Convio's (Lack Of) Conscience

Many DC non-profits and political organizations use Convio, an Internet consulting firm that provides web and eCampaigning services. Well, it turns out that Convio, which provided consulting for the Dean campaign last year, also consults for the anti-gay, right-wing Alliance for Marriage. I think it is highly disingenuous for an organization that offers valuable political services to hide behind "company policy" when choosing its client list. Setting aside the fact that Convio claims in its "Right to be Heard Policy" that it doesn't work for clients who "promote prejudice and hate" (riiiight), this issue raises the question of whether in the world of new media, companies should (or are obliged to) clarify their political positioning. Technology may be neutral, but the application of technology is anything but. If an ammo store sells guns to cops, it should be held to a different standard than the ammo store that sells guns to criminals. Similarly, I sincerely hope that the progressive/liberal/Democratic community will hold Convio to higher standards.