Rating: ¶¶¶¶¶ [Outstanding]  

Summary: A forum and workshop for independent thought ... that moves beyond the supposed 'left' and 'right' divide over how issues can be viewed and new policy solutions developed. Also an outstanding example of how the new opportunities provided by the Internet can be pursued and brought to life. It becomes instantly clear - just from the careful, inclusive design of the site alone - that a lot of ongoing effort is being made to live up to the democratic principles espoused. The site itself is self supporting and dependent on users like you and me for its continuing success.

Review and description: This website provides an invaluable alternative to simply moaning about the increasingly obvious failings of the mass media, the political system, our politicians and many of their policies and practices. (The way governments are so often pursuing short term agendas based on the interests of the few, while ignoring their elected responsibility to serve their communities at large.) It is essentially a negativity free zone - leaving behind cynicism, sensationalism, spin, manipulation and mindless attack politics. The values are genuinely democratic and caring.