Singapore mainstream media still do not “get” blogs

From Wannabe Lawyer

The nation-building press still “don’t get” blogs.

Evidence 1:

Straits Times 3 Nov 2004 via myrick

But Nanyang Technological University communication and information lecturer Randolph Kluver disagreed that more blogs will flourish.

I just don’t see much of a future for them until regulatory policies are relaxed somewhat, or until some sort of event occurs in which a blog can provide information the media cannot,‘ he said.

A Media Development Authority (MDA) spokesman said Internet content providers engaging in the propagation, promotion or discussion of political and religious issues relating to Singapore must register with the authority.

These include all political party websites and sites like Sintercom, an online magazine and forum on politics and current affairs. Individual sites and blogs need register only if the MDA asks them to do so.

What Randolph Kluver speaks about is a permissions-based culture. This is the culture that has been cultivated by the ruling classes, up till now. Don’t do it unless it is allowed, otherwise you will be punished. What Kluver demonstrates however, is that people who have been conditioned by the permissions-based culture seem unable to understand the possibility of alternatives. Either that, or the Straits Times is again engaging in its famous ability to mis-quote and mis-report on the facts.

Fortunately, while ruling classes can attempt to use technology to maintain control, technology is a natural symbiont to liberty. Without freedom and liberty, there can be no technology, and without technology there can be no liberty...

Read on here...