[View the story "How much are Facebook 'likes' worth?" on Storify ]How much are Facebook 'likes' worth? State Department budgets $630,000 for Facebook likes. Storified by AJAMStream · Fri, Aug 09 2013 14:49:00
The following is an
excerpt from the report supporting the claims of the employees:
Engagement on each posting varied, and most of that interaction was in the form of “likes.” Many postings had fewer than 100 comments or shares; the most popular ones had several hundred.diplopundit.net
Some sympathized with the Department's efforts, citing the importance of social media in diplomacy.
levantine18 writes:
I doubt it was just about the number of "likes" for a particular page. Digital diplomacy outreach represents an important part of public diplomacy, and if you want more people to see what kind of cultural diplomacy program you are doing in country, you need to bring people into the community that is your Embassy Facebook page.thecable.foreignpolicy.com
Matthewhancock writes:
I think many organizations would love to get 1.9 million Facebook followers for $630,000.thecable.foreignpolicy.com
soft power RT @MEPFuller: Also, the State Dept. spent $630,000 on facebook likes. And I thought I was shallow. http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/07/02/omg_state_department_dropped_630000_on_facebook_likesAlex Bruns
"Digital Diplomacy" at work RT @jaketapper OMG! State Dept. Dropped $630,000 on Facebook “Likes" from @John_Hudson http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/07/02/omg_state_department_dropped_630000_on_facebook_likes …Patrick Radden Keefe
Online, however, many disapproved of the strategy as contrary to the
sequester , a government initiative to decrease spending.
Hmm. State Dept. bureau spent $630K on Facebook likes. Not sure of the value to "digital diplomacy." http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/2532629Andrew Zaleski
Savage sequester budget cuts update: State Dept spent $630,000 buying Facebook 'likes' http://washingtonexaminer.com/state-department-bureau-spent-630000-on-facebook-likes/article/2532629David Burge
While White Hours tours remain cancelled the Obama State Dept spent over $630,000 in taxpayer money on social media. http://washingtonexaminer.com/state-department-bureau-spent-630000-on-facebook-likes/article/2532629Brian Walsh
This is why we can't have nice things. Literally -- State dept spent over $600K on Facebook Likes http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/state-department-bureau-spent-630000-on-facebook-likes/article/2532629 via @mikehalvorsenKristy Bolsinger
Others thought the government didn't adequately understand social media:
When govts jump on social media wagon w/o really understandg it "STATE DEPT SPENT $630K ON FACEBOOK 'LIKES'... http://drudge.tw/1aA08No"Arielet
Steve Ardire writes:
Not only does the bureau lack its own social media strategy, but various State Department bureaus have more than 150 social media accounts that are uncoordinated and often overlap.washingtonexaminer.com
Politicians also weighed in, criticizing the department for its actions.
State Dept should not be spending a dime on Facebook likes. One of the most outrageous government boondoggles ever http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/state-department-bureau-spent-630000-on-facebook-likes/article/2532629Jason Chaffetz
Non-core function of govt not bridled by a budget RT “@DRUDGE_REPORT: STATE DEPT SPENT $630K ON FACEBOOK 'LIKES'... http://drudge.tw/1aA08No”Rep. Bryan Cutler
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