Benjamin Franklin – (btw, my personal fave founding father) – was the poster child for “good citizenship”. His commitment to civic duty and community was clear. He helped establish or improve institutions such as public libraries, public hospitals, mutual insurance companies, volunteer fire departments, agricultural colleges and intellectual societies … when he wasn’t busy flying kites, inventing bi-focals or the smokeless fireplace (would he have time for a Twitter account? … @bfranklin something in this lightning thing …)

He remains one of the most prolific inventors of all time. Imagine what he could achieve with the Internet today … especially, given his deep media expertise and sense of community. More importantly, I wonder what his views of Social Media would be? I assume he would have to relocate to the Bay Area … ☺

Benjamin also drew a little heat - and continues to do so even today – over his use of pseudonyms (noms de plume) in the press … pseudonyms such as Silence Dogood, Alice Addertongue and Richard Saunders (Poor Richard of Poor Richard's Almanack fame).

“During the eighteenth century, it was common for writers and journalists to use pseudonyms, or false names, when they created newspaper articles and letters to the editor. Franklin used this convention extensively throughout his life, sometimes to express an idea that might have been considered slanderous or even illegal by the authorities; other times to present two sides of an issue, much like the point-counterpoint style of journalism used today.” … refer PBS article which also outlines the pseudonyms used and purpose.

One view is that he was ‘jump-starting’ the conversation. Another view is that he was shielding himself from retribution while surfacing ‘unspoken’ issues. Regardless, each persona had a point of view.

Would Benjamin continue his use of pseudonyms if he was 'digitally active' in 2008? To jump-start conversations? Build and extend communities of interest? Encourage participation? Shield himself from retribution? Surely not to astroturf ...

Let me know your point of view – anonymous, pseudonymous or your name. Your choice.

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