[Winona Online Democracy] I wonder if Winona Online Democracy (WOD) members will be as angry at Larry Jacobs as they were at me a few months back. I wonder if they'll write the same kind of things about him as they wrote about me. I wonder if they'll urge him to "get a life."
Jacobs is the University of Minnesota political scientist quoted in MPR's recent story about WOD. Here are some excerpts from statements Jacobs made in that story: --Jacobs says there was hope the Internet could help people reengage in the political process. But he says so far that hasn't happened. --"So what it looks like is the Internet is becoming another mechanism where we amplify the voice of one part of the electorate at the expense of another," says Jacobs. --Jacobs says research shows a correlation between education and Internet use. Just as education seems to increase a person's Internet use, it also increases the likelihood of a higher salary, an inclination to vote, and to contact elected officials. --Jacobs says instead of evening things out, the Internet has given a powerful segment of society one more tool for communication. --"The Internet has not proven itself to be this new populist vehicle for bringing in truckloads of alienated, disadvantaged, disenchanted voters who are outside the universe of our politics," he explains. "So these new forms of the Internet are great and they are bringing people out, but I'm afraid for the most part it appears to be the same crowd." All of those remarks sound familiar to me. Why? Because I said and wrote very similar things based on my analysis of the membership and content of WOD. In other words, the findings from my studies of WOD reflect what at least some other researchers have found. Is it a good thing that WOD has been featured in such a prominent news outlet? It's good for WOD, sure. But it would be a better thing if WOD would overcome its acknowledged failure to attract participation from a bigger, more diverse group, such as the "alienated, disadvantaged, disenchanted voters." And it would have been better communication if the WOD notice touting the MPR story had told readers that the story discusses WOD's shortcomings as well as its successes. _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
