@Anna: I try and restrict consumption of AB’s blog, it’s harmful to one’s sanity. As per a previous comment, I suspect he writes some of his own comments as sockpuppets, or even strawmen.
@Mikie …
I’ll admit to sometimes needing a drink after spending time on AB’s blog, particularly when it comes to his views on same sex marriage, but I also have the same urge after reading articles on Climate Change on The Cnvstn.
On The Drm Wednesday night, guest Leslie Cannold (who rubs me the wrong way) made an interesting comment about social media basically making the point that ‘social media is new and we are still figuring it out, but we will and all will be ok’.
And to take this back to FD’s cartoon.. the artist in trying to be funny, only hit the mark with maybe 40% of blog contributors.
The more I spend time on blogs, forums, twttr, the more I realize how passionate, educated and computer savy a large percentage of the Australian population is.
We, the general public, should be supporting blogs like AB that challenge our way of thinking, highlight the sometimes extremely biased and blinkered views of part of our population… and since we have already started a trek down this path we should be concerned when financial/legal/political regulations seek to restrict or even terminate these conversations. And this is not a freedom of speech rant but more a challenge to consider the existing infrastructure within Australia that supports rational and intelligent debate.
@Anna: The problem is, the regular denizens of FD regard this as a humourous forum (compared to the rest of Crikey) – the AB come-lately’s don’t grasp this, and think we’re being serious.
Did I miss something interesting on DRM? It’s inherently flawed, hope someone made that point.
Re social media generally, G+ seems better structured to deal with serious conversations than FB
Ray Finkelstein QC made the assertion in his media review report that the Australian population was too stupid to make sound judgment about the news that was available to them.
This FD cartoon 100% highlighted that view point.
It’s wrong (both the report and this stupid cartoon) and these online media sites need to know that I/we don’t appreciate being made fun of.
@Mike I appreciate your response and agree that the humor is being misread. It is unfortunately a sign that the tide has turned.. that the days of wigs and painted black faces on Hey Hey it’s Saturday/Red Faces is now a part of history.
But it also highlights this era of public concern for Australia’s long term wealth and political future.
I am absolutely horrified to think that the LNP might maintain govt here for the next 2-3 elections. Major long term political swings have never shown to be a good thing for Australia.
And blogs like AB, love or hate him provide us with an outlet to voice our opinions and concerns and I really hope that they can be protected.
It was good when Al Jolson did it (no, I’m not *that* old)
If AB wants a blog, they are free for the asking from Google and many others. But he’ll have to be responsible for it like the rest of us when we set them up. AFAIK, if you take down comments that are actionable on request, you’re covered by safe harbor provisions. (IANAL)
I liken all his bloggers to dags on a sheep’s crutch—–as they cling on every word, from the guru of spin—– free speech, bull-shit, free speech to Bolt’s requirements. Shalom, Richard Ryan.
103 thoughts on ““All media outlets are now under severe pressure””
Mike Smith
July 13, 2012 at 4:02 pm@Rubinogosa: What does that actually taste like?
@Anna: I try and restrict consumption of AB’s blog, it’s harmful to one’s sanity. As per a previous comment, I suspect he writes some of his own comments as sockpuppets, or even strawmen.
@CD: Well done.
Anna Kae
July 13, 2012 at 4:24 pm@Mikie …
I’ll admit to sometimes needing a drink after spending time on AB’s blog, particularly when it comes to his views on same sex marriage, but I also have the same urge after reading articles on Climate Change on The Cnvstn.
On The Drm Wednesday night, guest Leslie Cannold (who rubs me the wrong way) made an interesting comment about social media basically making the point that ‘social media is new and we are still figuring it out, but we will and all will be ok’.
And to take this back to FD’s cartoon.. the artist in trying to be funny, only hit the mark with maybe 40% of blog contributors.
The more I spend time on blogs, forums, twttr, the more I realize how passionate, educated and computer savy a large percentage of the Australian population is.
We, the general public, should be supporting blogs like AB that challenge our way of thinking, highlight the sometimes extremely biased and blinkered views of part of our population… and since we have already started a trek down this path we should be concerned when financial/legal/political regulations seek to restrict or even terminate these conversations. And this is not a freedom of speech rant but more a challenge to consider the existing infrastructure within Australia that supports rational and intelligent debate.
Mike Smith
July 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm@Anna: The problem is, the regular denizens of FD regard this as a humourous forum (compared to the rest of Crikey) – the AB come-lately’s don’t grasp this, and think we’re being serious.
Did I miss something interesting on DRM? It’s inherently flawed, hope someone made that point.
Re social media generally, G+ seems better structured to deal with serious conversations than FB
Anna Kae
July 13, 2012 at 4:38 pmRay Finkelstein QC made the assertion in his media review report that the Australian population was too stupid to make sound judgment about the news that was available to them.
This FD cartoon 100% highlighted that view point.
It’s wrong (both the report and this stupid cartoon) and these online media sites need to know that I/we don’t appreciate being made fun of.
Anna Kae
July 13, 2012 at 4:47 pm@Mike I appreciate your response and agree that the humor is being misread. It is unfortunately a sign that the tide has turned.. that the days of wigs and painted black faces on Hey Hey it’s Saturday/Red Faces is now a part of history.
But it also highlights this era of public concern for Australia’s long term wealth and political future.
I am absolutely horrified to think that the LNP might maintain govt here for the next 2-3 elections. Major long term political swings have never shown to be a good thing for Australia.
And blogs like AB, love or hate him provide us with an outlet to voice our opinions and concerns and I really hope that they can be protected.
Mike Smith
July 13, 2012 at 5:05 pmIt was good when Al Jolson did it (no, I’m not *that* old)
If AB wants a blog, they are free for the asking from Google and many others. But he’ll have to be responsible for it like the rest of us when we set them up. AFAIK, if you take down comments that are actionable on request, you’re covered by safe harbor provisions. (IANAL)
Now its time for a drink.
RICK68
July 13, 2012 at 5:32 pmI liken all his bloggers to dags on a sheep’s crutch—–as they cling on every word, from the guru of spin—– free speech, bull-shit, free speech to Bolt’s requirements. Shalom, Richard Ryan.
Dan Gulberry
July 13, 2012 at 5:41 pmThis FD toon has inspired the latest post at The Daily Derp:
Dolt vs Murdoch – The Battle For Free Speech In Australia http://bit.ly/MoNpPk
(Includes a plug for the toon as well)
Firstdog
July 13, 2012 at 6:02 pmI sgree with sll of you especially Holden. Perhaps I should switch comments off now. That would be pretty funny.
RICK68
July 13, 2012 at 6:11 pmWill the world end tomorrow—–due a deadly silence on Bolt’s blog——I can hear the wailing of Bolt’s bloggers up here on the Central Coast.