http://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/ Switched Comments for iPhone Apps: The Next Frontier for Political Campaigns http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/Jun 22nd 2010 4:09PMhttp://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/
Having worked with Apple to deploy several high profile political apps (iAdvocate, NRSC, etc..), and one of the first apps ever approved (SamForGov), the story is not always as one-sided as it may seam. First, we would be the first to express frustration with Apple's political app approval process, as we have continuously been shocked by the invisible fence (undocumented restrictions). However, if your app is rejected, Apple does provide direct communication to app store representatives, and adequate explanation for any rejections. This is not saying you agree with the restrictions!

Our Campaign 2.0 platform has had evolve significantly over the past 8 months, as Apple has learned more about what campaigns are asking to do with mobile technology. After understanding Apple's basic restrictions - we have had great success and a very high first-submission approval rating. In the end, Apple is no more controlling then your local home owners organization, as it tries to protect the integrity and market value of the entire iPhone ecosystem (i.e your neighborhood). Without some type of regulation, the app store will become so cluttered with 'unacceptable' apps that the overall value is diminished and insignificant to all. ]]>Jun 22nd 2010 9:25PMhttp://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/22/iphone-apps-the-next-frontier-for-political-campaigns/
The problem we've seen from a user perspective though was that the apps were very little use after the election, at the end of the campaign. At the agency I work for, Public Zone, we've been looking at how we can use mobile to help our Members of Parliament connect more regularly and effectively with the people they represent, and we released an app called MyMP with funding from an organisation called NESTA.

I'd really like to hear what everyone thinks about it - we have a website at http://www.my-mp.org.uk and a little blog at http://mympapp.wordpress.com

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