[xcalybur]

I agree and I've always made it a point not to attack anyone or be negative about another candidate. Let Ron Paul shine over all the others.

 

[tsoldrin]

Not passing any judgements, just pointing out that telling people on the internet ... well basically anything in regards to their behavior, usually ends up having the opposite effect.

 

[BLS]

If I may chime in here with my own opinion.

This sort of thing reeks of people who are very motivated to help our candidate get elected, with a bit of misguided verve. What would eliminate much of this is organization from the top down, and people who are willing to take orders for the greater good. I certainly do not qualify for a leadership role here as I know nothing about campaigning.

Personally, I think we need to find a way to UNITE all of our 'soldiers', get them working on common goals and willing to accept orders so we can all achieve the one thing that brought us all here in the first place.

 

[torchbearer]

In a room full of libertarians there are always a bunch of chiefs and not many indians. i'm saying this simply from experience. Its a good thing and a bad thing.
This online grassroots movement was made possible by self-starter libertarians...

 

[wbbgjr]

If I may chime in here with my own opinion.

This sort of thing reeks of people who are very motivated to help our candidate get elected, with a bit of misguided verve. What would eliminate much of this is organization from the top down, and people who are willing to take orders for the greater good. I certainly do not qualify for a leadership role here as I know nothing about campaigning.

Personally, I think we need to find a way to UNITE all of our 'soldiers', get them working on common goals and willing to accept orders so we can all achieve the one thing that brought us all here in the first place.

That definitely would help. I'm sure Ron Paul's staff is very busy and I'm sure there aren't that many of them. I wonder if they have thought about training more regional/local leaders.

Right now we seem to be wasting a lot of time thinking and planning and less on actually doing things. If we have one central planner.. hmmm.. this reminds me of Ron Paul's view of being against "central economic planning". But still, we need Ron Paul's campaign strategist to give us some guidance. an outline for the local planners.