I think the key to developing IMCs is a conscious effort to raise the level of political discussion, comment, dialogue etc., to as high a level as possible. I don't think anyone would disagree with this.

I don't think "quick comments" in Newswire columns is the best place, or way, of promoting this. I think Newswire items should have links to a separate page of forums which ought to cater for all levels and tastes of discussion. We very much need to encourage and attract people to contribute long, deeply thought out, articles by especially knowledgeable people on special subjects that raise everyone's awareness of the context of a given discussion. A sort of IMC "think tank" forum perhaps?.

At the opposite end of the scale, there should be a "rants" and "get it off your chest" forum for those who appreciate that kind of uninhibited "speak your mind" discussion--not everyone does, but I think there is need for this.

And, perhaps most importantly, we also need a satire/humour forum because this is one of the most effective forms of political comment. Mockery/mimicry/ridicule/cartoons/taking the piss out of our political opponents are all political weapons. We need to encourage this--it can be very potent in its effect.