WHEN Rocky (Ahirudin Attan) started blogging, I dont think it was with any intention other than to try to continue to practice his trade, ie, to write, to report, to be a chronicler, to document.
He was a practicing journalist when he was writing for the print media for many years. And he saw that in blogging, he was able to continue sharpening his skills and utilising his considerable talents. He is, after all, a graduate of UiTM's School of Mass Communications and had served two newspaper groups before parading his prowes on the Net.
Soon after his few postings. I asked him whether he could earn a living by being a blogger. His response then was straight and simple: "No lah brother. It's the passion."
I suppose this is what drives many of us to jot down our thoughts and, wherever possible, share them with others. The fact that many people have their own blogs could mean that blogging is getting more popular. Judging from the many comments posted as a show of reaction to one's articles and essays, it can also be concluded that blogging is gaining acceptance as a way of communication between author and his audience.
Rocky's blog has certainly attracted much attention. One may agree or disagree with his views, or the views of those who post comments on his blog. That his blog has attracted a legal suit would mean that many others who had not known about his blog would now get to know about it.
Rocky, I assume, may not be unhappy about this part of the suit, judging from the many reactions he received. And he would certainly be encouraged by the show of support he had been receiving, not the least by declaration of funds to be made available to him by friendly parties and sympathisers.
While the news of a proposed fund for bloggers may not necessarily embolden all bloggers, guys like Rocky and Jeff Ooi would feel that they are certainly not alone in their court battle, if it comes to that. As in traditional media, journalists, commentators and writers are forever testing the limits of freedom of expression, a daily task that is often fraught with risks and potential danger.
I'm quite sure the entire blogging community worldwide will follow proceedings closely. And in the process, the country's administration of cyber laws will be deeply scrutinised and be put to a test like never before. More than just Rocky's and Jeff Ooi's freedom is at stake here!
I'll walk you to the courtroom Din.
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7 comments:
Dato'
I wish you could delve on the idea that was thrown in another popular blog of NSTP being a key strategic asset and where this court action of some top management dodoes would take the NSTP, please.
What would happen if in consequence of reckless actions of the NSTP there is a hostile takeover with the new owners of NSTP having direction and agenda which are not compatible with the nation's aspiration. Singapore perhaps?
PahitManis is quiet enough for you to indulge me in this questions, don't you think?
It is about a worry of the small man; and PahitManis is maturing into a fine Blog.
Warmest regards to you and that rocky's bru.
ps Is there any news of Karim?
Can I join you Datuk?
Ahmad,
we all now that rocky has always exercised his freedom to write, of expression, with responsibility.
his blog grew popularly so rapidly not because he was churning out sordid news or sensational rubbish.
i dont think he intended to be "one of the most influential bloggers" in the country. well, not so quickly. i think he was more surprised than anyone when his blog became so well-read that NST firewalled it.
it happened because he was doing what he knows best...as you said, writing with a passion.
salam
...I may not agree with you, but I will defend your right to say it to the last..
Or words to that effect by a British PM.. Atlee was it?
I agree with you, Mat, that this is very significant and wish yr friend will stick it out.
A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures, in whatever arena of life one may meet the challenge of courage, whatever may be the sacrifices he faces if he follows his conscience – the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow men – each man must decide for himself the course he will follow.
The stories of past courage can define that ingredient, they can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.
- John F Kennedy
I may not agree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to my death your right to say it, so said Voltaire, the philosopher who inspired the French Revolution that began with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
More than two hundred years on, we have still to understand and appreciate the ramifications of the French Revolution.
My compliements to you, Brother.
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