Macleans.ca has an interesting new feature. They have a panel called the Macleans 50.

From the blurb:

A diverse field of Canada’s most well known and respected personalities from journalists to politicians offering their comments on the issues of the day, everyday.

Essentially, the M-50, which includes Macleans journalists, can post comments on the stories Macleans.ca is covering that day.

See this one on Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach arguing for federal climate change money, as an example.

Now, how about the hoi polloi -- you know, you and I? Can we chip in to the conversation? Well, er, no. At least, not that I can see.

This feature is strictly for those with something to actually say. But the lessers are welcome to press their nose to the glass.

While I'm not really down with that principle (I don't think journalists should be above talking with their readers), it is potentially an interesting and useful way to broaden out a story.

For one thing, now reporters won't have to call sources for reaction! They just post now! Woo-hoo!! :)

However, I wonder what obligation has been imposed on the M-50 to post comments, or how they find out about new posts.

For example, there's a story up on Parliament passing the Kyoto bill. I wouldn't mind seeing what John Duffy, Mr. Climate Liberal himself, has to say about it. As I write this, however, no comment from Mr. Duffy.

Am I expected to click on the story several more times over the course of the day to see what his reaction might be? How long does Macleans think visitors will put up with that? I don't want to repeatedly revisit the same story just to see if an M-50 has deigned to comment.*

* In fairness, the Macleans.ca home page as a column in the centre that can accommodate the latest five M-50 comments. But you still have to check. A quick-and-dirty check shows RSS feeds for news categories, but not comments.

However, I suppose we shall see how it all unfolds over time. In any event, giving more voice to those with a voice can't be seen as a bad thing. :)

Afterword

Duffy never did comment on that story, although Tory blogger Stephen Taylor did.

Allan Rock, a one-time Liberal justice minister, is one of the M-50. There was a story posted on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's desire to appoint law-and-order-friendly judges. You'd think he'd be a natural.

It might have been interesting to see him mix it up over the issue with Guy Giorno, former chief of staff to Mike Harris, or John Reynolds, a former Conservative MP turned backroom player.

Alas, it didn't happen. 

I clicked on the bio of Adam Radwanski, managing editor of Macleans.ca, and he hasn't issued a comment for a week. A couple Macleans staffers haven't commented at all, which drops it to the M-48 at the very least. :)