The Guardian reported today on news that the Conservatives are using Spotify ads to appeal to a younger crowd (and hopefully not just because they’re exempt from the usual political advertising rules).  

The general vibe of the comments section is along the lines of, ”I’m going to leave Spotify”, “Well now I’ve got a reason to upgrade to ad-free” and “What’s Spotify?”.

So, for those who are using Spotify already (and who also read the Guardian, so pinch of salt), the news is being met with either,

a) hostility, or
b) confusion

If the Conservatives weren’t reaching out with new media they’d be criticised for being out of touch, and when they do they’re critcised anyway.  There’s probably a wider political point to make here, not least about the over-simplification of political messages, but maybe that’s an article for another day.

Personally I think political engagement with young people needs to start at the local, rather than national, level. 

To that end, the projects that companies like GalloManor are involved in (such as I’m A Councillor, Get Me Out of Here) have a very meaningful, deep impact on the young people (and politicians) who take part because it’s clearly about issues that directly affect them. 

It’s not just demanding answers to how the national government will tackle the pension deficit (although there is a bit of that), but it is more about how adults relate to and stereotype young people in communities, how to get the council to start more youth clubs and skate parks, and the realisation that despite being too young to vote, young people can have a meaningful voice in their town and that politicians are willing to listen to them and enact change.

Talk schedule on the site sounds very interesting, particularly explaining current Government policy, and best practice examples of youth-engagement.

Protecting & Engaging Kids in Games & Virtual Spaces – Forum 2009

We will be attending, and will do a writeup here.