Realising Democracy Online: A Civic Commons in Cyberspace

Abstract

From Foreword:

"In an age when every conceivable activity is prefixed with an E or suffixed Online, what is the role for the new technologies in promoting democracy?

"This publication, co-authored by Jay Blumler and Stephen Coleman, and published jointly by IPPR and Citizens Online, examines the potential of the Internet to encourage and foster new forms of public involvement in civic and political affairs.

"To many people the mention of e-Democracy conjures up visions of electronic polling stations and on-line referendums, but whilst these may have a part to play in the future, a more pressing objective is to maximise the opportunities for public participation in governance."