voxpolitics, Internet and the election

It is not very often that I disagree with the Voxpolitics pool of experts (you try to define what they are doing!). I though I'd take on Bill Thompson's 'optimism' about the role of the internet in the forthcoming election.

Nothing wrong with optimism, please note. However.

Let's agree - the Net really counts this time

Put aside your cynicism and lack of faith in the Internet - this time it's really going to make a difference. John Naughton talks about the importance of the local, thanks to the Net, and I've used my BBC column this week (also on the BillBlog) to point out just how important online activity is in the campaign - and to namecheck some Vox friends.

Of course, I could be rather embarrassed on May 6 if it all fizzles out, and as one correspondent pointed out to me, only the LibDems have thought to buy 'General Election' as a Google Adword - but I'm optimistic.

Both articles are quite interesting. However neither explain exactly how the Internet is (supposed) to make a change. Net camapigns getting more aggressive? More persuasive? Citizen-journalists reaching out to the disengaged multitudes? The Electoral Commission site converting young infidels who would have not voted otherwise?

Or more important:

Where is the good old media in the equation?

And how does the transition from analogue to digital (traditional) media matter for the voting choice (and the decision to vote in the first place?