A first step to open government with Change.gov

Throughout the lengthy presidential campaign, it's been incredible to watch the candidates and their supporters embrace the rapidly evolving tools of social media.

But I have to be honest. I expected the social engagement would end the day a victor was announced.

I was wrong.

In an impressive show of foresight and outreach, President-elect Obama's transition team has launched Change.gov, a site that offers information about the new administration while also encouraging Americans to share their thoughts.

There's a blog, which kicked off with a YouTube clip of Obama's victory speech. There's a page to "share your hopes for an Obama Administration and a government for the people." There are bios and lengthy details of executive priorities.

There are gaps where information might be added later, such as a secion aimed at helping Americans find volunteering opportunities. But all in all, it's an impressive and rapid start for an administration committed to open government.

Of course, when you ask questions, you better be prepared to do something with the answers. There are no spaces for public comment yet on Change.gov, and it'll be interesting to see how the site balances openness with moderation.

UPDATE: A group of Republicans has launched RebuildTheParty.com to encourage a party-wide commitment to social media and other emerging tools: "Winning the technology war with the Democrats must be the RNC's number one priority in the next four years." Thanks to Jeremiah Owyang for the tip.