Bloggers : Anons or not...it's your choice

1. These past few days, whether they like it or not or whether it is intentional or unintentional, bloggers seems to be hogging the spotlight.
2. First, blogger Ibrahim Yahaya from Dunia Tiger was appointed as the DG of Broadcasting Ministry of Information on 16th March 2009. Although I did know him, congratulations is in order on his appointment.
3. Next, after warning Bloggers, Rais "I burnt the bridge" Yatim feted 50 bloggers to a sumptuous dinner at Restoran Sri Melayu on 22nd April 2009.
   
4. In between the dinner were some unexpected news. Bloggers Sime Darby Watch and Jed Yoong decided to "hang their computers". Sime Darby watch last posting is around 20th April 2009 whilst Jed Yoong shut hers around 26th April 2009.
5. Of course there are bloggers who shifted their shape and name like pade doh @ bengkel waziboy@wenger khairy returns.
6. Then, comes the bomb! Blogger sakmongkol exposed a voice blogger on 28th April 2009. I am not saying that Sakmongkol is not right in accidentally exposing the blogger. But what I am touching on is whether the said blogger wants to remains anonymous due to reasons best known to the blogger. If the blogger choose to remains anonymous, then I think it is quite fair for us to respect his decision. And even that comes with a pre-condition - as long as the blogger stays within the limits of the law.
7. The blogger has responded in away to his "unmasking". Rightly or wrongly, it is not for us to be the judge, jury or executioner. Both bloggers are right, in their own way and both contribute to healthy discussion on the state of the country. I say, let both of them sit down in a round table talk to clear up whatever misunderstanding or miscommunication or mis ethics or whatever term applicable.
8. Remember that in the past, we do come across bloggers who started as anonymous but "graduated" like Zorro who has voluntarily unmasked for Barisan Rakyat.
   
9. Master blogger, Rocky bru, talk about ground rules for blogging. Whether bloggers should abide to Rocky's suggestions is anotehr matter. But at least, Rocky put up proposals for discussions.
10. To me, as I said it earlier, it is the bloggers choice to whether remains anonymous or not. I, for one, choose to remain anonymous. Not because I have serious run in with the laws but I choose anonymousity for my own benefit. I have walked amongst the other bloggers and still remain unknown. The closest is when I introduced myself ie my nick when shaking hands with Zorro in Kuala Terengganu.
11. And what is my advantage? None. But at least I can walk as friends to both BN and BR bloggers. Does big names intimidate me? No. Does being anonymous has disadvantages? Yes. I was once stopped at one of the candlelight vigils in PJ because they thought that I am a cop when what I wanted to do was to see the video presentation on the roles of the people from different walks of life to gain independence. Malaysia's independence.
12. And guess what? The best thing of being anonymous is that you can choose who you want to tell on your identity. For me, none of my close buddies know me. So far, that situation suits me fine. I have no complaints, whatsoever. Because I blog my thoughts and my opinions, that's all.
    
13. So, I sincerely hope, let us all respect the decision of others if they choose to remain anonymous. It is their life, it is their choice...the least we can do is to respectt their need of privacy although we may know them in their alter life. Afterall, even nerdy Peter Parker needs to go to college although as Spiderman, he can earns big money if he choose to...
14. Finally, let me repeat, let Sak and A voice joins together for a better Malaysia. Let the past be the past. As both of you do not know me as I never meet both of you in person. Let's meet on 9th May 2009 at MPPJ civic center during the GMI's debat on ISA : Halal atau Haram. Let us meet and drink teh tarik at Lotus after the debate. And, if by chance you are there, let's break the ice! Afterall, how many will be drinking at Lotus at that time? Surely, we can guess each other's identity...I am sure of that...I may not be rich but for you guys, teh tariks is on me :)

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...
Til