When I was going door to door....

[jake]

"Would you like to be contacted by ... " is a horrible question

 

[firebirdnation]

People don't want to lose their shirt to inflation or get drafted and killed in Iraq, either. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

If you just leave information, this is what your strategy depends on:

1) that they see it, and it doesn't just blow away/get stolen by garden gnomes
2) that they read it without just tossing it
3) that they see enough to go look more
4) that they bother to decide they want to vote for him
5) that they remember later and actually go vote
6) that they do that for the primary and not just wait for the general

You can have whatever opinion you want but actual history of elections in America say this is a failing strategy.

If you talk to them you move responsibility for 1, 2, 5, and 6 (at least) to you instead of them. You can't decide for them to vote for him but you can make sure they get the info, process it to some extent, and if they will vote for him that they actually get to the polls at the right time.

Yes, you also incur some risk of turning off a person who maybe would have voted for him (if they remembered) but won't because someone knocked on their door, but I'm sorry, that's a much lower risk than depending on individuals to think about the election and go out and vote because someone left a flyer on their door. In the precincts I've walked (including my own) the average ratio of people that were glad I'd come talked to them vs. people who said "go away not interested" is probably 3 to 1. The ratio of people at home vs. no one answered is at least 1 to 2, though, so don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to just leave lit and not have to talk to anyone.

The campaigns that do this part better than the others are the ones that win.

I agree, we should all do what we can, and all efforts are to be commended. I don't believe that knocking on doors is the best method because I hate it when people show up to my house unannounced, but I do not put down those who do go door to door. As long as they are out there doing something positive to get Dr. Paul elected, they are an asset to the campaign. I look at it like this, is it better to have someone out there leaving material on door knobs, or doing nothing at all. Therefore, if someone does not want, or cannot not due to personal circumstances, go door to door and knock, but are willing to at least leave literature on the doors, they should be given some reinforcement that what they are doing is good.

I personally punch a hole in the top of two slimjims and a flyer, tie on a rubber band, and leave it on the doorknob. It won't blow away and they will see it when they arrive home. In addition, I can hit 100 homes in the time it takes to talk to 5 people. I am going for name recognition. I would be interested in seeing some actual studies performed comparing the two methods before I would suggest any method is better than the other. But the important thing is getting out there and doing something positive for the campaign.

 

[firebirdnation]

But are you going to answer the question?

What question would you like me to answer?

 

[jblosser]

I agree, we should all do what we can, and all efforts are to be commended.

I'm not sure what you're agreeing with because I didn't say that.

I don't believe that knocking on doors is the best method because I hate it when people show up to my house unannounced,

As I said you can think what you want but the history of campaigning in America (which goes back a few hundred years) says you are wrong. If you want to argue your point you should really consider putting up some data, not just personal preference. This is about winning a Presidential election not Miss Congeniality. Some people will be annoyed by knockers but it's statistically not the majority and the risk level involved doesn't come near comparing to the risk level involved in hoping people go out and vote on their own initiative.

but I do not put down those who do go door to door. As long as they are out there doing something positive to get Dr. Paul elected, they are an asset to the campaign. I look at it like this, is it better to have someone out there leaving material on door knobs, or doing nothing at all. Therefore, if someone does not want, or cannot not due to personal circumstances, go door to door and knock, but are willing to at least leave literature on the doors, they should be given some reinforcement that what they are doing is good.

I'm sorry if it offends you dude but I'm not really interested in coddling people who aren't putting it on the line given the stakes involved. We don't get to win half an election. This is winner-take-all, with the fate of what's left of the free world and the lives of billions at stake. I imagine the people losing their homes to the current bust would have rathered had someone knock on their door. Next year it may be you and me.

So let me say it plainly: People that are phyiscally capable of going door knocking but choose to do something less are NOT an asset to the campaign. They are a liability. Whatever lesser work they do is only valuable insofar as it manages to recruit other people to go out and do their job for them, if they're lucky.

Whether you like your door knocked or not, door knocking wins elections. If a grassroots as huge and motivated as our own cannot manage the simple math of doing this better than anyone else, it won't be the campaign or the candidate that loses this election, it will be us.

 

[firebirdnation]

I'm not sure what you're agreeing with because I didn't say that.

I admit, I am guilty for trying to be agreeable, but that seems harder and harder on this site these days. Too many "I am the best RP Supporter out there" type of people here. I can see why some of the best posters such as Llepard no longer post here. What a shame, we should be supporting each other but instead we are wasting time flaming people who have a difference of opinion. People such as yourself destory the grassroots, not help it. You are a typical egotistical maniac and are extremely divisive. How can that possible be an asset to the campaign.

As I said you can think what you want but the history of campaigning in America (which goes back a few hundred years) says you are wrong. If you want to argue your point you should really consider putting up some data, not just personal preference. This is about winning a Presidential election not Miss Congeniality. Some people will be annoyed by knockers but it's statistically not the majority and the risk level involved doesn't come near comparing to the risk level involved in hoping people go out and vote on their own initiative.

Perhaps you would like to provide some data? Does the data even exist, and if so, I can't wait to see it.

I'm sorry if it offends you dude but I'm not really interested in coddling people who aren't putting it on the line given the stakes involved. We don't get to win half an election. This is winner-take-all, with the fate of what's left of the free world and the lives of billions at stake. I imagine the people losing their homes to the current bust would have rathered had someone knock on their door. Next year it may be you and me.

And you think that by being a dick you will unite people to fight for Ron Paul? What kind of twisted logic are you using?

So let me say it plainly: People that are phyiscally capable of going door knocking but choose to do something less are NOT an asset to the campaign. They are a liability. Whatever lesser work they do is only valuable insofar as it manages to recruit other people to go out and do their job for them, if they're lucky.

Nice way to slam those who do not follow you like a sheep. Sounds like you would fit better in a socialist movement, as this one allows too much freedom for a socialist such as your self. Of course what you say is mere speculation and not factually grounded.

Whether you like your door knocked or not, door knocking wins elections. If a grassroots as huge and motivated as our own cannot manage the simple math of doing this better than anyone else, it won't be the campaign or the candidate that loses this election, it will be us.

Evidence? If it works so good, why are we not flooded with door to door salesmen every day? Why do we have a national no call list for telemarketers? But I have found many ads left on my door knob, and out of curiousity I usually read it.

 

[Anti Federalist]

Fire Bird wrote:

I can see why some of the best posters such as Llepard no longer post here. What a shame, we should be supporting each other but instead we are wasting time arguing.

His treatment here was disgraceful.

I met the man personally at the Boston Tea Party rally and he is a great asset to the effort.

 

[steph3n]

theres some good canvassing video here: http://www.ronpaulreveres.com/canvassing

im skipping canvassing and hanging flyers from mailboxes with my name and number to call if they want me to put a sign in their yard, or to get involved with my canvassing, or to ask me to deliver a DVD to them. its my precinct and thats going to be most effective for me, here.

DO NOT DO THIS!!! the postal service can get on you hard about hanging anything from a mailbox. it also doesn't allow you to takl to someone and will end up in the trash a vast majority of the time.

 

[firebirdnation]

DO NOT DO THIS!!! the postal service can get on you hard about hanging anything from a mailbox. it also doesn't allow you to takl to someone and will end up in the trash a vast majority of the time.

This is true, stay away from mailboxes.

 

[firebirdnation]

Fire Bird wrote:



His treatment here was disgraceful.

I met the man personally at the Boston Tea Party rally and he is a great asset to the effort.

I agree, its too bad he doesn't spend much time here anymore, but I can clearly see why he chose to back off.

 

[Ricochet]

This might help.

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=95741

 

[Akus]

And you think that by being a dick you will unite people to fight for Ron Paul? What kind of twisted logic are you using?

As someone who knows, well, semi-knows, jblosser IRL, I resent this remark. Jblosser, whenever I hear him, has more clue about how these things run then ten randomly picked Ron Paul supporters, in my honest opinion. I don't want to put him on some kind of a pedestal because he is never ever been wrong in his life, but you shouldn't take offence. It makes sense what he says. A personal contact will do more use then anything, including may be even donating $$ on the MLK day.

Don't fight him in particular or any other Ron Paul supporter in general.

 

[phree]

Do you get a kick out of butting in on these threads with your BS? If you can't add anything constructive, buzz off!

I happen to agree with his "BS", so if you don't mind I'd prefer that he doesn't buzz off.

 

[Eponym_mi]

I happen to agree with his "BS", so if you don't mind I'd prefer that he doesn't buzz off.

Hope you're not a precinct captain and find something else useful to do then, because the campaign wants people knocking on doors.

 

[phree]

Hope you're not a precinct captain and find something else useful to do then, because the campaign wants people knocking on doors.

I've done my share of volunteer work, mostly through OLFD in NH. I'm not alone in questioning the effectiveness of our canvasing. There may be some evidence that door to door canvasing works(I'd like to see it), but it would have to depend on the quality of each individual's efforts.

What percentage of people would you estimate are skilled salespeople who can effectively promote anything door to door which is one of the most difficult approaches? Most canvassers would be more effective quietly waving a sign.

 

[FireofLiberty]

Tip for talking to people when doing door-to-door canvassing: Study their yard closely, but more importantly, their cars and their doors and the stickers they have on or around them.

You'd be amazed at what you can learn from a person just from that. The issues that are important to them (Sons of Confederate Veterans, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, pro-marijuana, vacation spots, dogs they have, veterans, cancer survivors, etc.).

Example #1:

I notice a "Give Peace a Chance" bumper sticker on car in the drive way.

::ring door bell::

::senior citizen answers the door::

Me: "Good afternoon, ma'am. My name is Garland and I'm a volunteer for the Ron Paul for President campaign. Would you like to know more about the peace candidate running for President?"

Example #2:

I notice an American flag on porch as well as an MIA flag as well as a truck with an American flag, MIA, purple heart recipient sticker and NRA sticker.

::ring door bell::

::senior citizen wearing a military hat answers the door::

Me: "Good evening, sir. My name is... you're a Veteran! That's great! When did you serve?"

Then go from there. They'll be more than happy to tell you. Thank them for their service and then start working in Ron Paul to the conversation, mentioning that you are a volunteer for him at some point and then plug Ron Paul's pro-Second Amendment record and stances and pro-Veterans record and stances. Specifically mention the MIA stuff and all the work he's done in that area. If they mention any health problems they have or bring up the VA talk about how Ron Paul is a doctor himself and would allow veterans to choose their own doctor and get better treatment. Bring up Whitey "Bo" Thompson, the veteran who was awarded 11 Purple Hearts, and mention how Ron Paul helped him receive the medals who earned but never received and got him the medical care that he needed. Bo has said that 'if it weren’t for Congressman Ron Paul, he wouldn’t be alive today.'

Make sure you always take literature with you too (slim jims are great) to give to people and hang on the doors of people who aren't home. The Veteran and Gun Owner Slim Jims would be ideal for a situation like in example #2.

So, just use what you learn from their home and cars to your advantage.

 

[Eponym_mi]

it would have to depend on the quality of each individual's efforts.

OK. I can respect that. Yes, people doing door to door canvassing should be presentable, respectful, have decent social skills and manners, and maybe match up somewhat with the demographic in the neighborhood they're canvassing (presumably they would, if they live in the area). So, yeah, if you look like a beggar, have poor social skills, or don't really fit in your neighborhood very well, find something else to do other than be a precinct captain. But knocking on doors and simply talking with people isn't rocket science, and it does work.

 

[libertarian4321]

Not a single person wished to be contacted by Ron Paul campaign. What is going on? Am I just asking the wrong question?
My question is usually :"Would you like to be contacted by the Ron Paul campaign?"

Help me.

I'm a long time Ron Paul supporter, and if someone asked me if I wished to be contacted by the campaign, I'd say "NO!"- people don't want to be bothered. They expect a "yes" answer would open them up to mass emailings, phone calls at dinner time, and all the other crap that comes with getting on a list.

Just give them the information and let them do research for themselves...

 

[Korey Kaczynski]

1. Get a friend covered in tattoos. He'll hold the slim jims for you.
2. Get another friend who is African American. He needs to have huge muscles and dreadlocks. He'll carry the yard signs.
3. Wear a trench coat and combat boots. Keep it somewhat open so your 9/11 Truth shirt can be seen.
4. Pound on people's doors.
5. Demand that they vote for Ron Paul. Make your two friends nod in agreement.
6. Hand them a slim jim.
7. Have your black friend put the yard sign in their yard. They'll thank you later!
8. Thank them for their time and move on to the next yard.
9. Stop at the liquor store before going back home to hangout with your friends.

 

[Rhys]

It was fucking freezing at Valley Forge.

If you do it your way, it's like not doing it at all.

You're trying to get votes, not sell Delivery Pizza!

Please do it right so we can win. Pretty Please.

NOTE: I thought my fingers would fall off but they didn't. Go MI! My precinct was double the average.