Airmen share information via new blog Published Sept. 12, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- In an effort to open up online conversations with Airmen, families and the public, officials in the Secretary of the Air Force's Office of Public Affairs are launching a new blog called Air Force Live Sept. 14. "Air Force Live allows us to reach a vast online community who may not necessarily know where to find Air Force information," said Capt. David Faggard, chief of Air Force new and emerging media. "Although in its infancy, we're building up to provide more information faster." Air Force Live is an official presence in the blogosphere which will offer perspectives and news products different that those currently offered on the Air Force's public Web site. However, due to local firewall restrictions, some Airmen may not be able to access the blog from on base. "We intend to empower every Airman to share his or her stories and experiences, while remaining smart and not endangering the mission or fellow warfighters," Capt. Faggard said. "Education is critical." Additional phases include educating Airmen worldwide on the capabilities of Web 2.0 applications, empowering them to share their experiences online, while also providing support to warfighters. Maintaining vigilance, while adhering to rigorous operational and communication security online, is critical to communicating online, according to Capt. Faggard. Other new and emerging media programs include an Air Force blog contest planned for Spring 2009 called, "For Airmen, by Airmen," where Air Force officials will solicit Airmen from different career fields and ranks to blog about their experiences in the Air Force, Capt. Faggard said. Other ventures include a re-design of the public Web presence that incorporates new and evolving technologies, blogger engagement, an Air Force presence on YouTube which will allow Airmen to submit videos online at www.youtube.com/afbluetube. Airmen have the ability to "share" information on Air Force Link, allowing worldwide users to share Air Force content with hundreds of social networking Web sites via a few simple clicks. "New communication techniques are geared to communicating in the 21st century and beyond," said Capt. Faggard. "We're only scratching the surface, but Airmen should expect much, much more in the future." The blog is located at www.airforcelive.blogspot.com. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page