Directing traffic

Northern BC Dipper has covered the B.C. New Democrats' new website in general. But I'll take a moment to point out one very specific bit of content which deserves some special mention.

It's enough of a plus that Speak Out Online section links to plenty of the province's top blogs, serving as a natural link between interested readers and the places where their opinions can be heard most easily.

But even better, unlike some parties within Canada's political scene, the NDP's vision of making one's voice heard doesn't consist of merely attaching one's name to party-based talking points. Instead, the site couldn't be much more clear that it's looking to encourage authentic and thoughtful participation - seeking to shape discussion directed from the party site with only the following set of positive tips for commenters:

1. Know the context

Spend some time getting familiar with the blog so you lower the risk of blowing an issue out of proportion. You'll also know more about how to address the problem, and what to expect once you've made a comment.

2. Remember, it's a conversation

That means listening as well as speaking. Don't just broadcast your point.

3. Be respectful

Keep it respectful and to the point, even if others are slinging sarcasm and insult.

4. You can't win every argument

Given the heated rhetoric of the blogging world, don't expect to convince everyone. Just getting your point of view on record is the important thing -- it shows there is another side to the story, and that you are taking the time to address the concerns of this audience.

It'll be very interesting to see how many participants do get directed from the NDP site into the B.C. blogosphere (as well as the B.C. Libs' site which points to many of the same destinations without similar recommendations). And if the NDP succeeds in both encouraging participation and setting the kind of tone suggested by the party's site, then both it and the province figure to benefit as a result.