7/16/2013

Internet: WYSIWYG

Calvin Cheng, the ex NMP, wrote to the ST forum today with the title, ‘Seeking clarifications on line a disturbing trend’. This is one of his statement referring to Ravi Philemon’s internet comments on the haze and N95 mask problems, ‘That said, his actions were part of a rather bewildering and disturbing trend: that of questioning the veracity of govt statements during a national crisis, and the belief that it is better to clarify uncertainties over the Internet rather than with govt agencies.’
 

Calvin Cheng’s argument is not about questioning the govt but about using the internet to do so. His assumptions are that the internet is full of nonsense from unqualified and unreliable people. Only the govt and the respective official agencies will have the expertise and to tell the truth. He even asserted, ‘In a crisis, our Govt has never been known to lie. It is ridiculous to think it would start now.’
 

Ahem, I am sure all of you reading the above are raring to say your piece about how ridiculous and flawed his assertions are. All I can say is that the internet is WYSIWYG, minus the biases of the editor and whoever that thinks that the right answer should be what they think is best to be printed. In the internet, everything you see is what the bloggers want to say, minus those with a hidden agenda which can be quite easily to fish out. Many bloggers are genuine and simply expressed what are in their minds, untainted by political considerations and the need to say the right thing.
 

The reasons why people are seeking the internet to express their views speak for themselves, and why they are not going to the main media or the agencies concerned. Other than not having faith in getting a reasonable reply, what they sent in may not see daylight and could end up in the waste bins. The internet is also a very convenient and efficient means for circulation of information, instant and immediate, no need to wait for the sun to rise. And it is the platform for everyone with no one thinking that he is the lord and his views prevails.
 

Step aside main media. You are history, partly of your own doing, partly due to the advancement in technology. The internet is now a platform of choice of the people to air their views and grievances. And there is nothing bewildering or disturbing about this trend.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

"The internet is now a platform of choice of the people to air their views and grievance."
RB

Sure. And maybe just that. And PAP will continue to rule and WP remain the strongest opposition party. Anything more than this?

Anonymous said...

In Bolehland, the internet is much more powerful. And some bloggers have even become opposition MPs.

Sinkieland?

Anonymous said...

In Sinkieland, unlike other countries, you cannot expect much from the Internet and bloggers to create change. Especially political change through the vote.

Even though some bloggers like RB write well and are quite talented.

Because you need a strong political party to lead and create the change. And talented bloggers are not necessarily also talented politicians who are also courageous and ready to sacrifice, especially if they are Sinkies.

Anonymous said...

Talented Sinkies have better things to do, blogging included, than to sacrifice for politics.

oldhorse42 said...

"The internet is now a platform of choice of the people to air their views and grievance."
RB

What RB said above will frighten the MIW even more and they will make greater efforts to tame the internet even more.

b said...

If internet is full of nonsense then the ministers who used the internet is also full of nonsense? I bet all of them are using the internet.

Anonymous said...

The miw and its cronies have been bludgeoning social media because the latters views are mainly pro-Singapore and pro-Opposition. However, any blog that is anywhere near the grovelling standard of the compliant msm will be raised on a pedestal and praised to the high heavens.

Anonymous said...

What I say online is not restricted to complying with what others want me to say, and I am not beholden to whoever butters my bread, and is therefore absolutely my honest opinion. It is not opinion tainted by propaganda, selectivity and apple-polishing.

Anonymous said...

PAP so fragile meh?
So scared people will read the "wrong" things?