Blogs and Commenting – Valuing Free Speech in Malaysia

Funny thing, receiving comments on the blog. I look forward to feedback, but when I get some, I’m disappointed.

The blogosphere is a community of individuals voicing their opinion via the web. We all want to be heard because we care about whatever we blog about, some care about it more, some less. We believe we can make a difference because of the interaction from the community of bloggers and readers, which, compared with traditional publishing is extremely cheap. Hence, when readers respond, the only issue is, have they read the post. Because, if they haven’t, why comment on it?

Which brings me to a comment I received on my last post, ‘Taking sides‘.

It started off with the following declaration: “Freedom of speech Is not freedom to be heard.” Then it rambled on with demands after demands with some questions thrown in for good measure and finally damning the guy I’ve been blogging about.

You know what? Stop.

First, not everyone is sufficiently inspired to blog and that’s fine. But if you believe you have a right to be heard, then you do it, as I do. To start off your comment with ” … not freedom to be heard (sic)”, what do you think I’d do? So, please think clearly, then put your thoughts into words in relation to the post. If you do not care enough to put in the effort to make your point, then I certainly would not bother to read your comment.

Taking sides

Following on from my last post, Anwar and his drama, I actually read the article by The Nut Graph on ‘Anwar’s imminent road trip‘, and submitted a short comment. It’s stuck in the moderation timespace continuum, so I’ll do a complete one below. (NOTE: You need to read the article first to understand the context of my comments).

It is a sad state of affairs if Anwar’s imminent road trip to becoming the next tyrant of Malaysia is so ‘riddled by landmines’, we should have to prostrate ourselves and pave the way to ensure he gets a smooth ride.

I believe Malaysians deserve better. The reporting of mainstream media is not balanced. Are our blogs following suit? What has he ever done to deserve such accolades?

Instead of being the flavour of the moment, I have a better idea. Be more incisive and take a side, the side of explaining who Anwar really is. Check out Volokh Conspiracy’s article. Can you see the point?