Modem Nation: The Handbook of Grassroots American Politics Online

I'll pass on (this book) to political writers and editors here... because I think they'll find it useful and fun probably too. It's also journalistically solid, thanks to the solid reporting of Bowen, a former Associated Press correspondent-turned-computer-writer who hosts the syndicated radio show, "The Internet News." ... This books gives the specifics, right down to dozens and dozens of Web addresses, with the philosophy that, when it comes to politics, you are your own interest group."

The book is a complete field guide to digital tools that can make participation in politics easier, more rewarding, and more effective. It's well worth reading for all who have an interest in politics.

If the Internet and the Web figure in this year's elections as Larry King and MTV did in 1992, Bowen's guide will circulate.... Savvy online journalist Bowen surveys the cyberspace sites of politicians, parties, political tendencies (liberal and conservative) and activists on 21 issues (from abortion and AIDS to peace and race/ethnic relations). He also profiles online government information resources, sites for news, commentary, and consumer information on the Net and cybercitizens' political communication options. A broadly inclusive introduction to wired politics.

Bowen shows the majority how to end its silence, computer- style. If you want to get your information straight from the horses' mouths -- instead of from the filtered perspective of the media -- here's your chance. With a computer and modem and Bowen's book, you can get the voting records of your representatives, track congressional and Supreme Court rulings, join special interest groups, fight for your consumer rights and plug into free government services.

With most Web sites, you have to wade through a minefield of mindless propaganda to get to anything useful. This is where Bowen comes in. He provides a quickest-way-to-get-there route for finding what is truly worthwhile in this maze of text and image. Bowen takes interested readers straight to the heart of the matter.