Jun Lozada’s Blog, The Blog Rush, and The Elitist Blogosphere?

Written on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm | by Nick

It seems like there is a rush to go blogging these days, without maybe the further thought of what will happen down the road.  It may be the strategy for those who seek another avenue with which they can convey their message, such as politicians, public personalities, controversial personalities, or all of the above.  Is this a fad, or is this a trend?

Fairly recently, Jun Lozada came out with his blog, through a blog launching, made possible by Blogger’s Kapihan. Next week, Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga will also be launching his own blog, and who knows who else will be blogging in the coming weeks. As I have mentioned, in quite a few discussions, it is my fervent hope, that these blogs will not just be repositories of press releases, which in the end, will be quite useless in terms of more in depth information and analysis, as compared to propaganda.

As mentioned over at Ellen Tordesilla’s blog, The Young Turks have also launched their own blog, titled, “The Opposite of Apathy“, with a very prominent list of bloggers: Adel Tamano, JV Ejercito, Danton Remoto,Gilbert Remulla, TG Guingona, Erin Tañada.

In all of these cases, it seems, that many of these politicians and public personalities have seen the blogging light, or maybe have been convinced, of the need for them to jump on the blog rush. They seem to have realized, that there is also a sophisticated group of individuals who they can convey their message to, as well as help them spread their advocacies.

But, what exactly will their advocacies be? In all of these cases, it seems that it may be the advocacy of “ME”, which in turn maybe more propaganda material, rather than insightful commentary. I am not at liberty to say, whether this will be true or not, since each of the mentioned blogs are quite new.  But isn’t blogging sometimes a biased look through the looking glass of the person who is blogging in the first place?

In any case, I am hopeful that these blogs, will find a way to give public attention to the blogging community. Blogging, to have an impact in the short Filipino attention span nowadays, must encompass a more calculated sense of bringing online material towards mainstream media, or else, there will not be any impact at all.

The sophistication of blogging as a means to get the message out is just not here yet in The Philippines. This does not mean we don’t try, but this does mean that we don’t delude ourselves into thinking that such a situation exists today.

In all actuality, we are laying the great foundation, for a brighter blogging future in The Philippines, this is why the caliber of writing, the caliber of opinions and viewpoints, and that of analysis must rival that of print as well as that of television.

And most important of all, is the fact, that the sheer number of bloggers lends online material the great distinction, that in the future, if not now, instant information from all over the islands from these numerous bloggers, will provide that great drive for those individuals who consume news and information purely through television and print, to follow information towards the wider landscape of blogs and new media.

AN ELITIST BLOGOSPHERE?

I support these launchings, because it shows that in the online world, there is a level playing field, and it is the thoughts, ideas, writings, and even personalities that are the criteria which makes a blog successful.  I am in agreement, although not as vehement as Tonyo Cruz, that there should not be an aristocratic blogosphere where one one group will anoint themselves king or the sole holders of wisdom.  This is the argument, on many instances, from the mainstream media standpoint, and we all know how much we loathe that conclusion.

I am in disagreement, however, about Tonyo Cruz’s conclusion that it is Benj’s (I’m assuming it is Benj) motive to discourage the blogging of Jun Lozada, because it will bring harm to the blogosphere.  This is probably in response to Benj’s article, but I doubt that Benj had that idea on mind, simply put, Benj is a free thinker, and all possibilities at least should be on the table, whether they are likely to happen or not.

Also, to conclude that Jun Lozada or other individuals have no right to blog, or that these individuals are not worthy to blog, is to promote an elitist attitude in the blogosphere, where ideas no longer is the currency with which we base our objectivity, but where online cliques seem to hold the power on whether or not blogs are worthy.  It seems to me that this is what has happened to DIGG.

But to be skeptical of these blog’s motives, I think is fair game, since these are politicians and public personalities we are talking about.  As with any blog, it is a democratic blogosphere, and we have the right to like and dislike, sometimes without reason, and sometimes without logical reason too.  Such is the ultimate ugly reality in any democracy.

In the end, it may not be the elitist attitude that is rearing its ugly head in The Blogosphere, but it may be the fact that many bloggers just plainly dislike Jun Lozada, and I don’t see anything wrong with that either.  The key reason may simply be his actions.  If one agrees with his actions, through all that hell he went through, and through the Senate hearings, and the subsequent rallies, then his blog will be a much welcomed reprieve from the mundaneness of daily online activities.  But if Jun Lozada’s actions have not merited an excitement to rush to the guy, then it is not elitist, but simply a personal choice.

JUN LOZADA’S BLOG

Jun Lozada’s blog is not going to be earth shattering, although the great amount of comments seems to be contradicting that at the moment.  As well as all the hype about it, as many bloggers have discussed his relevancy in the blogosphere, including yours truly.

Manolo acknowledges the emergence of Jun Lozada on the blogging scene, but as he compares it to the launching of Kitty Go’s blog, his money is on Kitty Go, and I must say that I am in agreement, only because we already have the case study which is Brian Gorrell.

It is my point of view that Jun Lozada’s blog will contribute towards that great goal in which blogging will fully become a source of information and analysis, much more so than it is currently at right now. Jun Lozada, for all his imperfections, is providing that boost, whether we agree with him or not, whether we like him or not, he has taken that step towards blogging.

His latest post geared towards The Filipino Youth, in my opinion, is nothing less than inspiring.  I don’t subscribe to the notion that he should shut up, but I do subscribe to the notion that he should diversify or face an ever declining following.  He has given us all that is needed to be known in The NBN deal, and the sad fact, that it is not his fault that our justice system is so inutile that a mere 3 questions has been the key stumbling block for this investigation, nor is it his fault that we have jumped off the NBN bandwagon, because it seems to be in our nature to do so.  What we should term, the crisis-jumping-phenomena of Filipinos.

In any case, he has the right to blog, let him convey his message, and let those who listen not be subjected to criticism, because they too are following what they see is the right cause to follow.  Let Jun Lozada blog, whether through   I hope his detractors will be proven wrong, and I hope his relevancy will be proven too.  I am not a fan, but I am a fan of a more progressive blogging landscape.

GOVERNOR ED PANLILIO’S BLOG

A much more important blog, in my view, is that of Ed Panlilio, which is an important man these days, not because of who he is, but how he became who he is, and that is through a grassroots effort in politics.  Something, that I truly wish to see emulated in more parts of The Philippines, and maybe even in the 2010 Presidential elections.  His blog will hopefully focus on how he got to the position of power.  Highlighting as well, other politicians who wish to follow in his footsteps, and hopefully give us insight into the workings of such a campaign.

Ed Panlilio’s blog should be a behind the scenes look of running an office from a non veteran point of view.  His dealings with traditional politicians would be enlightening to say the least.  And maybe even divulge a great deal more information, other than what has been written, to how he has handled the attacks leveled against him by such traditional politicians, or those who are hell-bent in keeping the status quo.

SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS

It’s not everyday in the blogosphere that we get such a rush or even a deluge of public personalities trying their luck with blogging.  Especially those who are politically charged as these individuals, but I hope they have done their homework and know the true sense of what blogging is, a more personal account, not just press releases and propaganda.  Readers often want a more in depth look into a general analysis, and often, this cannot be brought about by mere press releases.

I hope that Jun Lozada will provide more than what has already been said through his speeches, but let’s hope he leaves it at that, and not a gateway towards a political career.  He is answering the heed from many Filipinos to keep up his advocacy against corruption, and even his latest post is all about answering his detractors, and because of such a post, I am hopeful that he has indeed found the true essence of blogging, that of dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Ed Panlilio is an important person because of his situation, let’s hope his blog will reflect this.

The Young Turks, seems to be a conglomerate of more young politicians, more oppositionists than anything else, but let’s also hope they bring to the blogging table, more in depth analysis, not just mindless propaganda drivel, that any other politician could dish out in their daily press releases.

The blogging world will benefit from these blogs, but I am already in the conclusion that, with or without such personalities, The Philippine political blogosphere is maturing nonetheless.

As for Filipino Voices, this is something sort of like a grass root effort through an online medium we call blogging.  I am much more excited abut this project because it brings to light, the everyday Filipino, not those who are in politics with hidden agendas to pursue.  This is why, I am skeptical when politicians get to blogging because they bring to the table a self-biased analysis, not that non-politicians aren’t ever rarely guilty of such bias either.

In the end, time is the true test, on whether or not these blogs succeed in bringing to light the important issues of the day.  If they do succeed, then more power.  If not, this just gives blogs such as Filipino Voices, a bigger motivation to succeed where others have or may fail.

And so, more power to bloggers such as Jun Lozada, Ed Panlilio, The Young Turks, and future bloggers too.  This is going to be a livelier blogosphere, let it be flooded by ideas, because it is the lifeblood to solutions.  Let democracy reign, even here in the internet.  Let all voices be heard, let anyone blog — and then let readers choose.

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About The Author: Nick is a passionate Filipino, and a political junkie. His personal blog is at Tingog - The Voice of The Filipino. He is the founder and Editor not Chief of FilipinoVoices.com. He has been blogging since 2006.

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Comments

22 Responses to “Jun Lozada’s Blog, The Blog Rush, and The Elitist Blogosphere?”

  1. Benj on June 3rd, 2008 3:51 pm

    Ok, some Filipino Voices writers think I merely boosted the Bloggers’ Kapihan project with my “worst case scenario” entry.

    On the other hand, BK thinks I insinuated that Lozada and Panlilio shouldn’t blog!

    THIS IS MADNESS!!!!

  2. Nick on June 3rd, 2008 4:20 pm

    @Benj, I honestly dunno, what to say. I saw it simply as an honest attempt to bring out a possibility. Nothing more. It may be unlikely, but before bringing out that idea, I’m sure others didn’t even entertain the thought.

    In any case, it was their conclusion, I don’t see such conclusions being made anywhere within your article.

    Personally, I’m trying to take neutral ground on these launchings, specifically because I am very much interested in what these bloggers have to say, Jun Lozada included. But more importantly, Mr. Panlilio himself.

  3. Benj on June 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm

    I really don’t get it. Wahahahaha. I guess this is why I stayed out of political blogging for so long. People just pick up fights with straw men like crazy.

  4. benign0 on June 3rd, 2008 5:23 pm

    BY the looks of it Jun Lozada is being shouted out of the blogosphere.

    What a loser. :D

  5. benign0 on June 3rd, 2008 5:24 pm

    Maybe he should get his posse of nuns to defend him against the onslaught. :D

  6. Nick on June 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm

    @Benj, don’t fret, that’s the nature of this thing we call blogging, and even in such cases as Religion, where you have a great grasp of these discussion, I find that it can get quite heated as well.

    As I have written, here,

    dissent is appreciated because it is non-conforming, do not cease to think outside the box, that is where the gems of historical decisions as well as solutions can be found..

    Furthermore, write what you feel, not because you think they will be appreciated. Do not be discouraged, because you fear the heckles of the few. Write because, it is your conviction to do so. It is in your integrity of thought, that you will ultimately be judged upon.

  7. Nick on June 3rd, 2008 5:33 pm

    @Benign0, I’m not so sure, that Jun Lozada doesn’t have the support online that he does offline too. It’s a mix bag really, I’m interested as to where his blog is headed to.

    I hope, however, that the great gusto with which individuals have flocked to comment on his blog, will encourage him to blog further.

  8. cvj on June 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm

    No Benj (at 3:51 pm), this is SPARTA…

  9. gloriamustgo on June 3rd, 2008 7:52 pm

    I agree that Panlilio’s blog is going to be a bigger difference than Lozada. I’m excited about Ed Panlilio and because he is fighting the establishment, especially the arroyo machine. I think everyone has the right to disagree or dislike Lozada, I don’t think that is elitist at all.

  10. gloriamustgo on June 3rd, 2008 7:55 pm

    benj who cares if people are against what was written, sometimes people just don’t have thick skin that they can’t handle when someone disagree with them. Who made them right all the time? Just because we don’t like Lozada, they have to be personally hurt?

    OH PLEASE, GROW UP PEOPLE! it’s not kindergarten!

  11. Loss of innocence « smoke on June 4th, 2008 2:29 am

    […] enough that you can easily ignore the blaring political messages of people on - as Nick put it - advocacies of “ME.” Unless, of course, you’re really interested in politics. In which case, it’s getting so […]

  12. MiGs on June 4th, 2008 6:02 pm

    “Let them Blog”
    - MiGs

  13. Nick on June 4th, 2008 6:23 pm

    @Migs, exactly the point of most everyone here. I think even those who disagree with Lozada, have not stated that he shouldn’t blog, just that they disagree with him.

  14. benign0 on June 4th, 2008 6:25 pm

    That’s true. Actually (and ironically) it’s his national roadshow a few months back that exposed him for what he really is, and I’m sure his blogging will further expose the freakishness of his character and nature.

  15. Patricio Mangubat on June 5th, 2008 6:12 am

    Let JLo and the rest of the “Young Turks” write what they want to write. Anyway, this is a great chance for these so-called reformist politicians to tell the world what they believe are ideas that would possibly shape a better Philippines. It’s also our chance to account them with the things they write. The intrinsic value of these pol’s blogging (including JLo) is the fact that we can hold them accountable for it come decision time. If there’s a disparity between what they wrote and what they did in the halls of governance, then, let us take shots at them.

  16. Manuel L. Quezon III: The Daily Dose » Blog Archive » Form or substance on June 5th, 2008 7:47 am

    […] views resulted in soul-searching by Nick in FilipinoVoices.com and The Marocharim Experiment as well as a wistful post by smoke and incidentally and unrelatedly, […]

  17. [splice] on June 5th, 2008 8:11 am

    Res ipsa loquitur! Let the “thing” speak for itself, in a rather different sense, of course.

  18. Establishmentisation | Filipino Voices on June 5th, 2008 12:28 pm

    […] think this is quite relevant today as I note that there has been significant debate about the establishmentisation of blogging. Interestingly, I happen to be in the middle of the book Down and Dirty Pictures - […]

  19. Nick on June 6th, 2008 7:30 am

    @Patricio, I am in agreement with your statement.. It’s an opportunity for everyone to see the inner workings of the mind of a politician.. To let loose our own commentary when they seem to have gone astray towards propaganda and self interest rather than the interest of the people..

    I am hopeful however that these bloggers will succeed.

    I am not in the bandwagon of those who wish these people to fail, such is sometimes the mentality of some Filipinos to hate those who succeed in their own endeavors..

    In the end, it can only be good for everyone if such individuals pick up the sword of blogging, and use it to fight the ailments of our nation.. It’s a good start, a worthy start, and I’m all too glad if each one contributes to a greater discussion and debate..

  20. PSImeon on June 6th, 2008 3:37 pm

    Elitist blogosphere is an oxymoron. The internet and its derivatives, was invented/designed to empower everybody who has access to a computer.

  21. bren on June 7th, 2008 3:05 am

    The technology internet was built for e-mail — that it, the technology was built for communication. The technology, though, while it is now used for selling books as well as distributing pornography, it is also being used to SHUT COMMUNICATION DOWN, e.g. by terrorist-Muslims threatening death to many they disagre with. The technology is being used to disseminate elitist thought — the “I am better than you” (e.g. OFW’s are “cream of the crop”) or the “you are worse than me” — e.g. you are poor, therefore, you are lazy (or “you are rich, therefore, you are an oppressor of the poor”).

    Elitist blogosphere is not an oxymoron because there are enlightened Pinoys who are either oxymorons or just plain morons. Just think of those who view the elder Gokongwei’s work-ethic as worth emulating, or of Trillanes as the best lawmaker for the Philippine Senate!

  22. Nick on June 7th, 2008 7:15 pm

    Say what you will, Jun Lozada may still pull off a huge and successful blog, if he can sustain his writing, to a more frequent and daily post, I think his views have an audience that share his views, or at least will want to share his views.

    His message is important, but his attacks on the current regime, is almost a defiant smirk aimed at Gloria herself. Such is why, in my opinion, many still hold his statements to a high degree.

    There is truth in his statements, but the bigger weight of his words lies in who he is, a former government employee, part of a circle, who was supposed to keep mum on the actual activities of this administration, and a former employee who may have been the target of an attempted liquidation, or at least a quick abduction. The drama he went through, is still the reason why many revere him for his “courage”, which I still say is justified, considering that many in his situation could have done what so many have done, and that is to fly overseas and to be never heard from again, to live a decent life, all expenses paid.

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