Direct democracy 2.0 - candidate bound by blog?

[JCSkinner]

One of the Dublin South by-election candidates has vowed to vote and act strictly in accordance with the majority views expressed on his blog forum if he is elected.
Ross O'Mullane is running as an Independent on a 'United Minds' platform, whereby he will put issues to the people via his website - United Minds - An approach to direct democracy where people manage their lives online - and respond as he is directed by the people.
Is this a genuine template for direct democracy in the internet age? Or is it crazed anarchistic delusion?
O'Mullane hasn't a chance of being elected, but neither does Alex White, so let's not bother debating his chances. I want to know what people think about his concept. Is it workable? Would you want it to work? Would you like your current TD and MEP to be likewise bound?

[Christine Murray]

can't see that working cynic that l am ..,

[JCSkinner]

I wonder if it is a possible template for the future, though. Or at least the basis of how direct democracy could function.
People don't want to go out to vote in Swiss style referenda every month, plus they cost a lot of money to hold.
This format offers a cost-effective alternative. But in its current format it seems open to hijacking by single issue groups, and I wonder what the candidate might do if he was ordered to do something completely against his own desires or interests, such as resign.

[Christine Murray]

if he wants play with tech theres plenty online virtual democracies ,he could start with ' Titulia'.

[Seos]

The internet is very unrepresentative of the general population especially forums. They can also be dominated by vocal minorities. Some people post over 100 posts a day on some forums, never checked if anyone does that on P.ie, think of the disproportional influence that single person would have. So I think it's unlikely that an entire platform created on forums would be accepted by the electorate.

[Barry]

At present, I couldnt see, say, the country being run directly by the people. The economy is complex, too complex for a mass of people to operate. (which would essentially be what it would be, except through a mediary).

For this particular candidates idea I see alot of problems that would need to be teased out. The same person could set up multiple accounts, either by using different computers or by proxy, to influence Ross's decison.

For the future, and being a communist, I would look upon such a direct democratic system as promising and an interesting idea to consider for the goal of creating a highly organised social system.

[Barry]

And what seos said too

[Supermanpolitician]

I spend time on the net and live in the constituency but only found out about him yestersday.

[lostexpectation]

he needs tech/coding knowledge to back up his enthusiasm, he doesn't seem to have it.

im afraid i think this more an marketing exercise then anything else
kinda like the micandidate guys,
hasn't been open enough about his own politics

[lostexpectation]

I spend time on the net and live in the constituency but only found out about him yestersday.

i think he finally forced rte to mention him when mentioning all the other candidates