Daniel Golliher, who runs Maximum New York, chats about the mechanics of governance. They discuss the unique challenges of interviewing government officials, the decline of local journalism, and how New York City transformed from near-bankruptcy to a vibrant metropolis. Golliher reveals insights into the complexities of statecraft, the significance of transparency, and the vital role of factual integrity in engaging audiences. The conversation also emphasizes the power of narrative in reshaping public understanding of governance.
Statecraft aims to uncover and articulate the implicit knowledge within government, empowering citizens for better political engagement.
The podcast highlights the importance of a thorough interview process to ensure insightful, accurate, and refined content from policymakers.
Future expansions of the Statecraft model could explore local governance, focusing on municipal administrative workings and policy dynamics.
Deep dives
Purpose of Statecraft
Statecraft aims to demystify the inner workings of government by uncovering the tacit knowledge held by policymakers. The project was born out of the recognition that a wealth of practical insights exists within the bureaucratic structures of government, yet much of it remains unspoken and inaccessible. By transforming this implicit knowledge into explicit information, citizens can better understand how various governmental processes operate, which could empower them to engage more effectively with politics. This initiative not only addresses a gap in coverage but also seeks to highlight the real tactics and strategies available to those within bureaucracies to effect change.
Selection of Interviewees
The selection process for interviewees involves leveraging existing networks to identify individuals with relevant experiences who can share their insights on government operations. Initially, a broad outreach strategy was effective, drawing on recommendations from connections within various political and administrative contexts. This approach included asking each interview subject for further referrals, creating a snowball effect to generate a diverse array of potential interviewees. The ultimate goal is to tap into voices that can articulate lesser-known success stories or highlight specific tactics used within the bureaucracy to achieve policy goals.
Interview Process and Editing
The interview process is thorough, often beginning with preparatory research to ensure a strong understanding of the topic at hand before engaging with the interviewee. A significant amount of time is spent discussing potential questions and sifting through background materials to gather insights prior to the actual discussion. Post-interview, transcripts are carefully edited to enhance clarity while maintaining the original message, with interviewees given the opportunity to review their quotes for accuracy. This meticulous editing ensures that readers receive refined content that remains faithful to the voices of those interviewed.
Reader Engagement and Feedback
Reader engagement plays a vital role in shaping the content of Statecraft, with feedback often highlighting areas of interest or dissatisfaction among the audience. Many responses come from individuals within government who are appreciative of how their stories and challenges are presented, recognizing that these insights can influence broader public perception. Additionally, discussions around controversial topics tend to elicit strong reactions, indicating an engaged and invested readership. This dialogue not only supports the newsletter's growth but encourages ongoing exploration of pertinent issues impacting governance.
Future Directions for Statecraft
Looking ahead, there are intriguing possibilities for expanding the Statecraft model to other governmental levels, such as city governance, where similar insights into administrative workings could be valuable. The challenges and dynamics at the local level differ, particularly in identifying interview candidates, but the potential for deep dives into municipal issues exists. Among the topics ripe for exploration are how local policies are crafted, the issues facing public services, and the intricate relationships between various government departments. Overall, the pursuit of uncovering lesser-known governmental success stories continues to provide a wealth of opportunities for future content.
For the anniversary of the newsletter, I talk to Daniel Golliher of maximumnewyork.com about how Statecraft works, what we've learned, and the year ahead.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.statecraft.pub
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