Internet Based Conventions.

[Old and In the Way]

I responded to another post with the following. Thought it would make an interestring topic on its own merits...


Given how the Internet is about the only media platform where we approach parity with the Republicans, I think we should be leveraging the power of the 'net to connect rank-and-file Democrats directly into the process. Live blog-forums, instant polling, Q&A, media content, speeches, e-Voting education,just plain networking/connecting to State Party forums.....would be a positive step. Run it over a 2 week period. Seems Dean ought to be understanding that value in light of his sucess with organizing on the internet in his bid.

We don't need a big social booze and schmooz fest for the well-to-do, we do need a national conversation amongst Democrats. A relatively lowcost production, but capable of providing meaningful exchange and dialog between our elected politicians and their constituents. I think the Republican-biased corporate broadcast media distorts our message (in both directions) and certainly won't frame the issues to support our agenda. So why not create the largest online political convention and by-pass the co-conspirators....we don't need TV to cover our convention as entertainment....besides, the audience would also be participants in the process. Not one-way consumers of non-news.

Bet we have DUers here that could build the software to accommodate 1MM online Democrats participating....heck, maybe Skinner and Crew would want to take on the challenge, develop and run it for the DNC.

To be meaningful and relatively unfreepable, we should tie it into a valid voter registration confirmation, as of 11/2/04.

[Gman]

1. How do you have virtual parties and hospitality rooms??

which are just as important to conventions as the convention itself??

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. I don't like it.

There really isn't such a thing as totally secure software, no matter what some will say. Moreover, there is also the visibility issue: A real flesh & bone convention would have to be covered by corporate media. An internet convention, while considered "quaint" would garner nowhere near the interest and coverage.

Some things are important enough to gather many people together. It would be especially effective if this were held in one of the most economically hard-hit areas of the country.

The economy is starting to play out in the manner predicted, as regards workers. It is no longer supposition or academic. There will be no denying it, going into 2006. We need to be rock-ribbed and ready to communicate the problems and solutions in the clearest terms possible, not to mention the simplest terms possible. A real convention would solidify that process.

[Old and In the Way]

3. kick for the night crew...

[iconoclastNYC]

4. YES.

Honestly, 100 million needs to go to create a thinktank to explore this idea here and spit out projects.