SigEx Telecom : Would you post your question for the president on YouTube? by Ana Maria Ciobanu

What do you think about the CNN/YouTube debates? Are you the type that got in front of his webcam as soon as he heard this breaking news and recorded a question for the candidates? Are you skeptical like I am? The concept is very interesting and it's definitely working because thousands of video questions are being posted on YouTube, CNN is catching more popularity among young people, YouTube even more- as if they needed it. It all looks like a win- win situation. People are getting answers, companies are getting publicity, candidates are exposed in a rather human way to the public... Asking questions to the election candidates isn't something new at all. Video questions however are an innovation. Why do they need to give us the feeling we count and we need to be seen when what counts here are the questions and the answers? Sure it encourages people to record as many questions as possible, led by the thought they'll get to see themselves on TV...but this isn't necessary isn't it? Some voices have called the questioners naive, simple etc. CNN calls them "real", very real. I agree they reflect the American people but they're usually not a pretty sight. The questions are poorly formulated, the nonverbal communication indicatives are scary...and they reflect exactly why the results of the last two elections were the ones we all know and love. I would applaud a CNN and YouTube initiative if it would go in the direction of educating people. "Post on YouTube your favorite books and your opinion about them!" "Make a video to describe ten classic movies you've seen and CNN will award you 100 classic movie DVD-s!" "Who's your favorite classic music composer?" "What was your favorite history lesson?" After they'd have some pertinent video answers to these questions(and many other) I think they'd be ready to start this CNN/YouTube debate campaign. Maybe I should record this thought on YouTube and ask the future candidates about some of their favourite things...

by Ana Maria Ciobanu for SigEx Telecom (http://sigex.com)

SigEx Telecom is quickly becoming the leading telebroadcasting communications provider allowing people to easily talk, view, upload and share video clips through free online TV broadcasting, free unlimited global calls, websites, blogs, video-mails and SMS. SigEx Telecom captures many add-on services for its clients generating royalties and fees in a broad spectrum of marketing services including public relations and promotions.