Do you think petitions are useful, or are they generally a waste of time? Have you ever signed one?

not sure, dont think ive ever signed one

Prolly signed a few net ones. I am sure they are meant to make people feel a little bit more active and in control than they actually are.

9 times out of 10 they are pointless and accomplish nothing, especially those dumb online petitions.

Petitions are more for the signer. They're making a stand which is good, but not really accomplishing anything.

They can be. I've signed a few before. Don't ask me what they were for because I don't even remember.

Petitions for getting laws changed are one of the only ways that a regular person can change a law that they disagree with. Not only have I signed them, I've also gathered signatures with them.

They can't hurt. Depending on the importance of the subject, they can make a difference, big or small. If enough people sign it and its about a big enough subject, then the media quickly pick it up as well. And media pressure can be invaluable when trying to pressure a government.

They can't hurt, but are useless and those who collect them should be viewed with suspicion. If you want change, you write....and under your own name and you include the body of a letter of your own making. Better still are demonstrations well planned and including the press in the preparations. But you have to choose your battles. Democracies like Canada are club democracies, i.e. they first serve the club.....the party....and the people second. You have to be organized. Club democracies are notoriously closed. You have to be ready to launch an effective assault. Petitions are little better than kindling.