Thursday, March 13, 2008

Malu Fernandez, You Attention Whore You

She has some choice words for us upstarts in her latest column. Just because her words come to life in ink and ours in pixels, does not make her a journalist. I'm a blogger. Five years of my life and my thoughts are chronicled on this blog. I don't think that's slacking...that's providing intellectual capital for free.

Hemingway, I have said my piece on this one, so I won't jump into the fray. Just happy to report on everyone else's reaction so far:

From Jego:
Let us ignore the fact that she calls herself a journalist. I prefer to call her a columnist, but that is neither here nor there. The difference between a journalist and a blogger is that journalists have to adhere to certain guidelines that govern the freedom of speech. Last I checked, freedom of speech and the "guidelines" thereof cover both journalists and bloggers, and in fact cover all citizens. The principle of freedom of speech does not discriminate between journalists, bloggers, butcher, baker, and candlestick-maker. Perhaps what she means is journalists are covered by the standards of the publication said journalist happens to work for. Bloggers, not working for anybody for the most part, do not have to adhere to standards other than their own. A blog is a private space where the blogger can do whatever he or she wants, say anything he or she wants, insult or edify whoever he or she wants. The only courtesy a blogger affords to his or her readers or to his or her targets is to open the blog up for comments, an open invitation to his or her readers to agree or disagree with whatever was written. A blog is just like any other conversation, or at least it should be. The only standards bloggers adhere to are the standards of the society at large.

From Pedestrian Observer:
It is unfortunate and at the same time a reflection on the liepapers’ credibility and poor standard in hiring a shallow “writer” dipping her fingers on subject she knows nothing about comparing it with shopping experience is so absurd and ridiculous...One is allowed to make a fool of themselves, that is the essence of living in a free country and she can stay that way because she is fixated on accessorizing herself with name brand items unfortunately wearing expensive name brands does not necessarily make one look better. It is not what you wear that counts but what you are deep within that determines your character as a person.

From Carlos Celdran:
But I'm also wondering what's the deal with her smarmy remarks about some blogger of Spanish descent. I wonder who she's talking about. And what is it about this year? It's just one bloody ta-e* explosion after the other on the blogosphere.

From Bryanboy:
Are you THAT disconnected with what goes on these days? I have no idea what it's like in that insulated cave you live in but woman, get on with the program!
From Nightdreamer:
She ridiculously claims that us, Filipinos, are a culture of whiners. And what was she doing exactly? Not whining?

Oh. And Yugatech has awarded her Master Link Baiter of the year.


Related Posts:

Putting on the "Other's" Shoes
On the Democracy of the Pinoyblogosphere a.k.a Malu Fernandez Take Your Cue
Let Them Eat Cake
OFWs Are No Heroes
The Philippines' First Cyber Counterculture Movement, Malu Fernandez, Hala Lagot Ka!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I’ve never been a supporter of Manila Standard. In fact, way before the entire Malu Fernandez fiasco, I noticed that the writing is subpar to other newspapers.

And here’s a shocking look at Manila Standard’s advertisement, based on the “about us” of its site:

Who reads Manila Standard Today?
A July 2005 survey of subscribers shows our typical reader:
• Is a college graduate
• Is 45 years or older (25-44 is second largest group)
• Is a corporate officer, professional or employee
• Owns his or her house
• Travels by air once or twice a year
• Dines out five times a month
• Owns one or two cars
• Has one or two memberships in exclusive clubs

It’s like Malu Fernandez compiled that survey, and thought it was worth frontin’. I’ll be very sad if I learn that rich people are the dumb demographic that appreciate Manila Standard’s articles. Surely rich people should be smarter, noh? hehehe

Jego said...

Oh, you quoted me. Thanks. And Im in the same company as Carlos and Bryanboy. [sips champagne]

I have since made a minor rewrite of the part you quoted. But it still means basically the same thing.

Unknown said...

i salute those who have torn her writing to the ill-advised shreds they really are, but then i don't want to indulge her anymore. she's received more attention than she deserves, especially from bloggers. :)