hmm. I know nothing about this. hopefully someone else can help you with an answer.

I’ve signed a few of Care2’s petitions…but all they seem to get me are more advertisements from Care2.

I also wonder who’s hit list they put you on…like a government watch thing to see if you’re some wacky radical that they have to keep an eye on, you know? 0_o

I generally stay away from petition web sites and stick with ones that local shelters and reputable organizations have (actual paper ones not internet ones).  I just like to error on the side of caution and it is my personal choice.  Perhaps someone else knows more details and deals directly in this.

Here is an article by snopes.com that discusses some of the very questions you have (although it is quite biased):

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp

Nadine, I have often wondered that myself. MimzMum, I have signed a few myself and now everyday it is one horror story after another. You don’t even want to open your emails. Scarlet, Snopes has hit a few nails on the head (informing people of situations) but the comments about “slacktivisim” hit home. In general I find belonging to specific groups dedicated to a cause, more effective.

here in the uk, there is a government website where the petitions get verified and sent straight to a member of parliment. im not sure about those websites though.

I’ve wondered about this too – I wonder if they would even be effective too. That’s pretty much why I don’t sign them either.

I’m a care2 member but I don’t sign too many petitions. Once in a while if I come across a rabbit one I will sign, I figure it can’t hurt, but I think there are probably more productive ways to help and spread the word about animal abuse, etc.