Political party conventions have historically been very important for a party. They were used as a time to debate and craft by-laws and platforms, select a presidential ticket, form committees and make changes to party structure. Conventions used to be only one or two days in length, now they stretch about a week. The two major conventions now seem geared towards putting on a production or show for viewers and the media. They parade celebrities and talking heads across the stage saying how great their party and presidential candidate is. A steady stream of party officials and elected officials do the rounds of interviews with all the media that cover the conventions. The presidential tickets have been selected long ago and very little work is done on party platforms and party business. When something is changed on the party platforms, it is usually again planned and for show. 

Do you agree that the major party conventions have become more show and less about business and substance? Or do you think that the conventions still serve important purposes for the party and help inform the undecided voters about the positions (and solutions) of the parties and candidates?