Why They Blog Anonymously and We do not
Posted on August 19, 2007
Filed Under Blogger Indonesia, Fatih Syuhud
I keep wondering a ’little and trivial’ thing prevails in blogosphere: the tendency of westerners to blog anonymously; and the fondness of us, Indonesians, to blog otherwise ofcourse with few exception here and there. For various reasons Indonesian bloggers tend to make their blogs and their names known in the google world and are proud to see their traffic achieves PG (page ranking) four plus.
Non-Indonesian or westerners, however, seems to be satisfied if their blog contents are known more than the persons behind those writings. Just a few examples, almost 80 percent of expat blogs in Indonesia are pseudonymous. Conversely, I hardly found any Indonesian bloggers whose pictures, true full names and CVs are not attached in their blogs.
Interestingly, most westerners who blog pseudonymously, or ghostly if you like, are blogging serious topics— politics, culture, current affairs, religion sometimes with bluffing and bashing flavour attached to it— a kind of topic that require us to show our true face or name to assure that you have a good and honest intention of making criticism and a symbolic gesture that you as an individual is open to dialogue. There are few example of Indonesian bloggers who follow this trend in its entirety which are not worth mentioning here.
I am proud that Indonesian bloggers blog bravely; expressing their critique frankly and showing their identities at the same time to tell the one or institution they criticise that they are willing to take the risk and responsibility, if any, of whatever they are saying. And if you do not have the gut to criticise someone or an instititution (government or not) without hiding your true identity my little opinios is: Just Don’t Do it! That would be much better. There are many other topics that would interest readers without sacrificing your integrity and credibility.
And as far as Indonesian bloggers go, I believe the trend of showing their true identity should be maintained, especially whose blogs are about controversial and sensitive issues like religion and socio-political and cultural issues.
Further reading:
- Scientific and Credible Blogger
- Anonymity and Credibility
- Why They Blog Anonymously and We Do Not
- Why Ghost Blogger
- Why Ghost / Pseudonymous Blogger (2)
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Comments are welcome in one of these following languages: English, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Jawa and Madura.6 Comments »
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I totally agree with you.
Thats why I use my true real name in my Blog.
In many cases in my Blog I have been experiencing bad attitude from anonymous people who eager to chalange my articles, especially articles about politic. This is one example:
http://dendemang.wordpress.com/2008/01/05/isyarat-pak-harto/
The guy who anonymous on that article is really believes that to be a credible blogger it doens’t need to be transparent. What a joke. If you take a look at his Blog then you will found that he Blog about sensitive topic.
Thx Fatih for your brighten articles
# Halo Wibisono, there’s some more articles I’ve written regarding this issue. Follow the links below:
1. Why Ghost Blogger?
2. Why Ghost Blogger? (2)
3. Scientific and Credible Blogger
4. Anonymity and Credibility
5. Authority in Blog and Media
Wish you luck!
Seputar Blogger Anonim
Apakah Anda setuju dengan blogger anonim yakni blogger tanpa nama (anonym) atau pakai nama samaran (pseudonym)? Kalau Anda ingin memberi jawaban secara umum silahkan langsung berkomentar. Tapi kalau ingin berkomentar secara komprehensif, jangan komenta…
Tell you what, I will declare my real name and KTP the moment you can guarantee a expat (or anyone else) for that matter could receive a fair and just hearing in any court of justice in Indonesia.
What is more laughable is the complaint against expat sites as having an agenda (I actually agree, some do) but they pale into insignificance against some of the rabid hate sites that out number exapt sites about 100 to one. These apparently are of no consequence.
Personally, I prefer to be critical of all religions and if you take offence ..don’t read..As for politics, they need no help from me to look like fools its like shooting fish in a barrel.
I will declare my real name and KTP the moment you can guarantee a expat (or anyone else) for that matter could receive a fair and just hearing in any court of justice in Indonesia.
What is more laughable is the complaint against expat sites as having an agenda (I actually agree, some do) but they pale into insignificance against some of the rabid hate sites that out number expat sites about 100 to one. These apparently are of no consequence.
Personally, I prefer to be critical of all religions and if you take offence ..don’t read..As for politics, they need no help from me to look like fools its like shooting fish in a barrel.
I don’t mind anonymous at all. Some of them are so well written, and able to voice the thoughts in my mind.
If only we can see beyond the (un)true identity…
wow…
so many ads, I’m confused.
#first time experience always confusing, is it not?