I don’t think activists should wait for a Derek Draper or an Alex Hilton or a Tom Miller to come along and provide such a forum, however. To a greater or lesser extent, the technology and the platforms are there, it is perhaps just that we do not use them as we ought. Unfortunately Labourlist does not have the flexibility to be steered into the directions you suggest without changes from the top, but other forums do have that flexibility. I understand Labourhome is developing a relaunch on a different platform, so now would be the time to recommend the presence of certain items so that the ‘free for all’ forum – which is really its strength and its weakness – could co-exist with more directed, campaigning material.

I think there is certainly room for a whole-Labour or wider labour movement blog that includes opinion and input from across the full spectrum of ideas. Individual and group blogs that are very much geared towards one set of ideas are great – I enjoy coming here, I enjoy reading Tom, I even enjoy reading Luke Akehurst! – but something beyond individuals and reactions to individuals is a desirable thing.

At the same time, I think activists need to do a lot of what you suggest themselves… on top of what you recommend I think there is also a big gap for campaigning sites which are capable of getting people organised.

One thing I pointed out somewhere chimes with your points – one thing missing is a prominent platform for what I call “middle rank” thinkers.

Think thoughtful local councillors and people who can be half way between blog quick-thinking and think tank research (?). When I’ve had time to play with that, it works.