# Lynn:  are Web-based petitions the same as email petitions?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lynn-are-web-based-petitions-the-same-as-email-petitions/213733>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [November 17, 2003, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lynn-are-web-based-petitions-the-same-as-email-petitions/213733 "2003-11-17T17:47:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2003, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lynn-are-web-based-petitions-the-same-as-email-petitions/213733/1 "2003-11-17T17:47:55Z")

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[In this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=223834), there was a link to an online petition for an animal welfare clause. **Lynn** closed it with the following comment:

> [@](#):
>
> While I’m sure that this is a worthy cause, email petitions are pretty much worthless. And we don’t allow them, anyway.
> 
> Lynn

I’m not wanting to Pit **Lynn** – after al, she gave me this swanky new username – but I’m thinking that this, as a discussion of moderator action, belongs in the Pit. I have two disagreements/questions about the quote.

First, while email petitions are useless, I don’t think online petitions always are. In our local case, advocates for changes in the local animal control ordinance (changes such as requiring dogs off the owners property be on a leash instead of just under voice command) put a petition up at [petitionsonline.com](http://petitionsonline.com). Singers listed their name and address, and when the commissioners were to vote on the ordinance, all “signatures” were delivered to the commissioners. The ordinance pased 5-0.

Online petitions can have fake signatures added, of course – but when adresses are included, adding fake signatures is not particularly easier or safer than faking signatures on paper petitions. My understanding is that specific online petitions can be useful, even if the bulk of them aren’t.

Secondly, given that difference between website-based petitions and email petitions, I’m wondering if the former really is forbidden?

Daniel

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**Author:** ![Some\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Some\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Some_Guy)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2003, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lynn-are-web-based-petitions-the-same-as-email-petitions/213733/2 "2003-11-17T18:05:17Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Left Hand of Dorkness \*
> 
> First, while email petitions are useless, I don’t think online petitions always are.

It is enough that well over 99% of them are, given that a.) The mods should not have to spend any time deciding and b.) this board generally shouldn’t be used for “recruitment drives” of any sort, even very worthy ones.

> [@](#):
>
> My understanding is that specific online petitions can be useful, even if the bulk of them aren’t.

See above.

> [@](#):
>
> Secondly, given that difference between website-based petitions and email petitions, I’m wondering if the former really is forbidden?

They are if **Lynn Bodoni** says they are.

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**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2003, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lynn-are-web-based-petitions-the-same-as-email-petitions/213733/3 "2003-11-17T18:12:45Z")

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Actually, some guy, while I don’t think most of the points in your post are valid (obviously **Lynn’s** word goes, but she does occasionally change her mind after reflection and discussion; you just pulled the 99% figure out of your butt; and “see above” comment was empty), there is a good point that I’d missed, about recruiting. The board rules do indeed have a relevant stricture:

> [@](#):
>
> This message board is intended as a medium for public discussion. Do not post spam, including but not limited to advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, solicitations, or other messages primarily intended to promote a cause, venture, organization, event (except Straight Dope-related events), website, or other entity or activity, whether or not money is involved. We allow exceptions for worthy causes (in our sole opinion) if you obtain prior permission from a moderator or administrator. Do not post the same or similar messages or threads to multiple forums; multiple threads on the same topic; or an excessive number of threads on any topic within a limited period of time. We will notify the Internet service provider of any party posting objectionable messages.

I’m guessing that maybe online petitions fall under this; is this correct?

Daniel