1.Does participating in Mumsnet make you feel as if you have more influence on political issues?
Yes, in that I know that some political pressure has been brought to bear (David Cameron visiting Riven for example), and that the politicians felt MN was important enough to come on for webchats. Whether that was for testing the waters, gauging opinion or a way to get policy out there, I don't know, but it was telling that they found time to do it.
2.If so, in what ways, and why? If not, why not?
I felt that obviously both Tory and Labour HQs were monitoring MN, and was highly amused by the heavy handedness of the Labour politrolls who came on and tried to influence the debate. They were not at all subtle, and had obviously not bothered to research the MN demographic, as they treated MN members as if we all read the Sun for example, and as if we were stupid children (much as that party tends to treat the electorate). It was evidently important for the politrolls to come on and denigrate a particular Tory policy that would cause problems for the then government.
3.Do you think mumsnet had any influence on the way you participated in election events?
Yes, in that this time I emailed a couple of politicians and got responses.
No, in that I have voted the same way since 1984 and have seen no reason to change that.
Hope that helps - good luck with the dissy.