Just 1 in 30 spent more than a few seconds looking at Internet-based convention material. 1 in 63 sought out convention information, Only 1 in 500 participated in a convention-dedicated site. The survey found that network coverage of conventions is still key. Leaders of the Shorenstein Center said that despite the emergence of the Internet as an alternative source of political information, the decline in television coverage of, and audience for, the conventions and public affairs overall indicates an increasingly bleak future. There are thousands upon thousands of Internet destinations, and where people go and how long they stay is chiefly a function of their interest.
Internet users begin their search with a particular destination.
Unless they have an interest in politics, they are unlikely to seek out a political site. Other experts see a brighter future for cyber-citizenry. This presidential year is an opportunity for online news and political organizations to help voters find the information they want and compare views and communicate with political leaders and each other. Philanthropist Walter H. Shorenstein funds it. The Vanishing Voter Project has been conducting weekly surveys since November to assess public involvement and interest in the 2000 campaign.