We have heard plenty about chief administrators communicating with people via the Internet. Many a local magistrate has given it a shot after President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao spoke to netizens on the Web.

Those in Bozhou, Anhui province, however, have taken an even more adventurous step - they admitted three online commentators into the local branch of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Like other members of the local political advisory body, the three have been through strict examinations of their background before being accepted. They were chosen because they have been dedicated observers and commentators of local affairs. And they are popular leaders of opinion in virtual space.

We congratulate the local CPPCC. The move will prove conducive to constructive interactions with the concerned public. Given the restraints and limitations outside the Web, online forums is one of the places where people gather to share what they truly feel. By deciding to recruit from virtual communities, the local CPPCC has found a wonderful source of public opinion.

The move is also laudable in that it gives voice to the voiceless. The three common netizens - an employee of the local Bureau of Statistics, a worker with a township institution, and a local media professional - may have had little chance to have their opinions heard and considered without membership to the CPPCC. And not only will the three feel empowered. It will inspire more enthusiastic online participation - and possibly offline - and discourse about local affairs. Even the local CPPCC may feel empowered, because lending more ears to passionate netizens will help them gather more informed advice for decision-makers.

We congratulate the three. Their new roles will allow them more opportunities for their opinions to be heeded and taken seriously. This is to be celebrated not only by themselves, but by many who agreed that it is significant for all netizens.

While applauding the opportunities offered, some people have also expressed concern that it might change the way the three think and act. That is the last thing we want to see.

The three won respect online and caught the attention of local authorities for being sensible and outspoken. Their acceptance as insiders has the potential to change that. One of the three has already confessed he would think thrice before he acts and speaks out in his new role. We hope that only means that he will be more sensible.

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