Daily Digest: The Revolution? Televised, At Least a Little

By Nancy Scola, 07/29/2008 - 11:27am

IM IN UR BROWSER, STEALIN UR DOLLERZ: Remember the new RNC browser toolbar we've covered here in the Digest, the one that collects a few pennies for the GOP every time a user does a Yahoo search or buys something online? We linked to sources that tied it to FreeCause, a Boston-based web vendor that has used the tool for advocacy groups like Susan G. Komen for the Cure? Well, that's not quite right. The rights to the technology, it turns out, are actually owned for all political purposes by John Weaver, a former member of McCain's inner circle. Who cares? Great question! We do, because we're noticing a trend on the online right. The GOP isn't content to stick with the same ol' online tools, and has its eyes open to (1) spotting and then (2) co-opting stuff that seems promising in commercial or advocacy spaces. We know, we know -- it's just a browser add-on. But this toolbar is a different way of shaping the party faithful's user experience online. Beyond raising coin for the Grand Old Party, it also includes a tiny message inbox, contribution tracker, drop-down RSS feed reader, issue guide, and action center.