I’ve argued – in the past – that usability is a big investment, and when you do it properly, you end up competing with your rivals very effectively. Central government can make services very usable and this – in turn – leads to political centralisation (central gov is more easy to deal with and efficient than local gov when it uses the web – this is a BAD thing).

This also seems to chime in very well with the ‘Nudge’ theme that everyone was talking about before wonkiness was eclipsed by the economic crisis a few months ago. If activists can make the people they like easier to deal with – more interactive – then it can make the world a better place. Your ‘taxpayers alliance’ site makes it easier for all of us who hate these tossers to organise against them more effectively.

Anyway – sorry for the long incoherent comment, and welcome to the blogosphere!