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Speaking out and making a difference

Cynics often tell us that politicians or companies don't listen to the views of the public, and that direct advocacy is subject to the laws of diminishing returns.

Wrong.

Speaking out works when it is driven by the personal, authentic voices of people who care. We're seeing that with the Communication Workers Union in Britain right now. Their campaign against Government plans for the Royal Mail services to be part-privatised is stoking a broad grassroots movement, powered by the Blue State Digital tool suite.

TNT - a mail provider who want to purchase a slice of the British mail system - have been one recipient of the BSD speak out tool, through which thousands of Royal Mail staff and users have emailed the Dutch firm asking them to back off.

Now the BBC's own political editor has revealed the difference public pressure makes. Writing on his blog yesterday, Nick Robinson said TNT are "being put off bidding for a stake in running Royal Mail by the ferocity of the political and trade union opposition to proposals to part-privatise the business."

Lowering the barrier and incentivising people to take part gives campaigns a better way of communicating public support - or in this case - opposition to plans.