I suppose I do believe its useful to have an idea of ‘how you are going to represent the voice of the disengaged’ , prior to offering the service. Without that then i would perhaps expect some previous experience in delivering this kind of project. Failing that also I would then expect you had expertise and experience in your partners. Perhaps at a more simplistic level you do have immediate and real access to large disengaged groups who you could inspire and mobilise to your website?

Maybe we should agree to disagree on pre-requisites to a credible project. I asked about your understanding of the ‘disenaged’ because it presumably is the basis for what your vision is about (titles and ad slogans aside ) So again i think a viewpoint on why the disengaged are disengaged is both relevant and the foundation for a solution? I’m guessing they are not disengaged because there isn’t a place on the internet to state their opinion. Some people may choose to be disengaged because they know their opinion doesn’t influence those in power.

Did I miss the ITN or Sir Trev report on the rich and powerful, about the networks of secret societies, about media ownership and independence, the impact of advertising, tax spending and priorities, civil rights and defence or even the new leadership offered by Common Purpose? http://www.commonpurpose.org.uk/

Maybe a journalistic piece on how common purpose could influence whether the disengaged get a voice or get lead by self appointed ‘leaders’? is more in your sphere of expertise and exploring where barriers to empowering communities actually lie.

that is my associate director advice

Best
Sue

Thank you for your response. It’s unfortunate that I have given you the impression that I have this massive ego. That was – the ideas came to me at stupid o clock in the morning during September of last year – and since then I have run with it.

I say ‘WE’ because I have since been joined by a volunteer webb designer, a volunteer graphics artist and hopefully shortly others with relevant skills.

It’s funny you mention ITV News and Tonight with Trev – because althought this project is in no way affiliated with them – I have been a staff journo with ITV News for the last 4 years and my previous job was on Tonight with Sir Trev – he is a nice bloke! (were you saying this doesn’t count?)

Although I am studying public opinion / market research – I don’t profess in any way to be an expert. The best thing in these situations is to employ an expert – which I am also in the process of doing. I say ‘I’ quite a lot but that is primarily only because I am inclined to initiate what I hope will be a highly collaborative project. And ‘I’ (again!) in no way restrict support or input.

Engaging the disengaged, all people who have adopted this task will agree – is a challenge yet to to be cracked. But there’s no harm in trying. I haven’t actually decided yet – the Citizen Society approach to this – but when I do, I will make it known.

All of the things you have asked for are not prerequisites to embarking on a project for social good. And public distrust is evident in almost evey medium we engage with on a daily basis. I am in no way interested in digressing from the project at hand – creating an online space for real public opinion in its entirety.

I can’t really glean whether your closing comment is sarcasm or not – but if it’s not, I am currently looking for non-executive directors. Drop me a line if you are interested and you can make sure all your concerns are addressed.

Davina (without all the title crap).