Have you joined an online protest?

[CBC News]

As far as political action goes, there's power in numbers and nowhere is it easier to amass those numbers than online.
Just ask Jim Prentice, who delayed the introduction of the controversial copyright reform legislation, Bill C-61, thanks to an opposing Facebook group boasting 90,000+ members. Or talk to Rogers who know a thing or two about the internet's power of persuasion. Earlier this year, an online petition complaining about high data plans and unwieldy contracts tied to the release of the iPhone, caused the telecommunications company to lower their prices in advance of the product's launch.
University of Ottawa professor Michael Geist, who spearheaded the group against Bill C-61, calls this phenomenon "Facebook activism." Read full story
Have you ever signed an online petition or voiced your frustration on the web? What causes are important enough for you log-on and sign-up?


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[darkbeaver]

I knew you'd sooner or later suggest your own demise. I'm pretty sure an online protest to have the whole lot of you transferred to the middle of the MacKenzie delta to feed the polar bears would work, and fast.

 

[quandary121]

Yep but im not telling you which ones, as its on a need to know basis and YOU don't need to know.

 

[karrie]

Online protests. They may work in terms of influencing a company (if you're on-line, yes, you matter to Apple). They reflect the attitude of a customer base. Kudos to them for affecting 'change'.

But, in terms of trying to affect a government, on-line protesting amounts to sticking your thumb up your butt for all it accomplishes. Governments don't care about faceless people on the internet who may or may not actually be their voter base. These online slacktivist petitions are a waste of time and webspace, as they're virtually impossible to verify. They're just as easily generated with a phonebook randomizer as filled out by actual people. A total waste of time. To affect change in government, you need to be accountable in some real, tangible way, with your name and proof of your vote attached to it somehow. Politicians don't give two hoots otherwise.

 

[Kreskin]

But, in terms of trying to affect a government, on-line protesting amounts to sticking your thumb up your butt for all it accomplishes. Governments don't care about faceless people on the internet who may or may not actually be their voter base. These online slacktivist petitions are a waste of time and webspace, as they're virtually impossible to verify. They're just as easily generated with a phonebook randomizer as filled out by actual people. A total waste of time. To affect change in government, you need to be accountable in some real, tangible way, with your name and proof of your vote attached to it somehow. Politicians don't give two hoots otherwise.

Exactly right Karrie. I was involved with one a few years ago and they just brushed it off for those reasons.

 

[Risus]

On line protests are a waste of time. I don't join them.

 

[Twig]

They are not only a waste of time they give some (read gullible and or lazy ) people the false sense that they are actually making a difference when the only time your voice will really get heard is to send and actual letter either snail mail or email both work.