Proposed Election Rules Available for Public Comment

Excerpt from Section on Blogs: If a mode of communication does not cost any money, can it be ``general public political advertising'' and therefore a ``public communication'' within the meaning of the statute? For example, a person might appear in a public square and give a campaign speech before 500 or more people. If such a public speech does not cost any money to undertake, is it outside the scope of ``general public political advertising'' under the statute and therefore not a ``public communication''? Likewise, is such a public speech outside the scope of an ``expenditure'' or ``contribution'' under the statute? Also, should ``general public political advertising'' include Internet advertisements where the advertising space is provided in exchange for something of value other than a monetary payment, for example through an exchange of comparable advertising? Although the Commission's proposed rule would exclude Internet activity that is not placed for a fee, should the Commission amend its regulation to explicitly state that it is not including ``bloggers'' in the definition of ``public communication''?