I just read an article in Newsweek about bloggers in China. It seems that since the Chinese government controls much of what comes out of mainstream media, the blogosphere has taken up where traditional media has been forced to leave off.
Many bloggers have been able to expose corruption and scandal that otherwise would have been forced to stay quiet. There is some authentic journalism going on.
But just like media in the US, there is also a range in the gamut of quality--some bloggers are finding the equivalent of the Enquirer to be more their style. Others are opting for the capitalistic approach--they are paid by the government to post positive comments about the government and issues it deems important.
This is the part that reminds me of marketing in the US.
Some companies pay bloggers to write positive things about their products. Others pay people to go on sites such as Amazon and write positive reviews in the comment sections. This is a nice way to make a little extra cash for a starving writer who is still trying to get their 1800 page memoir published. But it's really not any more ethical than the bloggers in China posting things for the government.
Most US citizens would find it objectionable for the government to pay people to promote propaganda. They would especially feel indignant and possibly elevated in comparison if that government were a communistic one such as China. And they are probably justified in those opinions.
But why do these same people accept it as just part of a capitalistic society that companies are going to do whatever necessary to promote their product? It's marketing, they say.
Yes, there is a big difference between marketing a widget and a government. But in the end it's all ideas being pushed, right? And for that matter, everyone and everything is pushing an idea or agenda at all times. So who do you believe? How do you decide who is honest and who is blogging for the government?
I guess the upside of the democratic version is that we have the option to hear everything, even if we know most of it is a bunch of crap.
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So basically one would just have to filter through all the information and figure out with is BS and what is someone's honest unpaid thoughts on the issue at hand. As you said, for one to be working on their 1800 page memoir and getting paid to write nice reviews about projects would be nice for the person writing the reviews. But not having an honest opinion of something isn't that fun. No idea what to think.. Bad China is all I can say. Bad, unethical China. Ha
ReplyDeleteI for one am thankful that at least we can find out all the information and not just what the Country deems is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteAs for blogging, for me it is like an online diary. The person writes their version of the happenings or incidents – it is one dimensional story telling - you only see one side of the story.
I must admit that I have read several blogs that I have found quite entertaining and am certain that the person was beamed down from Mars and then there are so many others that I have found informational.
Like most information you hear on the news, listen to on the radio or read on the internet, you need to check the information for accuracy and formulate your own opinion.