Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup

alexhilton Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:41:20 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Here are the suggestions that came out of the debate on what Labourhome should do in the future. Thanks for all your suggestions. Please indicate your support or opposition to the ideas - and of course add more ideas if you like.

Thanks

Alex Hilton
alexhilton@gmail.com
07985 394 950




  1. Themed months.
    Guest editors to pitch a question to Labourhome, write about it themselves, encourage their contacts to do so and see if the Labourhome community comes up with some valuable thoughts.

  2. Events.
    Labourhome to hold events, typically an afternoon of campaigning followed by a two hour debate on a policy area.

  3. Email newsletter.
    A weekly or monthly email letting you know what are the top items on the site, upcoming events etc.

  4. Polls.
    Tracking the views of Labourhome readers on long-term issues while asking topical questions on current affairs.

  5. Morning roundup of interesting news stories from the press.

  6. Raise funds to run Labourhome

  7. Job section ("Labour" exchange?)

  8. Details of all selected candidates for parliament

  9. More articles critical of the government

  10. Stats bank. Facts and figures that debunk tory attack messages.

  11. Facebook Group

  12. Manifesto wiki where everyone can propose elements, discuss different views and vote on what should be included?

  13. Graphical redesign of the site. New fonts and logos.

  14. Interviews with MPs or other party officials, where readers can propose questions.

  15. Get other Labour bloggers to use this as their primary platform

  16. Should Labourhome define a minimum set of values that would attract endorsement from the site for candidates for internal party offices?

  17. More of an editorial lead driving diametrically opposed viewpoints within the party towards compromise.

  18. A carefully written set of editorial guidelines.

  19. A wiki on "How is the party run", a map of every elected regional or national position and a mapped out structure of the professional party.

  20. Promote more competition for elected positions within the party and put pressure on those who are elected to take their positions seriously.

  21. A weekly "Grand Debate", possibly on a Sunday evening.  A political issue rather than a topical one. The title would be announced the week before so people would have a chance to think about it beforehand.  Then "free for all".  Comments box closed at midnight.  The usual suspects - nuclear weapons, progressive taxation, role of trade unions, equality, what is socialism etc.  Maybe have a competition or vote at end?

  22. A chatroom.

  23. A Bloggers4labour panel that publishes their most recently aggregated posts.

  24. Published stats on traffic and membership.

  25. Private (members only) section of the site.

  26. Discussion forums secure and only visible / accessible to registered users.


tags: (all tags)

Display: Sort:
Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup | 90 comments (90 topical)

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#1)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:43:30 AM GMT

Policy Themed Months


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#44)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:21:16 AM GMT

This is an excellent idea, and actually I think should form the core of the revamped Labourhome site, therefore you rightly put it at the top.

You can either revamp work things in the 'build it and they will come' style, or follow the philosophy 'content is king'... which it is.

If Labourhome can offer excellent lead editorial / commentary as well as news (as suggested in point 5), then I think more than half the battle has been won.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#85)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:53:07 AM GMT

Completely agree with Wilberforce on this one.  I think that having themes (which would presumably compliment the eclectic range of articles which already appear) would be a good incentive to participation.  I think that anything that increases the number of active members (and I am someone who registered ages ago but hasn't got round to being active) can only be a beneficial thing for the site.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#2)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:43:54 AM GMT

Public events


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#10)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:46:34 AM GMT

Can't hurt but, as they're likely to be London-centred (and for good reason, as there is presumably a greater critical mass of people who could attend a Labourhome event in London than elsewhere) some of us are unlikely to be able to get involved very often.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#33)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:57:21 AM GMT

I would organise such events wherever there are active Labourhome users. Organise them together with a clutch of CLPs and hold them as public events.

Effectively they would not be dependent on LH users but would conversely promote the site among people who are not yet aware of it.

It's another set of costs and time though.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#37)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:05:26 AM GMT

Well that sounds good.  You could also have a presence at existing events.  For example, I know our CLP are having some big 'do' next year promoting our candidate, with high profile speakers, etc.  At events like that there could be live blogging, a banner, information, etc.

But I guess a lot of these suggestions do rather depend on the funding issue.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#45)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:22:34 AM GMT

Great idea.
Events followed by drinks and a curry too.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#57)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 07:45:47 PM GMT

Difficult if your outside the home countys...Bummer if your in Cornwall (Very active area) or eney other non-south east base.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#58)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 07:46:16 PM GMT

Difficult if your outside the home countys...Bummer if your in Cornwall (Very active area) or eney other non-south east base.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#62)

by alexhilton on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 03:24:04 AM GMT

What stops us doing events in Cornwall? You have trains don't you?


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#86)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:54:38 AM GMT

We have trains in Scotland too! =)  Would be good to see an opportunity for events to take place wherever there is demand - certainly in Scotland, given the current political climate, I would imagine a lot of interest in events that bring diverse Party members together.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#3)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:44:11 AM GMT

Email Newsletter


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#51)

by grayee on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 01:12:56 PM GMT

Great idea but who will have the time do it?  Activists are usually overstretched. I think this is also the same question for the other “good ideas”.  The “funding issue” is possibly the answer.  Which is I suppose some kind of paid staff resources for Labourhome?


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#4)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:44:28 AM GMT

Opinion Polls


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#80)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 08:27:16 PM GMT

on the Cabinet and PLP. Not sure that they would appreciate it to much though still I think conservativehome do it and it may well be worth ago


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#5)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:44:53 AM GMT

Morning News Roundup


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#14)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:48:19 AM GMT

Is anyone likely to use Labourhome as their first stop for news?  Could it just clutter up the page?  Maybe just have a couple of prominent links to existing news sites (BBC Politics and a couple of others?)


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#31)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:55:00 AM GMT

I can see the benefit of a two or three paragraph roundup tailored to be of interested to our audience


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#6)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:45:15 AM GMT

Seek funding for the site


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#47)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:28:31 AM GMT

Its a good idea... I assume that part of the funding could come from selling ads? And hopefully from companies who are corporately responsible?

If we had events etc that would be another way to raise money, both for the site and perhaps for the party.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#81)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 08:32:13 PM GMT

I think there should be a Labourhome political fund which would gather money from events, online donations and direct debits ect.

Then at the end of the year or whenever. Donors, candidates, CLP's and youth and students could propose ideas / apply for funding and then the contributors would then be able to vote for who they wanted to fund. I think this would be a good way for donors to see where there money is going and encourage them to give more.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#7)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:45:35 AM GMT

Jobs section


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#79)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 08:02:15 PM GMT

Don't see why not. Could also be a source of revenue in future.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#87)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:56:48 AM GMT

I like this idea, would be good to have a location where we could check out jobs of interest to the membership.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#8)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:46:02 AM GMT

Selected candidates list


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#59)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 07:52:35 PM GMT

Agen to London based......More regional input. And lets be honist here, some reaional organiaers are crap, so thay won't send info to L.H. as it's  far to much work for them........


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#63)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:31:51 PM GMT

To be fair regional organisers have got plenty of things to do already. But i'm sure that the candidates would be more than happy to send in their names, after all they are all such shy and retiring creatures


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#11)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:47:08 AM GMT

More articles critical of the government


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#20)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:50:05 AM GMT

Presumably this will just happen or not as people feel, and is hard to engineer as a policy direction.

I'm sure there are a few of us who won't be able to resist our natural impulses, so articles critical of the government are likely to keep popping up, planned or not!


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#46)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:23:45 AM GMT

More articles 'constuctively' critical of the government...
rather than just angry diatribes with no alternatives...


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#50)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:38:31 AM GMT

Again, assuming Labourhome intends to continue to consist of largely user-generated content, the articles will be as critical and constructive as the contributors feel on any given day!  There is a reference further down to clearer guidelines, which is fine, but I think a firm editorial hand is likely to lead to a reduction in activity rather than an increase.  As, I think, is too much in the way of password protected zones, etc. 


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#64)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:34:22 PM GMT

I don't think that Labourhome should develop a line. Though if anything we should be supportive of the government as there already a multitude of websites out there to knock things and generally take the piss.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#88)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:58:48 AM GMT

I agree with a few of the previous of comments - Labourhome should be a place where constructive criticism is welcome and can be developed, but it shouldn't just be a forum for slating the Government for everything.  There are more than enough negative attack sites focussed on bringing the Govt down - we should be suggesting improvements where we think they are needed, and praising the work that is good.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#12)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:47:45 AM GMT

Stats bank. Facts and figures that debunk tory attack messages.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#40)

by RedRooster on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:28:39 AM GMT

Absolutely- though the only way this will work would be through user contributions.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#41)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:32:02 AM GMT

it could also be done as a wiki i think


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#48)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:30:37 AM GMT

I think that this and the wiki are great ideas and essential for the party to evolve, and be effective.

I am just so concerned about misuse here and strategies and ideas being stolen.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#89)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:59:51 AM GMT

Wilberforce identifies some possible challenges, but I think a Labour wiki would be a beneficial tool for members and could be a powerful contribution to ongoing campaigning and development.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#13)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:48:01 AM GMT

Facebook Group


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#34)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:58:52 AM GMT

I think they can be good (for promotion and networking purposes).  Why not?


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#77)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:58:52 PM GMT

everything else under the sun has got one but it would be nice if it had a point


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#90)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:00:23 AM GMT

Why not - I'm always happy to join another Facebook group! =)


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#15)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:48:22 AM GMT

Manifesto wiki


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#91)

by JamieC on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:01:31 AM GMT

As I said above, I think that this could be a very beneficial tool - I blog on the MpURLs and I know that there has been interest in the idea on there.  I see that Alex has started one, I think it is a good start.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#16)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:48:45 AM GMT

Graphical redesign of the site. New fonts and logos.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#76)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:58:02 PM GMT

Yes please


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#17)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:49:14 AM GMT

Interviews with MPs or other party officials, where readers can propose questions.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#65)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:38:03 PM GMT

Excellent. Can we also not have the questions preselected and indeed get interviewees who can answer more challenging questions than their favourite colour


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#18)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:49:33 AM GMT

Get other Labour bloggers to use this as their primary platform


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#66)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:39:20 PM GMT

You would have to make it prettier than it is at the mo. Personally I think people would cross post but nothing wrong with that


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#19)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:49:58 AM GMT

A minimum set of values that would attract endorsement from the site for candidates for internal party offices


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#32)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:57:11 AM GMT

I think this could be a particularly problematic one.

Let's face it, you have regular contributors who will always (or nearly always) follow the Labour First slate (or whatever they call it these days) and I will always (or nearly always) follow the grassroots alliance slate (or whatever we call it these days!) when it comes to many of these elections (NEC, etc.)  Now we could debate the merits or otherwise of slates, but I actually think slates - particularly the GRA ones which are blatant - are quite a good thing because otherwise people are just voting for names of people whom they don't know anything about (other than that they were a branch secretary here or a union rep there, which doesn't really tell you an awful lot).  For all that the old constituency section of the NEC was MP heavy (and MPs are quite powerful enough in the internal party structures as it is!) at least if you chose to vote for Tony Benn and Dennis Skinner or Peter Mandelson you knew what it was all about.  Knowing that you're voting for people who agree on a broadish range of policy ideas is useful.  I can see how Labourhome could play a part in that, but surely there would have to be far too great a degree of breadth to remain useful?


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#36)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:05:14 AM GMT

I tend to vote across the slates and try to pick from the best of them.

To get a labourhome endorsement, candidates could make some pretty minor undertakings. for example;

  1. to publish online or in an email list open to any party member a monthly report of their activities.
  2. to spend at least six days in a year campaigning in a labour marginal or target seat
  3. to respect those with differing viewpoints and not to resort to name calling.
  4. to promote internal party democracy
  5. to attend one Labourhome event in a year  ;)

etc.  If we did have a set of criteria that led to automatic endorsement from the site, what should they be?


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#39)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:10:41 AM GMT

Some of us are in a privelaged or semi-privelaged position insofar as we know who the best of them are.  Most members don't know any of them, and so information you can get from a slate is about all there is.

As such, I've no object to the sorts of suggestions you have above (I think you'll end up with people proposing all sorts of contradictory suggestions though, so I'd keep them brief and general).  I guess it depends what 'endorsement' suggests.  Presumably all the candidates could 'sign up' and therefore be automatically endorsed (thereby endorsing more candidates than there are places).


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#42)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:33:24 AM GMT

if all the candidates were automatically endorsed, that would be either a success or it would mean the criteria for endorsement would need to be tightened up.   :)


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#54)

by Peter Kenyon on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 08:53:27 PM GMT

Dear Alex

You are on. The Centre Left Grassroots Alliance agreed its statement for the 2008 NEC elections yesterday. Save the Labour Party staged a ballot to fill its two places. Ann Black came first and I came second. The whole slate is now being tasked with producing their individual statements and securing CLP nominations.

Please keep me posted about Labourhome events, and debating opportunities.

Many thanks in advance.

http://petergkenyon.typepad.com/peterkenyon/






[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#67)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:42:38 PM GMT

I wouldn't go down that road. Rather I think Labourhome should be used by all candidates to communicate with the wider movement.

Let them set out their stall, hold them up to scrutiny with intereviews and if and when they get elected don't let them disappear down which ever rabbit holes they do, never to be seen again.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#21)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:50:30 AM GMT

Editorial lead driving diametrically opposed viewpoints within the party towards compromise


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#68)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:44:08 PM GMT

Conflict is more interesting and at least with blogging no one dies.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#22)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:50:47 AM GMT

A carefully written set of editorial guidelines.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#75)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:55:37 PM GMT

Don't see the point unless there is a clear need for one


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#23)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:51:07 AM GMT

A wiki on "How is the party run", a map of every elected regional or national position and a mapped out structure of the professional party.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#74)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:54:38 PM GMT

and how positions are elected or appointed


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#78)

by alexhilton on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 08:00:04 PM GMT

Indeed - in fact I have now started this. Please do take a look and start adding information.

http://www.plebisit.com/


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#24)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:51:43 AM GMT

Promote more competition for elected positions within the party and put pressure on those who are elected to take their positions seriously.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#69)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:45:53 PM GMT

Excellent. You would have thought as political hacks the Labour party would have loads of people running in elections but alas it doesn't always work out like that


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#25)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:52:14 AM GMT

Weekly Grand Debate


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#52)

by grayee on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 01:35:26 PM GMT

Go for it – if people have a week to think about it (and even do some research if they want) then we could get some well argued vigorous debates.  Maybe need a “moderator” on-line to calm things down (resource issue).  We could get the same level of activity and passion that you see say on “socialist unity” and “Harry’s Place” from time to time.  However, it would hopefully be more constructive?  The vast overwhelming majority of the people who use this site will not make posts or even place comments.  It’s a shame but we need to give people a reason for having a look at the site.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#26)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:52:33 AM GMT

Chatroom


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#27)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:53:04 AM GMT

Bloggers4labour panel that publishes their most recently aggregated posts


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#56)

by Charlotte Mackenzie on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 10:22:03 AM GMT

This could be a good way to provide a gateway to a wider range of Labour opinion.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#70)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:46:47 PM GMT

I like the idea but I would ask B4L first.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#28)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:53:22 AM GMT

Published stats on traffic and membership


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#71)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:48:33 PM GMT

Great while it's going up, horrible when it's going down. Dont really see the point unless we're miles ahead of conservativehome


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#29)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:53:40 AM GMT

Private (members only) section of the site


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#53)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 02:44:46 PM GMT

Another idea here.

It would be great to have a PM (private message) facility between registered users. We could therefore talk a bit more to people here behind the scenes, particularly those of a similar political persusation. This would increase the sense of community too.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#72)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:50:33 PM GMT

Good idea Wiberforce. I don't like the idea of a "secure" area because frankly the're not. The best way to do that would be with a secret facebook group rather than on Labourhome.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#30)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 09:53:56 AM GMT

Discussion forums secure and only visible / accessible to registered users


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#35)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:01:19 AM GMT

I think open comments is part of the appeal of this sort of site, and closing it up would be a shame. (Can people still post anonymously?  I'd stop that if they can, but otherwise the more open the better).

I realise some people will worry that critical articles (and polls) on here could be damaging to the party (the likes of Guido or whatever can pick them up and turn them against us) - but actually the site has more vitality if it faces outwards as well as inwards.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#38)

by alexhilton on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 10:08:39 AM GMT

people can't comment anonymously as such, they have to be a registered user and logged in - though that can be a pseudonym. Registration requires a valid email address. I just banned a new user with the email address "vote4bnp@"whatever.com. I was also able to check to see if any other users had registered from the same IP address in case the bnp activist had been more subtle on another occasion.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#43)

by Wilberforce on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:09:28 AM GMT

There would be no limit to discussion under what Alex has proposed as I see it, just a requirement to log in to get into some of the areas.  It just makes it a little bit harder for 'trolls' and makes the job of the admin easier too.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#49)

by doctordunc on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 11:34:14 AM GMT

But would you have to log in to read it?

I, for example, link to Labourhome from academic sites, as part of teaching about current debates in the Labour Party.  Which things would you decide to make password protected?  The 'critical articles' referred to above? The polls?  I think openness is a virtue.  Ways to prevent 'trolls' are all to the good (and actually, they do seem to be few and far between on this site compared with a number of other blogs I visit, despite the larger level of participation in this one) but the barrier to trolls shouldn't also keep out the person with a passing interest, or the passive reader.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#55)

by swatantra on Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 09:48:31 AM GMT

No to 'chatrooms'; what a way to waste time chatting about the time of day! Yes to a 'grand debate' every week. 


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#82)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 08:35:30 PM GMT

I don't think it's a good idea as it only gives the impression of being secure rather than actually being so


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#60)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 08:06:52 PM GMT

I enjoyed the live chat on R.M.  but it failed to get goeing thear.  It may have legs here but it needs to be used as a "true" chat room..  A forum may be better "phpBB" is the best provider I have seen, and is open sourse.  Its verey nice looking and works well.. I,ve used it for some years.


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#61)

by bigpapi on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 10:31:04 PM GMT

To save typing-time, I particularly like 3, 4, 8, 11, 14 and 24.


Perhaps on the opinion poll suggestion, it would be possible to follow RealClearPolitics and produce a rolling average of opinion polls, as well as just rehashing the published ones?


I would also like to suggest a place for publishing details of Council by-elections - both upcoming and results (sad to say that a member of the Association of LibDem Councillors already does this).  For example, it would be nice to be able to publicise the fact that we gained a seat from the BNP in Sandwell yesterday!


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#73)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 07:52:19 PM GMT

I would also be good to publicise campaigning opportunities as well.


[ Parent ]

Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#83)

by WillParbury on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 09:48:34 PM GMT

A speakers directory for branches and CLPs


Re: Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup (#84)

by alexhilton on Sat Dec 08, 2007 at 10:38:34 PM GMT

Aha! - now that IS a good idea


[ Parent ]

Next steps for Labourhome: Roundup | 90 comments (90 topical)