Last night, I was given the opportunity to speak to the New Generation Rotary Club at their weekly meeting. I want to thank the club's president, Mr. Ceballos, for his glowing introduction of me, and the members for their warm welcome.
I basically spoke about my experience as a blogger. Fascinating stuff, I know. Anyway, I didn't see anyone taping my presentation. That's a good thing, because my nerves were on full display. Most of it is a blur at this point.
One thing I noticed, and Que Fregados can correct me on this if I'm wrong, is that only the male club members asked me questions. I think I relaxed a bit during the question-answer session, but what's up with the ladies? Didn't they get the "Keyrose is Laredo's Most Imposing Blogger" memo? I digress.
One question that struck me dealt with a blogger's identity. A club member asked me if something needs to be done to have bloggers fully disclose all their personal information, such as name, contact information, etc. I agreed that a blogger's identity should be available, but I wasn't fully convinced on my response. I noted the fact that the information out on the intertubes can get nasty and accusatory. If someone is making slanderous comments, and can be charged with libel, a remedy should be in place, I thought.
But in our community, where retribution can be swift, anonymity can be useful to allow people to come forward. The fear of retaliation can stifle free speech. I've heard too many stories of local politicians imposing their will on hapless citizens. If you cross one, the result can be unpleasant, to say the least.
The point is: full disclosure, along with some degree of professionalism and etiquette, can add to one's credibility, but I don't think it's necessary in our volatile culture. A lot of information needs to come to light at the local level. A firewall, so to speak, needs to exist for those who want to come forward. It might be our burgeoning blogging community's only hope.
13 comments:
I agree, anyone reading anything over the internet that's not from an established media outlet* should take the source into consideration when determining how much weight to give the information.
If a blogger wishes to remain anononymous, so be it. If they post something clearly against the law the authorities will probably find them anyway, and even if it's just a civil suit (libel, slander, etc.) subpoeanas might be helpful.
And yes, giving out too many personal details can leave one open to risk of harrassment/retaliation from some of our more unbalanced citizens.
I take steps to make sure I don't post revealing details about myself, although a handful of friends know my NMF posting handle here and elsewhere (and formerly LMT).
* when I mean established media outlets I'm referring to those that can be considered journalistic and subscribing to the ethics of journalism regarding verification of information/sources, etc. Which is my beef with the LaredoSun.com folks; not only is the grammar and spelling atrocious, almost all of their stories are one-sided with no attempt to get comment from opposing parties.
politicians in Laredo can only exert influence
or exercise retribution if you are EMPLOYED by
government agencies.. city, county, school districts
etc...
what a horrible way to live! afraid of do nothing bureaucrats... the private sector is free of these idiots
THANK GOD
All Laredo Sun is doing is translating what El Manana reports.
But I agree, the work does need some fine tuning.
You did alright . Vengeance and envy are this town's potent venom ! Instead of praise, negative input will be given no matter how successful the endeavor was .
No retaliation in the private sector? What drugs are you on & why aren't you sharing?
It is true that on the internet, no one knows you're a dog. People have been paid to post comments on blogs. (shock!) I don't think that anyone should have to identify themselves, even the blog owner, unless they want to. It's called the First Amendment, people.
As to those posting libelous or criminal information, they can be found & traced already, so no need for all people to give up their privacy to post on or own a blog.
Felicidades KeyRose!
Hey now!
Thanks.
If you sucked or lied, I'm sure someone would have already called you on. Congrats on getting recognition, you deserve it!
It was a very interesting question posed & I cringed when it was asked. When I started the quefregados blog, I did it with the encouragement of other friends who had blogs (not in Laredo), example of blogs from Wise Latinas Linked and Las Comadres de las Americas, and reading the ins and outs on the BlogHer coalition site.
I debated whether I should post who I am but because I am fairly known in the community, I opted not to. That doesn't mean that people can't figure out who I am but... why risk extra exposure and added pressure when I was only starting a blog to add to my other activities.
Because I am on the resourceful side, I wanted to share some of those resources with Laredo without having to say "hey all, its me" - and the other reason is very related to Keyrose's comment about only the men asking questions. The Laredo culture is very different than up north where I, as a woman, could sit in and share my ideas easily. Here, both sides seem to feed into a male-dominant scene where your leaders are men, and your workers are women.
Don't get me wrong, I also see myself as a "worker" but why don't you ask yourself Keyrose why only the clique of political men stayed to chat with you but I was awkwardly on the outs... even though I know 2 of the 3 you were chatting with. In formal meetings and group settings - I as well as my other two friends speak on equal terms and with no reservations but in a small group informal setting, I am not part of the group. I am not complaining & it is not an affront to keyrose - I only use it as one of many many examples - but I am saying that a blog from a female perspective that is as strong an activist as many men in Laredo will make a tiny dent in the equity of men & women here.
Tis my opinion to agree or disagree with - no beef with anyone but I will challenge the norm where I think it is unfair :)
did you see Jaime Canales there? i believe he is one of the original charter members of the organization and they are really helping out the community.
Que Fregados,
Your concerns are valid, and should be looked into more thoroughly. We have two female contributors on this site, but I worry that sometimes the issues covered take on a somewhat sexist slant.
Your contribution to Laredo's blogging community is invaluable. I think more women need to join in on the conversation. I was disappointed that female participation was non-existent at the Rotary Club. Some female members were aware of the site, and they asked me about its purpose before the meeting started, but our little chat was just that, short-lived and superficial.
When I interviewed Ms. Palumbo at her campaign kick-off event not too long ago, I brought up the fact that most (local) elected officials are male. Women have made an impact but it's still minimal.
This topic could be the subject for a blogger panel.
Summer meet-up, here we come!
KeyRose, thanks again for visiting our club. To clarify and although you did not say it, our club is not a male dominated scene. In fact, the evening you presented there were more lady members than men. Further, all our female members are honorable leaders in their respective organizations, all of them well credentialed and degreed. Surely, the absence of questions from our female members may have resulted from many reasons – but I can attest to the fact that they certainly did not result from deference to any men in the room. As intended during the formation, this club proves to overcome the gender concerns being discussed.
Dang it! I had a nice long response but... it was erased when I hit "publish your comment".
The short version: not blaming you guys or Rotary, just asking for everyone to take responsibility for not perpetuating inequity amongst the genders and making an effort to include the voices not often heard.
See you guys around!
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