Internet News Replacing Newspapers

[Michael Hardner]

TechWack Article

Just as Iraq is moving towards the design of a new political system, the pervasive force of technology is redesigning our own systems as we post here.

We are just starting to see the effects of satellite cable news on our political systems (more divergence of views, and the attendant clashes of adjustment that fall out) but the next information revolution may be even more startling. Will political parties fracture into factions ? Will new centrist parties emerge to challenge the status quo or will extremist parties gain power ?

I believe the future in this area is promising. Although the article states that weblogs are still not a significant focus for those seeking information, if the direction of online political enlightenment moves further towards weblogs and forums such as MapleLeafWeb, then our political system will have come full circle to the political topology from which it emerged. That is, issues and ideas will emerge from one-on-one discussion and debate rather than be broadcast from a small number of authorities to the masses.

I would like to see MapleLeafWeb's type of incarnation of the discussion forum (strictly moderated, serious and focussed) eventually move towards an incarnation that includes direction not just moderation. I think a directed group that reflects the political views and ideas of the full spectrum would produce some fascination '3rd way' solutions to problems.

My hope is that eventually the online discussion forum could eventually take its place as an instrument of democracy rather than a curiousity.

What do you think ? If you agree with me, what timeline do you see for online forums to actually have an impact on policy ?

[theloniusfleabag]

Dear Mr. Hardner,

I took part in just such a forum (as did caesar), regarding Foreign Affairs and Canada's future in the world. It was run very well, tightly moderated, and both caesar and I hope to see more of it in the future.

My hope is that eventually the online discussion forum could eventually take its place as an instrument of democracy rather than a curiousity.

What do you think ? If you agree with me, what timeline do you see for online forums to actually have an impact on policy ?

I do not know what impact we participants actually had, if any, but it sure made us feel as though we finally had a say in gov't policy. I suppose it might be tricky to push through, though, because the 'unwashed masses' will be usurping the 'think-tank' crowd, and while I think that it is a great idea, the gov't doesn't like change.

[Guest eureka]

Sounds a little as though you want the MENSA concept. That is to sit around and debate and come up with positions for government to follow.

The very bright (as they thought) providing the poor politicians with the benefit of their wisdom.

[Michael Hardner]

eury:

Sounds a little as though you want the MENSA concept. That is to sit around and debate and come up with positions for government to follow.

The very bright (as they thought) providing the poor politicians with the benefit of their wisdom.

Not so much as what happens right now on editorial pages, and to a lesser degree in bars and coffee shops all over the country. But the feedback loop for government, has too many relays and gatekeepers at present.

One can watch a 'Town Hall' on CBC, where the public is paraded in like war prisoners and allowed to quiz a well-prepared politician in a quavering voice, but it's really just a show trial.

Public policy is being developed according to a marketing model that virtually guarantees the dominance of the mushy middle at the expense of new ideas.

[theloniusfleabag]

Dear eureka,

Sounds a little as though you want the MENSA concept. That is to sit around and debate and come up with positions for government to follow.

The very bright (as they thought) providing the poor politicians with the benefit of their wisdom.

This is what happens now. I would be much happier if the gov't were to monitor this forum, and take your and my views into account, than to have closed-door policy discussions that leave us wondering where their input comes from.