My friend, Michel

I just realised that the oldest blogger I know is 74 years old. He's probably one of the first few who was with me when I started blogging eons ago. Wow. That's amazing. It'll be cool if I get to visit him when I do reach France. Three years from now maybe.

ka-ra-NOT-okay

i tried. really.

QotW10: Meet Elsa Maertens

I think I am not the only one having problem with Second Life. The system seems to lag everytime I log on. When I want to open it on my Macbook, I forget I don't have wireless connection. Dang!

I managed to escape Orientation Island. Bless the souls of those who are still stuck there. I flew around aimlessly. Made some new friends. Mainly my real friends in my first life. That was corny.

Everyone, meet Elsa Maertens.

I choose the name Elsa because it reminds me of a flapper's name. Very 1920's. Very me. As for my surname, Maertens, is it just me or does it sound German to anyone? It has a nice ring to it. Besides, I love Germany so it is kind of like a mini tribute.

As for the clothing, I was not left with much choice. I am sure I look like most of those who choose this character when they started Second Life. Boring. I had a tough time altering my look. I went as far as editing my skin colour, less freckles, getting redder lips etc. While looking around for a new look, the computer went dead on me. So I am stuck with this look till I figure something out. For now, I am wearing my favourite red flats! Also, my hair is all poofy which is unlike my usual straight, always in place hairdo. A change from my real persona.

I managed to teleport myself to Silverscreen, a Sparta build. I wanted to grab myself the free female costume. It looks something like the one Queen Gorgo wore in the movie but I cannot find it.

My current favourite place in Second Life. As you can see, I am staring intently at the 300 posters. Particularly to the one of King Leonidas. Sigh.


There was a conference held here a couple of weeks ago. Apparently the director of 300, Zack Snyder along with the cast (Gerard Butler, Lena Heady, David Wenham) were here to do some press work. I regret not knowing. I could have gotten Gerard Butler's autograph!


Looks like I am in Sparta! It looks just like the movie. Had fun exploring this 'island'. Even though I got stuck in a water fountain. I managed to fly my way out of the sticky situation though. Note: Do not jump into water if you do not know how to swim.


Before I left, I managed to 'meet' a Spartan warrior. Maybe it is just some guy wearing the Spartan uniform. I said, 'Hi' but he ignored me. Bruised my ego a little bit. Considering the bulk of people who came up to me sound leery.

To illustrate,

Random Guy: Hi there!

Me: Hello. I'm new here.

Random Guy: I'm Juan from Brazil. [starts to walk around me as if I'm a toadstool]

Me (thinking to myself): That's weird. Move along.

Random Guy: Brazil is a beautiful country. You must come and visit.

I was already walking away by then.


Guys, add me in Second Life! You too Kevin Suisei. I want to go to those clubs you were telling us.

QotW9: Reporting the news

Citizen journalism, also known as "participatory journalism," is the act of citizens "playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating news and information" (Citizen Journalism, 2007).

It is when ordinary folks like you and me get down to disseminating news to the general public. The way its done is generally open. We have blogs where individuals write about issues that is happening around them. We also have places like STOMP, to share our stories.

I remember when STOMP first started its massive advertising. They had everyone buzzing. A friend of mine was telling me how anyone can post up news to the website. News is thus, not limited to journalists. Ordinary folks like commuters on the public transport or someone walking down the street can take a photo from their handphones, send it via sms and the information is up. I guess, the ease of reporting the news is one of its attractions. One can contribute news to STOMP via SMS or MMS at 75557, or via email 75557@stomp.com.sg. It is highly accessible and fast.

The word 'participation' is they key idea in the notion of citizen journalism. It is the collection of 'news' that anyone who has access to it can share to the mass. As to whether or not STOMP makes an ideal form of citizen journalism for Singapore, I think it is. STOMP allows it's users the available resources to publish news without the usual red tape. In a way, anyone can be heard. There are instances whereby the reporters and journalists are not present to document what is happening. Those who are present, live to tell the story. With the aid of gadgetry like videos, news travel faster via citizen journalist. Moreover, news coming from the mass is often straight from the person. There is no alteration and often the element of 'truth' remains.

The rise of the citizen journalist will help us listen. The ability of anyone to make the news will give new voice to people who’ve felt voiceless—and whose words we need to hear. They are showing all of us—citizen, journalist, newsmaker—new ways of talking, of learning (Gillmor, 2004).

How would I improve it?

Here's my suggestions for STOMP.

1) The webpage looks a tad cluttered to me. The first thing I see is alot of different 'boxes' with all kind of topics. For example, right now I cannot decide what to look at first. Too many images are flashing at the same time. I am distracted by the images on the side. Imagine the frustration. Perhaps some form of organization will help visitors navigate through the site. Place all the sponsors at the side. News and updates at the top.

2) Discretion should be enforced. Certain topics and pictures need to be viewed and checked by administrators prior to its posting for approriateness. I know this measure would go against the idea of posting your news freely. However, I believe that teenagers make a bulk of the users of STOMP and some topics should not be easily exposed to them. Maybe those issues can be placed under links or prompts like 'Are you over 18?' can be added.

References

Citizen Journalism. (28 March 2007). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_journalism

Gillmor, D. (2004, July). We the Media: Grassroots Journalism by the People, for the People. Retrieved March 29, 2007 from http://download.nowis.com/index.cfm?phile=WeTheMedia.html&tipe=text/html

QotW8: Order! Order!

This week's blog mission is a relatively new concept to me. Political blogs. Personally, I find the whole business a rather sticky subject. Considering the state we are in. As much as we like to think that Singapore is becoming an open society with an elevated tolerance towards issues regarding the discussion of political issues, there is some form of censorship being practiced which is why when I came across The Kway Teow Man's blog, I was pleasantly surprised.

Why?

For starters, Kway Teow Man wrote that he is neither pro- nor anti-Government. This, I find appealing since I myself choose not to align myself with any inclination towards any sides. It is nice to know that Kway Teow Man respect's the opinions of others and does acknowledge the presence of critics. I get the sense that he is non-judegemental.

He informs the readers that he is a Char Kway Teow Man in Ang Mo Kio by day and a political correspondent wannabe by night. Giving us the impression that he's the 'everyday' man. It is so much easier to relate to what he is saying if other's feel some kind of affinity.




Blog’s Title: The Kway Teow Man
Blog's URL: http://kwayteowman.blogspot.com/
Blogger’s Name: kwayteowman/
Blogger’s Occupation: Citizen Blogger + Chef and also Towkay
Blog’s Date of Birth: 3rd December 2005
5. Technorati Rank: Unfortunately, none. Maybe he will gain recognition through this post? :)

His approach is a mix of formality and a tinge of casualness. There are instances where he describes what is happening in the local political sphere. For example, commentary on the 2007 Budget, the issue on Medisave. I noticed that he mentions other political bloggers occasionally. Incorporating his thoughts with theirs to provide some form of assertion.

In this blog entry (I took a snippet), Kway Teow Man was talking about the elections and how it went down. Although very blunt when offering his views on the opposition party, he was candid when discussing about how Singaporeans do not really care about the long term effects of the elections which is SO true. I cannot help but smile when he used the word, 'Garmen' and list our generally passive attitude towards the way we are living in Singapore. Basically, sitting back and hoping to be spoon fed. We are at peace when everything is made easy for us. How true!

"The opposition has no vision. What's strange to me is that the ruling party did not use the elections as an opportunity to showcase our national strategies for continued growth and security (which I know exists). Then again, perhaps the KTM doesn't understand politics. Perhaps the majority of Singaporeans really doesn't care about thinking long term. Perhaps all they care about is that the Garmen will keep things cheap and provide them with jobs. Then hor, everything else, leave to the Garmen loh -- since the PAP seems to have been doing a decent job anyway."

KwayTeowMan

Question. Do blogs allow for greater democracy in Singapore?

The meaning of the word 'democracy' itself is relative. Democracy is the rule of the people (Democracy, 2007). Political blogs provide an outlet for individuals who feel like they have something to say but are not able to vocalise it in their daily lives, fearing that they might offend others or get into trouble. The ability for individuals and smaller groups with fewer resources to present their points of view to a large number of people is much more viable (Thornton, 2002).

As much as I like to think that the emergence of blogs have helped paved the way for greater democracy in Singapore, that does not mean it is actually generating radical changes to the way our country function. Why the cynicism? Perhaps it is the lack of 'voice' I am hearing. True, there are more bloggers airing their views. The problem is, are their thoughts and opinions being heard? People reading your blog is nothing compared to others taking what you said in your blog and formulating it into a discussion. A change is what that makes the difference.

Perhaps, there will be a shift in how blogs are accepted and viewed by the mass.

According to an article in The Straits Times (2006), the next general election could feature more political news and freer discussion on the Internet, as the Government plans to ease up its watch over political happenings in cyberspace. It intends to review the way it manages new media, and adopt what it called a "lighter touch approach" at the next polls.

Until something that was written in a blog ignites mass reaction from others (something like the effect of The War of Worlds), I remain skeptical. I do hope more individuals are coming up with blogs that tell the truth. Freedom of speech is not easy. Most people are afraid to say what they truly feel. Their fears are understandable. It is always safer to keep your mouth shut. However, in order for Singapore to gain greater democracy, the people need to speak up. I think I shall start. Once I decide on what I want to say, that is.

References

Democracy. (2007, March 23). In Wikipedia, The Free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy

Koh, L. (2006). Blogs and podcasts may get more leeway at next GE. The Straits Times. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=47025

Thornton, A. (2002, October). Does Internet Create Democracy. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/thesis_2002_alinta_thornton.doc

QotW7: What the TWEET?!

I have Twitter on another tab while I am working on this blog entry. Everyone on my friend's list is busy typing away, adding new messages. It is chaotic but highly entertaining at the same time. I wonder if the name, Twitter has it's roots from all the twittering that all of us are making right now. Just like little chicks. In our farm, going around making noises and getting everyone's attention. That is possibly the closest metaphor I can come up with right now. Maybe it's the name Twitter. It has been giving me visions of little chicks. Weird. I am enjoying the twittering though.

What exactly is Twitter?

Twitter is a social networking service that allows members to inform each other about what they are doing and what they think. It allows users to send messages via phone or instant messaging (Twitter, 2007).

Fernbeck and Thompson (1995) stated that in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) users type words on their screens which instantaneously reach other users. I feel that Twitter is almost similar to IRC. The first thing that greets you when you login is a text box that prompts you, 'What are you doing?' Somehow you feel oblige to answer that question. At the same time, you are reading whatever others are thinking or feeling. Sometimes they are silly, random thoughts. At times, they are conversations between people. Both friends and strangers alike. In a way, you are having multiple conversations with different people. Commenting on what others have posted is another way of communication via Twitter.

I have been posting random thoughts on my Twitter. Typically, not someone who discloses what I am thinking or feeling readily. That changed almost instantly when I created my Twitter page. Perhaps it is because I enjoy being random and Twitter allows that freedom of expression. I have friends reading my musings but not having to question why I wrote what I wrote a few seconds ago. The reason is simple. I am answering the question. What am I doing? It works simply as an online instant messaging site. It feels like getting a short message service (SMS) but via online. I personally feel that it is a refreshing take on establishing an online community.

Twitter is in fact an online community. I feel like I am in a little kampung. Everyone is sharing their thoughts and I am receiving updates from friends that I don't get to see often. It is a nice feeling. Distance is diminished and little work need to be done. All you need is to login and type whatever is happening or what you are thinking at that moment in time. As mentioned by Wellman and Gulia (1996), the ease of group response and forwarding can foster the folding-in of formerly separate Net participants into more all-encompassing communities.

Twitter works.

References

Barry Wellman and Milena Gulia. (April, 1996). Net Surfers Don’t Ride Alone: Virtual Communities as Communities. Retrieved March 15, 2007, from http://www.acm.org/%7Eccp/references/wellman/wellman.html

Fernback, J., & Thompson, B. (May, 1995). Virtual Communities: Abort, Retry, Failure?. Retrieved March 14, 2007 from http://www.rheingold.com/texts/techpolitix/VCcivil.html

Twitter. (2007, March 14). In Wikipedia, The Free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 15, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter

QotW6: Be Careful Kids!

Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to keep their lives and personal affairs out of public view, or to control the flow of information about themselves. (Privacy, 2007)

How does one maintain privacy online?

Perhaps revealing small amounts of personal information to strangers. Sometimes you are not even aware that you are revealing so much of yourself to others. The culture of revelation has enforced the need to expose oneself.

Rosen (2004) stated that, it's impossible to know someone on the basis of snippets of information; genuine knowledge is something that can only be achieved slowly, over time, behind a shield of privacy. There are instances whereby people feel as if they know the other well enough, even if it is through a computer-mediated communication. Reading someone's blog regularly provide the reader a sense of knowlegde about that individual. Especially through their entries on daily happenings and their views on various topics.

I have been wary when it comes to revealing my true identity online. Mainly because I am a private person by nature. I adopt several pseudonyms for different purposes. Why? I still do not know why. I guess, it is the cynical side of me that is on defense mode. I have read and come across too many instances of invasion of privacy. Leaking of personal photographs, home videos being posted online. The content does not really matter here. The thing is, when this happens it is as though someone has taken your possession and claim it as their own. I shudder to think of such things happening to me.

As an avid online shopper, I deal with online banking all the time. It has come to a point where I am so comfortable at dealing with daily transactions that sometimes I don't really check for proof of authenticity. During Ian Loe's talk about phishing and pharming, my blood froze. A couple of days back, I received an e-mail from Ebay asking for reconfirmation. The e-mail mentioned that the are updating their system and that they will be needing my credit card information. I went to check the site out. It seemed 'authentic' at first but I soon realise that the e-mail was in my spam folder. Before I clicked anything, I noticed that my personal information was listed on the page. Although I did not provide them with my credit card number, I wondered if whoever it was that send me the e-mail saw my details and kept it. I have taken measures to safeguard my online accounts though.

Sullivan (2006) mentioned that someday a stranger will read your e-mail, rummage through your instant messages without your permission or scan the Web sites you’ve visited — maybe even find out that you read this story. Perhaps it is happening without our knowledge. Now, that's scary.

References

Privacy. (2007, March 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17.25, March 9, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy

Rosen, J. (2004). The Naked Crowd. Retrieved March 8, 2007, from http://www.spiked-online.com/Printable/0000000CA5FF.htm

Sullivan, B. (2006). Privacy Lost: Does Anyone Care?. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15221095/print/1/displaymode/1098/