Web 2.0 and Government Initiatives

I found this article very interesting and thought-provoking. As a consumer it is easy to demand that agencies offer Web 2.0 based services and collaborative options, as many non-government agencies currently do. However, the implications associated with this for both the public and the government are extensive and varied, and it appears to be something not to be rushed into, that needs to be carefully considered and piloted before full commitment is given.
The issue of transparency and trust was one that stood out for me from this article. I can see the concerns over use of Web 2.0 tools meaning that the government's involvement in a particular site may not be apparent, and feel that this could have negative effects on public trust and opinion. It is something that needs to be carefully considered.
I am impressed with the number of government agencies who appear to be implementing Web 2.0 tools. I especially liked the idea of the Poilce Act Wiki, and can see the potential for these type of tools to be used across a wide range of agencies to allow public opinion and needs to be considered in future policy and decision making.
I was also really interested in the Sort Me blog, and although I have only had time to flick through it, I plan to go back and read the past posts. I think the concept is fantastic, and will be recommending it to friends. The ability to post comments to the blog entries meant this blog became a collaborative experience, and allowed readers to tap into the knowledge and experience of the general population, and learn some helpful hints and habits. I did find it interesting that, at least at first glance, it is nto evident where the blog originated/who is running it - although I do like that it is made clear that this is a fictious scenario, and what a great way to present information that people may otherwise find dull and hard to engage with.