For 1996 and 2000, data were obtained for almost all presidential web sites. A four-point scale differentiated among degrees of resource availability for candidates. A point was added to all major party candidates who, theoretically at least, had access to well-defined and financed party structures. Another point was given to candidates that raised substantial amounts of money regardless of party affiliation. For purposes of analysis, the lowest two categories will constitute candidates with fewer resources, and the remainder serving to represent candidates with greater resources.
Sites asking for donations and volunteers signify efforts to raise resources.
Opportunity to post comments, surveying of viewers, and chat facilities measure interactivity and user interface. The presence of special sections for various demographic groups, foreign language translation and ability to request newsletters and updates shows commitment to acquiring and disseminating information to serve the narrowcast model. Press releases and speech libraries demonstrate desire to organize and provide information efficiently. For H1 not to be disconfirmed, sites of candidates without resources must be as likely as sites of candidates with resources to ask for volunteers and donations. Table 1 Comparison of means for resource raising between candidate resource levels Variables t-test for Equality of Means df Sig.