I notice today that Ofcom has set up a mini-site on their main site (all in blue, as opposed to Ofcom red) called Ofcom Arena, which is states “is a vehicle for Ofcom to publish occasional Ofcom and third party papers, which may cover early thoughts, insights or research on regulatory issues.These papers are intended to inform or encourage debate on such issues in an informal way. They are not intended as an Ofcom consultation, or to set out the regulator’s policy, on any issue”.

And just so you’re sure they go on and add: “Any views or facts expressed or representations made on this site may assist Ofcom only in so far as to inform its initial and emerging thinking on certain matters. However, such views or responses will not be treated as part of any forthcoming consultations. Nor will they carry any weight in Ofcom’s assessment of any policy options proposed in any forthcoming consultations, as Ofcom will formulate its own views independently of any views expressed or representations made on this site. Should Ofcom not respond to any views or responses made on this site, this shall not be treated as Ofcom having accepted or rejected (or, as the case may be, having been otherwise influenced by) such views or responses in its forthcoming policy considerations.”

So, set up site - allow responses/comments but make clear that you will ignore any responses or comments made. Handy. Some might argue that is not greatly different from your average Ofcom consultation (although that’s a bit unfair).

As of writing the site doesn’t yet contain any documents, so I cannot tell you how this will/will not work.