If you want proof of just how badly political parties fare in comparison to blogs, check out this article in the Economist. The only British party that out-guns the bloggers is the BNP. Of the Bloggers, Guido is well out in front; whilst all top three right wing blog sites beat the rest of the mainstream party websites by some considerable distance. Why? Because they are engaging, entertaining, easier to read. And possibly because they have higher levels of trust. Take this throwaway in the comment zone on Balrog the other day: “LOL, since when as a Republican did the Sinn Féin website become your basis of authority.” It is generally true, though that the blogosphere generates high levels of trust that mainstream political sites.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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