Citizen Journalism Blog

After five years as a blogger, I have had my shares of death threats, lewd comments and some even border on sexual harassment. It is all part and parcel of being online.

However, on one occasion, I had lodged a police report when I find the person posting all sorts of child materials that are really disgusting. Many bloggers also saw them but unfortunately, our police probably thinks I am not important and never pursue the case although I made many follow-ups.

From these experiences, I know that we are not immune when we are behind the computer. We can be easily tracked.

During our advance course on citizen journalism, we had the opportunity to learn about going incognito. Personally, I do not adopt this method because I stand by what I write and say. I feel it is fishy and dubious to be hiding behind nicknames and giving opinions.

Yes, I have condemned many politicians but usually, I am very sure that what I expressed are related to me and I bear responsibilities for my outburst. Just yesterday, an Adun quipped that I am now very ‘politician’ because I wrapped up things nicely. It is all a matter of how we present our thoughts. I condemned but I also justify why I do it.

However, what is of concern is how some individuals tend to openly curse top government officers and even the Prime Minister without a forethought. It is a very stupid and naive move because no one likes to be called names. Sure, there are plenty of people out there who run around screaming like a spoilt brat.

But in order for us to label ourselves citizen journalists and to gain the respect that we are matured adults deserving of a voice to express and share, we have to act like one. Calling the A-G fool and arsehole is a grave mistake. It is foolish. Online media sites do not give anyone the immunity that we can say anything.

How sure are we that no one is watching the trend of the comments? (FYI, our Special Branch is very well equipped) How sure are you that you will not be made the scapegoat? There is a Chinese saying, “Slay a cat to scare the monkeys” (the dead cat is skinned and hang so that the monkeys dare not come to disturb, thinking it is one of them) It means, catching one easy prey to scare the rest of the menacing bunch.

One of our citizen journalists has been running around with his name callings. I had privately said that I do not want to be associated with individuals like those because when the shits hit the fan, it will spill all over too.

It is not a matter of being a hero or coward. It is simply being wise and staying out of the radar.