Reputation and Blogging

Earlier this afternoon, I was in Studio 6 of ANC (at the ABS-CBN Compound) for the taping of the episode of "Beware of the Blog" for the program, Korina Tonight.

Also in the program for the first segment was Melvin Calimag, representing the IT Journalists Association of the Philippines (ITJAP) and Resty Reyes. I also saw Joey de Venecia and Giselle Sanchez, who were there for the second segment, whose reputation has been maligned or attacked because of blogging.

Me? I was there as a legitimate blogger. Are there illegitimate bloggers? This was the first question of veteran broadcaster, Korina Sanchez.

Yes! These are bloggers who hide behind a fake identity, by raising or lowering their age or simply, not giving their real names! Why they remain anonymous? I wouldn’t have a real answer as there are many reasons why they hide behind anonymity.

This particular episode was really all about the current issues and concerns being raised by Brain Gorell’s blog about losing $70,000 to a former friend. His blog has attracted a huge interest among bloggers, both friends and foe (who hide behind anonymity).

Media has also become part of the argument has its role in this social phenomena called blogging has somehow blurred the lines of between traditional media and blogs as sources of news. Melvin and I prior the program talked about it. If anyone really wanted real news, there were a lot of credible on-line news sites, from CNN to the country’s leading broadsheets, Manila Bulletin and Phil. Daily Inquirer.

I do believe the personal blogs provide colorful and sometimes, even, in-depth insights into daily concerns of ordinary people. Blogs about parenthood or pregnancy help other couples learn more about these stages in life.

While blogging extends the bounds of freedom and reach as a media form, so that the responsibility and accountability of each blogger. In my one liner submitted to Penny Quesada for tonight’s episode, I said, “Bloggers allow people to get into their lives and intrude into the lives of others.”

You can catch the episode tonight on ANC and a replay on Friday night at 11pm!