So one day I was idly googling my name, as one might do occasionally, and I came across something a little startling: there is a rumor online (here, at Daniel Molokele's blog, and here, at independent.co.uk) that I am an illegal blogger from the basket case that Zimbabwe is. After rolling on the floor laughing, I was somewhat sobered by the realization that these people may know something that I don't. Thing is, with the scary media laws in Zimbabwe, it is very possible that I have broken some law by sharing my thought and experiences... But then again, to be honest, those laws seem to apply to proper journalists, not bloggers. I just don't know. Seem lately that bloggers in other places are getting arrested. I don't think the authorities here are that repressive, but I am not really sure...
My first inclination was to laugh because such a big deal is made of anything from Zimbabwe... And I think that article was used to further someone's slanted view on what's going on here. What I blogged about (here is where the quote was lifted from without my permission- aren't there rules about that??) was probably me feeling a little irritable, at the time- and the quote that was lifted had less to do with Zim's usual problems, and more to do with the drought we had. Aren't there rules about that, too? Makes me wonder if journalists are ever honest... Maybe we should trust bloggers more.
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4 comments :
I'd be surprised if there were anti-blogging laws in Zimbabwe, however there are obviously laws and means which could be used to silence "dissenting" voices.
Bloggers everywhere want to include themselves in the ranks of "proper" journalists. (Even those who don't blog for a living). I'm surprised you don't seem to have that point of view for your blog.
Anyway, there are no rules for quoting you on something you blog about. Etiquette states that quotes should be verbatim and link back to the article.
You raise some issues I have long thought about regarding the difference in writing editorial and straight reportage, and it seems nowadays (last 20 yrs) this line is blurred. Even The Indie, which if memory serves correct, was formed to stem that tide.
As a Zimbabwean I have also noticed the slanted views you mention, though I'm not by any stretch a supporter of ZANU. Journalists, bloggers, it's all the same. You just have to take the media with a pinch of salt. Sadly most people who consume the media, can't.
Thank you for the very enlightened comment. Are you a journalist, by any chance?
I've never thought of myself as even a "kind of" journalist, only cos the standard is necessarily high, and I just blog about what I think. I suppose that would perhaps be classified "editorial" :)
I am really sick of the bias in the media, though- even noticeable in South Africa, re Jacob Zuma (and I'm no fan), and the US presidential race. I keep thinking, he who controls the media, wins.
No, I'm not a journalist. Just a person who loves reading.
With regard to bloggers seeing themselves as journalists, I guess I meant (more) because of the rights and freedoms afforded to journalists. Your standard is great, so you measure up in that regard as well (thankfully for people like me who like reading/writing but don't blog)
He who controls the media wins indeed. No pressure, but in amongst your thoughts we look to you and others to balance the media.
Thanks for the good reading. Also, did you change the skin of the House? It's nice, but I'm biased coz I like blue.
Oh great, now I have to actually think before I post :)
Thanks again for the comments and encouragement. Yep, I did a re-design, I was tired of the (kind of) Gothic look. Glad you like it.
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