IDEALS

Loyalist College
Feb 9, 2006
Dear Participant:
This notice is to inform you that this web site is part of a e-journalism study being conducting as part of research in the Department of Media Studies at the Loyalist College under the supervision of Professor Robert Washburn, co-ordinator of the e-journalism program. I would like to provide you with more information about this project and what your involvement would entail if you decide to take part.
Our program is involved in research about the relationship between e-journalism and democracy. This research project seeks to explore the use of personal narrative in providing news and information to an audience. The purpose of this study, therefore, involves your participation on the IDEALS web site (http://www.ideals.nu). We hope to develop new communication strategies for non-government and non-profit organizations.
Therefore by using this site, you are giving your explicit permission to use the any materials as part of the study. This site is a public forum and as such comments made in the public realm are considered public published materials. Participation is done on a voluntary basis. By becoming a member, this will be considered a tactic a sign of agreement.
Your name will not appear in any thesis or report resulting from this study; however, anonymous quotations may be used. Data collected during this study will be retained for one-year in a locked office in the supervisor's lab. Only researchers associated with this project will have access. There are no known or anticipated risks to you as a participant in this study.
If you have any questions regarding this study, or would like additional information to assist you in reaching a decision about participation, please contact me at 613-969-1913 ext 2157 or by email at rwashburn@loyalistc.on.ca. You can also contact my supervisor, Dean Geoff Cudmore, Media Studies, 613-969-1913 ext 2437 gcudmore@loyalsitc.on.ca
I would like to assure you that this study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the Office of Research Ethics at Loyalist. However, the final decision about participation is yours. If you have any comments or concerns resulting from your participation in this study, please contact Margaret Scott, vice-president of Academics, Loyalist College, 613-969-1913.
I hope that the results of my study will be of benefit to those organizations directly involved in the study, other voluntary non-government and non-profit organizations not directly involved in the study, as well as to the broader research community.
Yours Sincerely,

Robert Washburn,

co-ordinator, e-journalism program