5 ms·
It actually does less than nothing. Since an e-petition site like the one linked gives people opposed to an issue the impression that they've accomplished some
by tom_rath 17y ago
It actually does less than nothing.
Since an e-petition site like the one linked gives people opposed to an issue the impression that they've accomplished something, those people are that much less likely to do something substantive to resolve the issue they're concerned about [Citation_Needed -- I couldn't be bothered to find it].
So, less is actually done to oppose the issue than if the site never existed in the first place. It actually helps those who are in favour of the issue opposed.
E-petitions aren't useless: They're worse than useless.
- bumblebird 17y agoHow about all the times the e-petitions on number10.gov.org have been reported in the mainstream media? Now each article which reports on the issue will be able to say "An issue which has seen X sign a petition against it". Also it's likely to make the news in more places.
- eswat 17y agoBut how many of those e-petitions with the media traction actually got meaningful results, other than making the news in more places?
- JacobAldridge 17y agoThis might be what you're looking for - http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp Snopes.com on whether Internet Petitions serve any real purpose.