How authentic can you get on the internet, part 2

Months ago, I had a long post about the subject of authenticity on the internet. This topic has once again become relevant.

- an OFW allegedly posted an insensitive post on Facebook in the midst of the Ondoy tragedy. Out of anger, “she” was mugged virtually. It was just alright, I guess, if Jacqueline Bermejo is not a real person. But she is. And the issue tainted her dignity. Here’s her official statement.

- this one is on the other side of the spectrum. Mickey Arroyo, son of the president, was allegedly “caught on cam” to have been buying alcohol in the middle of the typhoon. Very insensitive they said. But he denied that that that picture was taken during that time. So, the “poor guy”, being feasted on Facebook, wants to censor the use of these social networks altogether as if we’re China or Afganistan. I’d like to see him head the censorship group and see how he accomplishes that.

- because of the tragedy, a lot has reportedly using fake “donation centers” and asking for Paypal donations. Will you believe these right away out of your genuine compassion?

The internet can either make you or break you. Be wise. Be useful.

DON’T believe everything you see on the internet. Rule no. 1.

Intense Debate

I installed IntenseDebate today on this blog. IntenseDebate is a blog commenting plug in that integrates almost anything that you need for your commenting system. It allows the visitors to log in via Facebook, Twitter or OpenID accounts — and of course, the traditional way is included.

Let’s see if this intensifies the debate. Election time is coming and we expect people to be actively involved in the discussion. And of course, take note of those controversial posts against cults and their leaders. My “Iglesia ni Cristo” post has been the most popular post in the past few weeks. I’ve got to post most on this type for extra visitor juices, eh!

Why don’t you try the plug in by posting a “Hi, this is cool!” post below?

Friendster blogs goes WordPress

Finally, they get it. Friendster blogs migrates to WordPress-based blogging platform. I’m not sure, why, but my guess is that the old Typepad platform is, well, crappy at best.

Looks like I’m going to go back to Friendster blogs and make use of the Friendster “juice”. :D

The Cult of Web 2.0

Tony Morgan’s latest post made me think: Has the internet made us a self-absorbed generation OR are we a self absorbed generation that’s why we created Web 2.0?

Blogging — while there are different kinds, it all boils to one — it’s about me and my opinion on things.
Youtube — it’s about me and my videos.
Social networks — it’s about my profile and my how it looks when my “contacts/friends” see it.

I’ve become active at Multiply.com these days. Everyday, I check who viewed my posts. And guess what, only about 10% of my contacts do. Either I’ve become self absorbed myself as evident in my consistent tracking down of who viewed me OR everyone is self absorbed that they don’t read other people’s posts.

That’s Web 2.0, folks.

Blogging 101

I know that some of you who visit this blog are not bloggers but are considering to become one. Swerve, a blog primarily for pastors and leaders of churches posted a series of articles that discusses what blog is all about — blogging 101 for non-bloggers. Read these and you’ll find yourself craving to start blogging yourself. Even if you’ll not be convinced, you’ll find this series very informative.

* What is a blog?
* Why consider blogging
* Blogging tips
* Building a blog audience
* Blogging styles

For starters, here are the top 3 free blogging platforms.

WordPress
Blogger
Typepad

If you want more flexibility and total control of the look and feel of your blog, you can consider getting a web host (normally costs $10/mo.) and install WordPress (most dynamic, easiest to install and use, IMO).

Any other additional tips for our non-blogger friends?