MoDOT has taken the leap into online social media. So what’s that mean?

“It means we’ve opened up a dialog with the citizens of Missouri,” said Matt Hiebert, MoDOT Web Manager. “Communication is a two way street. Now that we have a blog and a YouTube presence, people can respond directly to us on the Internet.”

In the past, unless a Missourian called in, sent an e-mail or attended a public meeting, MoDOT  didn’t hear much from them. Now, people can post their comments on the MoDOT blog at www.modotblog.blogspot.com or view a video and comment on it at www.youtube.com/user/modotvideo.

“Today people can discuss transportation issues with us -- and each other -- on these open forums,” Hiebert said. “It’s another way Missourians can get involved in their Department of Transportation.”

These developments are part of a new Internet movement called Web 2.0. An organization’s Web presence is no longer confined to just its immediate Web site. Now, visitors to these interactive sites actually help development content and steer discussion. It is a participatory form of communication.

“We only have a few hard and fast guidelines for posting,” Hiebert said. “No profanity, no politicizing and stay on topic. Otherwise citizens can tell us, and each other, their thoughts on current transportation issues.”

MoDOT is one of the first Missouri state agencies to take these steps.