When the Malu Fernandez erupted, it sent a strong and loud message that bloggers have established some degree of clout and critical mass when it came to getting the word out and breaking stories before traditional media could get them out to public consciousness. Though it was viewed as a victory for new media, it’s worth mentioning that the move towards public condemnation of the People Asia writer did not come from the main movers of the so-called Philippine Blogosphere. There were some bloggers who wrote about the issue, but they were hardly the leaders that take charge in the various get togethers, parties and awards nights that have become so commonplace since 2007. In short, the outcry came from the bloggers who were still relatively anonymous and those who have yet to be proselytized to the art of search engine optimization and the draw of oodles of cash from Google Adsense. They were the everyday blogger who probably doesn’t know about the Blog Awards, Janet Toral’s Top Ten List or the Trinoma Food Tour. Despite the feeling that the blogging community is growing smaller due to the number of events that seek to contain bloggers in one location, there are plenty more outside our realm of commercial viability and voluntary participation. This sector roared back with emphasis during the Malu-Gate controversy and no one was more surprised than the bloggers who felt that their small but progressively growing circle was all there is to it when it came to influence.
Since the effort came from relative never-heards with a surprisingly strong readership, a lot of the people in the inner circle felt largely apathetic. Certain sectors were obviously trying to separate themselves from what was going on. For sure, The Powers That Be wouldn’t want to be embroiled in anything remotely politically-charged as it may have repercussions for their PR viability in the future.
Yes, bloggers in the inner circle (those with higher page ranks, a vocal readership and monthly Adsense cheques) have definitely become a force as far as marketing and advertising is concerned. As far as being a real force in contending with real issues though, the Philippine Blogging Community - at least the one that is visible right now — is a long way from consolidating its base and having its ‘power’ realized. Most people are still elitist and standoffish when it comes to socio-political issues. The main movers have plenty of financial motivation and that could wittingly or unwittingly remove the focus on the issues that could really empower bloggers as a viable sector of this so-called new media.
In other countries, commentaries by political bloggers carries significant weight. For the Philippines, only those who also have links to old media - Quezon, Carandang et. al. — carry the cred. We’re still a long way - and there’s no trend at present to change or make things develop at a faster rate.
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I do think that blogs can be a great source of news most of the time, but there are some blog entries that aren’t even accurate as well. Unlike when it’s published in newspapers and seen on TV, you would be able to sue people when things goes wrong. In a blog, especially anonymous blogs (that are quite a lot) you can’t just sue them. Well, you wont know exactly who to sue. XD
I can only speak for myself. I am not fluent when it comes to socio-political issues but it doesn’t mean I don’t care about these issues. I make mention of these in my blogs in ways that relate to my personal experience. If I am unable to express myself, I quote other blogs.
Your statement on Most people are still elitist and standoffish when it comes to socio-political issues. is not exactly accurate. How can you say these people are elitist? is that your observation?
It is an observation. Maybe it comes with the fact that a lot of the younger bloggers choose to not blog about “serious” topics.
Maybe many starting bloggers (count me in) have yet to practice the craft that they ─ we ─ are pursuing. Although not much of them are hitting the hard news, some are practicing, and personal experiences have become their training ground. Some have written blogs that even break the momentum by changing points in the middle of the blog (reminds me of mine─haha).
Another thing, the Pinoy Blogosphere has made its mark especially in a country that’s craving for what is different ─ indie movies, underground music and blogs. Hopefully, those “unearthed” bloggers will make the mark.
Sabi nga ni Manolo, “everything is political and it all begins with sex.”
I believe that those who have access to the Internet and the great things it offer — such as blogging — are more likely to get involved in sociopolitical issues because they have access to the entire Web of information that could empower them. The RockEd guys could be an example. Many of their followers don’t seem the type of people you’d see in Mendiola protests, but they get involved in ways they are comfortable with.
I think our Internet experience also follows some sort of an evolution. In my case, for example, I started my online life with search and chat (IRC pa noon) and web authoring. I later got into forum discussion and blogging. It is in the forums and blogging phrase that I got to discuss with my cyberfriends the political stuff that I learned both online and offline.
Many of the young people now start their online life with role-playing games and YouTube (saka siguro porn — kaya it begins with sex, hehe). Then they probably get introduced to Friendster and other social networks. Later on, they discover forums and blogging.
When they start blogging, their first entries are about school, family and friends. Tapos, entertainment or siguro sorts. As they read more sites and blogs, discover more things and learn about the government and society, mag-iiba rin yan. At first, mahihiya pa silang mag-post. Maybe when write about such things, napaka-status quo and even echoing the government propaganda. Pero at least, nag-start na silang makisali.
There more established and popular bloggers (gaya mo) have the chance to influence the newbies and introduce them to other aspects of life — things beyond personal, beyond financial. They are the ones who could welcome the newbies in the realm of ideas and politics.
Like Ederic said, the more eloquent bloggers can serve as inspiration and influence newbies. But I wouldn’t judge them right off as “being elite” or chose not to write “serious topics”. Maybe they just don’t know how to start such entries.
[...] the people on whether or not to take ‘communal’ action. I agree with Benj that bloggers can be a strong force. Expressing our views on Jun Lozada and the current political crisis in our own way will possibly [...]
Sir Ederic said the words I was about to type. Anyway, I have 11 reasons, three of them are very personal, why I’m not posting my stand on socio-political issues anymore. And for me, it’s not being ‘elitist’ or ’stand-offish’ about the matter. That’s… pfft. Most? Nah, they just don’t know how to start making one or that they don’t know how to be socio-politically active on the Internet.
Just give them some time to prepare. I think the Philippine Blogosphere is still relatively young, and the late-bloomers are yet to discover the capabilities of Friendsterizing on their blogs.
“Maybe it comes with the fact that a lot of the younger bloggers choose to not blog about “serious†topics.”
Well, the beauty of the internet is diversity. Surely you don’t expect ‘personal blogs’ to be serious blogs. It is after all a blog and you can talk about anything you want.
cheers
personal blogs equates to gaytards. lol