are:
1. Sharing tips/methods/stories. A lot of time when we try to do anything here, it's like we're reinventing the wheel. A lot of the time it would be helpful to talk to people who've done the thing we're trying to do (pass a ballot initiative, retake the local party, etc.).
2. Encouraging others to get involved. This is one of the things that frustrates me the most about the Left blogs - it seems like they don't really care about using their giant soapbox for good. There are a ton of people disengaged, and it would be great if some of the people considered intellectual leaders would tell them to find local groups and start knocking on doors - but instead are more interested in pontificate about the latest media circus.
3. Networking. There are a number of people out there who are interested in getting involved, but they don't know where to start. There should be a much better progressive information network. It's always a bit annoying on week 11 of a 14 week project to run into active progressives who had just heard about what was happening.
4. Getting the word out. There are a lot of people who don't have time to knock on doors but would appreciate an informed discussion from people they trust. There are a lot of people out there who don't know that, say, there's a good progressive running in the primary, but who would appreciate the information and make an effort to turn out and vote if they're given the information.
You're right, most of the time "politics" on the internet (often gossip rag stuff about politicians) replaces activism. I suppose we can only try to get the word out and push people to try to spend at least a bit of time thinking about what they can do.
(and thanks to both you and captfoster5 for the single-payer groups; I signed up for both)
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