Ok, this was stolen from Jon’s blog.
This comment made by Toni (who unfortunately failed to leave a URL) just hits the spot, I think.
You know the saying: There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.
You have a blog. You have the power. Let the “powers that be†cringe as they slowly realize their relentlessly fading influence in the blogosphere.
They might be the “parents†of Pinoy blogging, but that was just a fortunate function of being someplace at some early point in time.
But just as parents have to come to grips with the reality of quickly maturing “childrenâ€, so too does this “mafia†have to learn to give way to the youngblood of Pinoy blogging (or whatever term it may morph into in the future).
Ngayon, does this mafia exist? Oh, most definitely! But only in their minds, and only for a rapidly dwindling amount of time. 3… 2… 1…
The harder they feebly cling to immortality, the faster they’ll come face to face with their own e-mortality.
In this regard, I’m very happy with current trend in blogging right now. Instead of relying on industry experts or pioneers for know-how, tips and basics, many newcomers have stepped up and given their two cents about how blogging should be done. The fact that these people are expressing their ideas about how people should run their blogs despite their relative youth in terms of blog age shows that the startups definitely have a greater sense of empowerment.
I dare say, the blogosphere is now mature.
People like Allen of Silkenhut and Karlo of Pinoy Blogero show that even new bloggers can be sources of information now. And yes, their blogs are getting plenty of hits. They’re new, not affiliated with any of the current big players in the blogosphere, but they are gaining influence. Yes, the influence that they’re getting may not be similar to your idea of elitist influence, but it’s influence nonetheless.
It’s great to see that we have a revolution in our midst. The writers are reclaiming the blogosphere. We’re veering away from a padrino and cliquish culture to a more egalitarian and meritocratic system.
From Gibbs Cadiz‘ blog:
Where is it written, exactly, that if we do get to speak about local blogging before a crowd, we automatically become its representative, spokesperson, living embodiment, image model? Why should this be so? What canon of blogging am I violating if, say, I get invited to share my experience about blogging for theater and the arts, which is this site’s niche, and I fail to mention that, oh, there are other bloggers and “blog-initiated activities” out there? In what way, for that matter, was Ms. Toral wrong in using examples close to her heart, borne out of her efforts and hard work and that she had expertise on, when talking about this activity?
The framework of the blog community has already been defined by the powers-that-be. How does that make you feel about being a blogger?
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Astig yung comment ni Toni ano?
I do hope that this does mean a more mature blogosphere: one does not need to seek approval from others when expressing opinion. One that doesn’t see dissent as a failure, but rather, as a challenge.
Problema sa ibang tao kapag nag-disagree ka sa kanila akala nila ino-ostracize mo sila eh.
[...] hurting people (that hurt people) Do I have to worry about a mafia in the Philippine blogosphere? Poignant Criticism and criticism (Will update this list when I get to find new posts.) Hey, you may want [...]
Rebels Against the Mainstream!!! I agree with you 100%!
Thanks for the confidence. I’m glad you saw us that way.
I guess we just want to contribute something to the Pinoy blogosphere to help it grow. This is the same reason why I chose a blog topic which focuses on the local blogging scene.
In response to your post:
I strongly believe that each individual has the power to shape our world. This also holds true in blogging. Big or small, we can do things that could change the flow of things. That is why, we should not let the more established ones rule over the blogosphere.
Happy Blogging!
Are we?
The clique may be under some heat, but it’s still a pretty big beast with a wide audience of yes-men. Popularity is still the name of the game, and the number of hits you get are still worn like a badge. Until that changes and everybody just gets along, most of the blogosphere’ll still be singing to System of a Down’s CIGARO (Google up the lyrics, it’s too explicit to post here. Or anywhere, really.)
Most people aren’t cool enough to know SOAD. LOL. Kidding
rules in blogging? better not to know them then, if there’s any. that would limit the spontaneous flow of your expression. hehe
Personally, seeing an abundance of big words crammed up in five run-on sentences makes me dizzy. At least the Toni guy has taken time to think about how to best express his peace before hitting “submit comment.”
Febbly: something deficient in strength, indicating weakness, marked lack in vigor. The HARDER they FEBBLY cling. Saw my dilemma? Yes, I get the point. It’s just that sometimes, big words get in the way of simple ideas that could drive home a message just as effectively. I commend the idea, still. I acknowledge its merits. For regurgitating equally and spitting out similarly big words and for the uncalled for dickery, please pardon my feeble mind.
[...] Poignant by Benj [...]
Blogosphere is indeed changing, for the better I guess. It’s nice to see new bloggers stepping up and showing everyone what they can do. Hindi na tayo limited sa iisang path kung baga. Haha! I hope I’m making sense. LOL!
Panalo ang comment ni Toni.
Thanks for the mention. I feel very honored and proud to be mentioned here. I can’t say that I’m an expert in blogging but I’m learning along the way. Also, while learning, I try my best to share what I’ve learned through my blog and I’m glad it became useful to other people. ^_^ Thanks once again. Have a nice day.
Who the hell are these parents of the Philippine blogosphere and why don’t I know them? Does that mean I’m a bastard?
“People like Allen of Silkenhut and Karlo of Pinoy Blogero show that even new bloggers can be sources of information now. And yes, their blogs are getting plenty of hits.”
Anyway, I think I know who Allen is (his sister is my officemate, I think.) His sister wrote a nice, scathing entry on her blog about our workplace and the awful policies it employs and it caused a lot of ruckus in our company. And I mean a lot.
[...] Poignant [...]
Okay, this reply is a bit late (since I was “dead” for two days), but this entry sums up what I feel about the current blogosphere situation. You couldn’t have said it better.
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