Dear all - Just a short intro to a new research project we're running at ESRI, Salford, UK: Parliamentary representation in the Internet age. The research looks into parliamentarians' use of internet based technologies in the UK and Australia. In particular, we are examining the role of new technologies in shaping the work of MPs and the nature of parliamentary representation. The project is wide ranging, as we are looking at a number of complementary issues, and does involve a range of research activities and methodologies: . Regular analyses of parliamentary/MPs websites to assess the function of such sites (over the next two years); . Postal surveys of parliamentarians to gauge the attitude toward, and importance of, Internet communication and online participation; . Interviews with MPs to understand Internet communication strategies, and their associated benefits and problems; . Public opinion survey to evaluate citizen awareness, usage and problems of Internet communication with representatives; . Focus group assessment of the design and content of parliamentary websites. And much, much more... ;) We are right now doing MPs interviews, and the first responses are encouraging. You can find more info at http://www.ipop.org.uk If you have an interest in the topic, or are doing similar research, please do get in touch, we'd be happy to hear from you. Best regards, Wainer (on behalf of the team) PS Also take a look at the updated links section, quite a few new things included. -------------------------- Wainer Lusoli Researcher @ ESRI University of Salford http://www.ipop.org.uk w.lusoli@salford.ac.uk +44 (0)161 2955654 --------------------------