MPs websites as campaign tools?
According to research conducted at Salford University [PDF], about 350 MPs seeking re-election had a personal website in their previous incarnation. And according to HoC rules, every mention to 'MP' should be removed from websites and other campaign communications after dissolution, alternatively the website should be frozen, and include a notice to this effect. What has happened to the 350 sites? What was MPs strategy?
In general, one has the impression of remarkable digital continuity. 13 % of MPs adventurously opted for a new campaign URL, generally reachable from the old website. 38 % re-styled the sites, removed reference to 'MP' and included variously sophisticated campaign information. An additional 5 % re-directed the punter to the local party site. A considerable minority (22 %) opted instead for the 'notice' and froze the site at April 11. Or quite, as the websites remains open, including information on the MP's work.
Thus a large number of MPs, about 80 %, used the sites actively as a campaign tool or built on the incumbency of the 'personal' touch. Finally, a small minority of 16 % decided instead to take the site down and relinquished the opportunity to use the blazon for campaigns purposes. Sites went down in a variety of ways: the abrupt cancellation of the address, the inclusion of a single liner stating the obvious, or the removal of everything except a page with contact information.
There remains however a small area of ambiguity, as 22 MPs left the site as it was before the election, including Portcullis, 'MP' and all the trappings. Which, by the book, is electoral malpractice. The impression though is one of forgetfulness rather than cunning calculation.
The transition caused an evident crisis of digital identity for some MPs, both 'have been' and 'wannabee'. Some may refuse to believe they are not MPs anymore, such as Ronnie Campbell. Some, like David Laws, claim that the Parliament is certainly suspended and there are no MPs, but they gingerly retain the title. To some the word 'MP' has become anathema, and removed point blank from the entire site: 'I was an .' What, one may wonder. Finally, others already envisage their new days sitting on the balcony sipping lemonade; this is the case of Dawn Butler, Labour first-time candidate for Brent South. Ahh, the solace of a 50 % majority.
[ update: Dawn Butler has now receded from her claim, and opted for a safer 'work in progress page' ]
In general, one has the impression of remarkable digital continuity. 13 % of MPs adventurously opted for a new campaign URL, generally reachable from the old website. 38 % re-styled the sites, removed reference to 'MP' and included variously sophisticated campaign information. An additional 5 % re-directed the punter to the local party site. A considerable minority (22 %) opted instead for the 'notice' and froze the site at April 11. Or quite, as the websites remains open, including information on the MP's work.
Thus a large number of MPs, about 80 %, used the sites actively as a campaign tool or built on the incumbency of the 'personal' touch. Finally, a small minority of 16 % decided instead to take the site down and relinquished the opportunity to use the blazon for campaigns purposes. Sites went down in a variety of ways: the abrupt cancellation of the address, the inclusion of a single liner stating the obvious, or the removal of everything except a page with contact information.
There remains however a small area of ambiguity, as 22 MPs left the site as it was before the election, including Portcullis, 'MP' and all the trappings. Which, by the book, is electoral malpractice. The impression though is one of forgetfulness rather than cunning calculation.
The transition caused an evident crisis of digital identity for some MPs, both 'have been' and 'wannabee'. Some may refuse to believe they are not MPs anymore, such as Ronnie Campbell. Some, like David Laws, claim that the Parliament is certainly suspended and there are no MPs, but they gingerly retain the title. To some the word 'MP' has become anathema, and removed point blank from the entire site: 'I was an .' What, one may wonder. Finally, others already envisage their new days sitting on the balcony sipping lemonade; this is the case of Dawn Butler, Labour first-time candidate for Brent South. Ahh, the solace of a 50 % majority.
[ update: Dawn Butler has now receded from her claim, and opted for a safer 'work in progress page' ]
posted by wainer at 10:24 am
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