Enhancing community

engagement

Photo: flickr/thewhitestguyalive

@lauraoliverPhoto: Flickr/kevglobal

@lauraoliver

• Instant feedback• Valuable insight into our readers' habits

and behaviour• Can further specific projects and editorial• Part of being open and social• Helps keep digital news accountable• Cannot offer engagement without

meeting those expectations

Photo: Flickr/alexanderdrachmann

@lauraoliver

NHS Reforms Blog

@lauraoliver

Don't just light the fire... 

...and walk away

Not reading the comments under your piece on the web is like inviting people into your home for a conversation, then not even listening to a word they say, let alone responding ... That simply isn't how the two-way medium of the web works.

Martin Belam/Currybet.net

@lauraoliver

Reward good behaviour

Photo: Flickr/auntiep

@lauraoliverFrom 38 Degrees/NHS Reforms Flickr group

Embed community in the editorial process

@lauraoliver

 Live event and Q&A

@lauraoliver

Threads as a barometer for your

coverage

@lauraoliver

Encourage participatio

n

@lauraoliver

For the first time in my career I had to deal with real time analysis and criticism from readers as a journalist. Frankly the range and scope of knowledge out there was humbling. I liken it to annealing - the process by which a blacksmith hammers a piece of metal to make it stronger. So it could be taxing and yes pressurised, but ultimately incredibly rewarding.

@lauraoliver

It has brought together disparate interests for a lively, interesting and relevant discussion on a really important issue. It has been indispensable reading for anyone interested in the issue. The fact that the Guardian's blog was read every day by Professor Steve Field says it all. Digital debate is now every bit as important as more traditional methods of consultation.

Many thanks to all concerned for this series of blogs. As a PCT employee (for the next year or so, anyway) it has been heartening to read many of the posts on here. I am also convinced that it was instrumental in affecting change via Prof Steve Field. There were many things I learned about the processes being implemented, that I was certainly not getting to know from any "legitimate" source, so thanks for that as well.

The combination of The Guardian's own Team (great writing), the input secured from policy commentators, clinicians, academics etc and thus of us 'below the line' has been an ennervating, informative, enlivening and challenging cocktail. I work in a PCT (and with a Pathfinder Consortium) and one of the important bits of my role is policy analysis for the organisation. I've found the blog an utterly invaluable tool, especially the Q and A sessions you've run with commentators and experts.