This book is a great resource. It is one of the few books in the library about the emergence of discussion boards on the internet. Davis breaks down both the emergence and the influence of these types of forums upon American democracy and the way these new ways of mass communication influence politics. It's in depth analysis of the way in which blogs played an integral role in disseminating information during the 2004 Presidental election gives deep insight to the ways this medium can help shape a public's political consciousness.