Definition of OSIM

OSIM is an acronym for "online social-interactive media." After the presidential election campaign in 2008 there was some discussion of how the Barack Obama campaign had successfully employed OSIM, and whether it would do so as part of its governing style.

Professor Perlmutter

• The acronym OSIM has been popularized by David D. Perlmutter, a professor of journalism at the University of Kansas. In April 2009, Perlmutter spoke at the Governor's Health Conference in Wichita, Kansas, on "How to Tell the Story of Your Success Via Online Social-Interactive Media."

History

• In July 2007, early in the jockeying for the 2008 primary season, the Democratic candidates held a debate in which they answered questions sent in as videos through YouTube. The Republicans held a similar event in November 2007. This was hailed as an example of the growing significance of OSIM.

Other Uses

• The acronym has other uses. It may stand for example for "Open Source in Mobile," a concept related to but distinct from Perlmutter's concerns.