I see this as an interesting idea, but given public distrust for the format, it would likely be a difficult sell. One of the main tools to combat the stimulus package was to point out parts that, taken out of context, could be seen as wasteful. The Governor of Lousiana’s dislike of knowing when a volcano will explode aside, I just think this would present insurmountable political issues.

I do think this is an interesting idea, although with regards to #5, I think those who would participate in this project would not be the apathetic targets we’d like to see engaged. Joseph makes an excellent observation here as well with regards to access. I was actually going to mention the X Prize as well, and the many similar projects that have spawned from it. However, there are two fundamental differences between that/the Netflix idea and what you propose:

-Private funding/company backing the project, as opposed to it coming directly from the top -Project had a specific goal

Take my comments perhaps as a cynical musing, but on a different note, similar things do exist. From working in a political office, the innumerous staff members of those 545 government officers you mention do look to the public for ideas and concepts. Obama was especially fond of doing this via his campaign site. However, a large public effort like this could only be positive for engaging people in the political process, and it would be interesting to see what kind of ideas it would bring up.

-- AaronShepard - 04 Mar 2009