Bloggers power
One of the great things about blogging (a regular online journal that anyone can post � in English a Weblog ) is that creativity and production is down to the individual. Interestingly, recently it was reported that China has released its own version of Wikipedia - (http://www.wikipedia.org the free online encyclopaedia that anyone can edit but is moderated by online volunteers). We already know that China has authorised a doctored version of Google from Google themselves.
In terms of the power of Blogging. Recently a viewer suggested that TV talk shows, new shows, news programmes, political commenting and newspapers in general have their favourites. The implication was that the same guests and self declared political spokespersons are repeatedly relied on to perform endless ‘chit chat’ between themselves - enjoying jokes and satirical narrative. Suddenly, we find the same experts and view-points emerging. The viewer suggested that a member of the public should be representative at such sessions. He also went as far as to suggest that when a member of the public is involved in asking direct questions it results in the most engaging television - back in the 1980s when a member of the public asked Margaret Thatcher about the exact nature of the situation when a British vessel sank the Argentinean Belgrano during the Falklands war � with regard to the latter the debate about the exact situation at the time continues.
Many argue that the media does need a wake-up call. Although the profession of journalism is demanding in terms of working to tight deadlines and the challenge of producing engaging quality content � In my view some aspects of the media are spoilt by favouritism, targeting, sensationalism and crudeness. Maybe media ownership, political siding or simply stereotyping has a lot to do with the problem. We have to admit that it is difficult for journalists and editors to balance the complexity of the world and how people�s values vary. However, a breach of human rights is wrong no matter where it occurs and often not enough rallying takes place to condemn it to �drive� change.
Recent online polls can help gather public opinion. However, how confident are we that a decision cannot be overridden? There is much talk of Citizen journalism and the power of blogging but we need to remember that we elect politicians on their stated manifestos. Or, maybe the problem is much deeper. I note that a number of political Bloggers are beginning to emerge � I worry if these bloggers are �plants� by commercial media in a desperate attempt to encircle or capture this domain of public expression or movement and call it �its own�.
In addition, although Google have some amazing search solutions and tools, I really hope that the algorithms they have developed are truly impartial and fair.
I’m really impressed with the increasing number of bloggers as it shows that the diary is not dead and there is a compelling instinct to share thoughts and ideas. What is worrying is the emergence of being not discrete and over exposure � i.e: The potential of lost innocence in a world where self expression is seen as important.
Press freedom is not the same as contributing effective / knowledgeable content. There is still a need to control blasphemous comments and insensitive commentary.
Maybe there is an opportunity to innovate in a world where the media have a structured route to broadcast on their megaphones. All we need to do is shout more and louder than before!
Blogging from a personal and corporate perspective can be a great way to champion change, it just requires the Internet to stay free.
