Richard Poole's email, which was distributed to thousands of Kiwis and ex-pats around the globe is perhaps the most visible example of this increased use of the Net to voice an opinion and gather feedback.

Discussion in the nz.politics newsgroup has also increased significantly as opinions and arguments flow freely.

Of course the web itself has not been left out and a growing number of new sites have popped up to act as a virtual soapbox.

Column.co.nz offers commentary and opinion from a growing range of contributors but the site designer needs a good kick up the pants for his mis-use of Java. Those who are using a non-Java capable browser (like Opera) or are behind a firewall that automatically blocks applets will find this site completely lacking any navigation facilities. It's a nice idea but poorly implemented.

Another small site, boldly titled "Freedom!" also offers a sounding board for opinion of what appear to be largely political issues.

I expect these sites are just the tip of the iceberg and we will see a growing number of similar opinion-based online publications appear over coming months.

NZCS Blows Its Own Credibility
When I highlighted the fact that a certain limelighter with decidedly tarnished connections to ISOCNZ had been nominated by the New Zealand Computer Society for an award I was inundated with emails expressing disbelief and shock.

Well I'm sure those people will not be surprised to see that the "old-boys club" is alive and well and that the individual concerned, despite the fact that he was effectively driven out of ISOCNZ by a lynch mob, has indeed won the award for which he was nominated.

Check out the story in the news links section below for details.

Readers Say Mein Gott!!!!!!!!! - Rob Great paper - Russell Earlier Comments Leaving NZ - Richard Future for young NZers - Alan Permanent OE Kiwis - Stan The Brain-Drain... - Craig Piss off then! - Edwin "Real Kiwis" - Paul Have Your Say

A Draft Paper On The New Economy
I have knocked up a quick first-draft of a paper that deals with the issues facing NZ's introduction of a "new economy" and which I'd like to present to government later this month.

Please bear in mind that this isn't the result of an expensive and protracted government-funded inquiry -- it's a set of definitions and proposed solutions which I have cobbled together from my own thoughts and those of the many people who regularly communicate their opinions to me.

I would appreciate it if readers could review the document (sorry it's so big) and send me their comments so as to improve it.

In order for my representation to government to have maximum effect, I'd also like to establish my credentials. I like to think that I've freely assisted quite a few people and businesses in getting their careers and ventures off the ground or solving some of their problems. If you're one of these people or businesses I'd appreciate it if you could drop me a brief email today acknowledging any assistance I might have provided. This isn't an ego-trip -- my goal is to establish that I'm not a politically motivated stirrer -- but someone who has consistently attempted to do what I can to foster and help fledgling new economy activities here in New Zealand.

As always, your feedback is welcomed.