The thinking person’s social media site launches in Ottawa
There’s a new social media site in town, where big ideas don’t have to squeeze into 140 characters or an Internet meme. UnpublishedOttawa.com invites local residents to have their say on any topic relevant to Ottawa by writing a letter, publishing it online, and sharing it through social media—all for free.
“The name was inspired by all the letters that people write to newspapers that never get published,” says Unpublished founder James O’Grady, a teacher, media innovator and community activist. “People in Ottawa have great ideas about how to improve our quality of life. I want to make it easy for them to share an idea, opinion or event, reach a large public audience, and create communities of interest.”
With eight different letter types to choose from—from a staid letter to the editor or OpEd to Internet comments and the exuberant rant à la Rick Mercer—users can address their letter to anyone, living, dead, or fictional. The site encourages users to attach pictures, audio or video to strengthen their story—or entertain readers.
“I am thrilled to see Unpublished Media launch a website dedicated to allowing citizens to express their views,” says Mark MacKenzie, president of the Green Party of Canada and former Green Party candidate in Ottawa West-Nepean. “The letter format makes for interesting reading. This is grassroots democracy in action.”
“This site gives residents a chance to flex their creative writing muscles,” says Lori Gadzala, a local communications specialist. “People can use Unpublished Ottawa as a soapbox or a stage, a billboard or a blog.”
Letters already on the site explore the federal budget, LRT, a new casino, democracy and governance at City Hall and on Parliament Hill, Ottawa’s waterfront, and the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, among others. Feature letters from Elizabeth May, David Chernushenko and Tim Plumptre headline the site.
Find out more at www.unpublishedottawa.com