Debate2010 is the name of the newest website hoping to make a difference in the upcoming election. In this case, Debate2010 hopes to attract people "to help map what matters to UK voters in 2010".

I was initially wary when reading that Debate2010 is launched in partnership between the Telegraph Media Group and Salesforce.com — who also played a role in then presidential candidate Obama’s change.gov website. A rule of thumb in these matters is that if Obama is mentioned in relation to a UK campaign initiative, then it will in most instances (stressing, MOST, not all) be a case of hype and hot air. However it seems that Debate2010 might have caught on to something which sets it apart from others promising similar revolutions.

Debate2010 operates by allowing users to post statements on election issues, which others vote and comment upon. However, Debate2010's most interesting feature is its intention to produce a brief of the votes and debates deemed most important by its users, to be presented to a future government shortly after the election. This is where Debate2010 stands apart from other online initiatives. Contrary to Winkball.com or general-election-2010.co.uk, Debate2010 has a purpose after the election.

Debate2010 will not replace pollsters, or become central in policy-making. But rather than being a website with random commentary with no purpose, a collection of trending opinions could become helpful for politicians who are eagerly trying to convince voters that they are listening and are clued up on what matters to regular Joe.