I don’t think blogs and wikis are ideal to create public policy. But they can be used to generate ideas before it gets to the policy creation stage and they can be great sounding boards before making a final decision. But, to Maggie’s point, I agree that it boils down to leadership. And I think there is inherit danger in trying to decide issues by “pile ons” – even if the subject lends itself to it.

– Martin

I suppose the issue boils down to leadership – to create great policy, you have to have a great leader that inspires the policymakers. Leadership provided, ultimately, by one person. I think, as you suggest, blogs break down and devolve the issue into so many little pieces and opinions that it’s improbable that one person (or even a committee) could to put it all back together again. That being said, the feedback provided via blogs can definitely, in broad strokes, provide insight into issues that, as Jonathan says, “resonate with their constituents”.

See you in January!
M

Very interesting discussion on blogs and public policy. I think you’ve largely hit the mark with your thoughts. The one thing I might challenge is the too many chefs notion re generating public policy. Shrewd politicians would use blogs as a way to gather ongoing insight into issues that resonate with their constituents. The inclusive & participatory nature of blogging would be helpful in giving voters a stronger sense of involvement in the process (the new plebiscites).