NEED: There is a strong need for a practical guide to politics. The guide is intended to provide a guide as to the real means of success in politics - of which building lasting relationships is the key. It is hoped that this guide will improve the quality of those interested in pursuing such careers - and as a result, noticeably improve the quality of outcomes achieved by current and future elected public officials.

AIM: The aim for the about politics site is to provide a valuable resource for those contemplating a career in politics or for those who have started and need some advice or focus.

STRUCTURE: The site has three key sections.

One section is focussed on providing the basis of learning for those who are new to politics. This section includes introductions such as Defining and Political Careers. The more advanced parts are in Succeed in Politics section (effectively a career plan) and the How To Politics section (effectively a highlight of the the key skills). For those ready to leap straight into action, Political Tools provides some good systems to support you.

Another section is dedicated to various countries . These are designed to focus on the greatest political issues of each country. The purpose of that in this context is to challenge your current thinking about your own country.

The remaining section is to provide a more personal slant on politics. This includes discussion on Controversial Issues, various Political Stories and some stories and comments about the former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. This covers the author's personal experiences in political life - designed to provide some additional interest and to place the other contents in context.

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES and CONTROVERSIAL RESEARCH TOPICS: Political journalism has failed the representative democracries - because its aim (profitablility) is driven by readership - which peaks during bad news and scandals. As a result, it is opposed to sensible, rational debate toward finding the optimal solution. The section dealing with controversy highlights and provides some specific examples of why there is an urgent need to reduce the power of media moguls. Using such incidents to understand the operations of power has received little public focus. Freedom of press requires freedom from profit drivers - and the first step is reducing the power of media moguls.

The author's personal experiences of political interactions with Kevin Rudd and other political figures and business personnel has obviously flavoured his views. The views expressed may be a challenge to your current thinking - and will hopefully lead you to beeter improve the society in which we live.

SUCCESS: You will need to define success in your own terms. Success for this project will be achieved if it provides a useful resource for political aspirants. The ultimate aim of this insider's practical guide to politics will be to improve the world through the provision of greater political understanding!