2005 election online: a summary

Time to take stock from what happened during the election on the Internet, and what needs doing in terms of further analysis.

First we did a tracking study of the candidates websites, looking at who had a site and who hadn't in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We also looked at how many had a blog, it was some 65 candidates at the last count. Results from that are sort of ready.

Then we content analyzed a representative sample of constituencies in England and Wales. The frame included measures for information and engagement alike. That will be ready by mid next week.

In addition, we looked at main parties' websites for a broader range of features. That should be ready shortly as well.

Then we run a public opinion survey, British representative, to see how citizens used the Internet for election purposes. The survey was in the field between 12-17 May; we just finished a first draft report, which will be released, guess when, next week.

In the pipeline: in-depth studies of a number of constituencies; interviews with campaign staff; and a lot of data analysis of the above. Plus reporting of results at conferences, writing up for various papers and chapters, and wine-spilling if someone is so kind to call us out to speak at posh events. But we may be too busy, mind you...

[I will be, but spilling summer ale, a recent, pleasant discovery; spring has come, even to springless Manchester]