Over the past five months or so I’ve been toying with a web-page idea. I put it to bed back in September but recently it’s been gnawing at me again, so I thought I’d put the idea out there and see if anyone else thinks it’s a good idea.
Basically my idea is working with other bloggers to create a sort of internet-based shadow cabinet, with participants voted on by members of the Canadian blogging community. Once a group is assembled (either by some sort of vote or selection) participants would be assigned to specific portfolios (although not corresponding exactly to the Federal cabinet: e.g. one blogger could cover the issues under Natural Resources, Agriculture and Fisheries). Each participant then would be responsible for watching and commenting on that area specifically. The purpose of this site would be to both generate original content as well as maximizing community discussion and interaction online.
Rather than just a straightforward blog however the group would work (to a certain degree) in concert. For example, if a member felt for instance that a particular statement from a member of the government was unjust, they could propose a resolution to the group for us to vote on, and if carried we would issue it formally.
The page for the group could then serve as a multiple-user blog with individual and group-developed content, as well as an aggregate for participants and as a news portal for Canadian politics. The keys to make this work are first, willing participants from Canadian bloggers, and second support from the Canadian blogging community at large.
Now, I know this all sounds a bit corny, but it’s something that I believe can work. What I don’t know is how the community at large feels, and that’s what I’d like to find out. If you have any thoughts on the subject please comment or leave an email with me.
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I think this idea has lots of potential, as some sort of internet based democracy for Canada. Outcoming results could be seen as serious recommendations for the “real” government.
The tricky part is to make it democratic. And what does that mean?
And are you thinking of only progressive bloggers, or include blogging tories too? Are the votes proportional according to whoever signs up, or is it going to represent the current balance of the government?
Just some questions….
Comment by Erik Abbink — December 19, 2006 @ 7:01 pm
The question of how voting is done is something I’ve gone back and forth on. Unless I get an overwhelming early show of support, I see the first group being selected from a list and only sitting for 3-6 months, then having a proper election of some sort once the word is out.
As for incorporating conservative bloggers; I would love too. The purpose of the site is shadow the government, whomever sits in it.
Comment by Joseph — December 19, 2006 @ 7:26 pm
OK I see, I’m going to get back to you on this later. Just one thing I’ll drop right away for you to think about: proportional representation (not first past the post numbers but votes per party) of each current party, according to the last national elections is probably the most democratic and workable since it has similarities (parties and their platforms etc.)
This way you can even out irregularities with whoever joins.
I’ll talk to you later; I’ve got some carpet cleaning to do….
Comment by Erik Abbink — December 19, 2006 @ 7:35 pm
Actually I want to make a conscious effort to stay away from official parties. I want this group to reflect the makeup of both the blogging community itself and Canada at large, and parties do tend to pidgeonhole bloggers. Rather, the ideal setup (to me) would be a set number of positions from each region or province.
Comment by Joseph — December 26, 2006 @ 10:54 pm
[…] Fortunately, the holidays days are gone, and not scheduled to return for another 345 days or so. I am actually able to focus now, and once again my focus returns to my “Blog” idea, which was expanded upon in my last announcement. It’s an idea that is constantly under refinement. It has been suggested to me that I do a mock-up of the site or perhaps a full version in order to draw interest, and as much as I would like to, the labour commitment would be prohibitive just to serve as a demonstration if I was the only person working on it. So, for now the project remains in the land of myths and fairies. Please, if you have any interest or feedback, let me know. I will continue to tinker and refine, and hopefully I can get a couple of people on board and start working with a timetable for an actual implementation. Until then, I look forward to hearing from you all. Recommend this Post | […]
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