Comments on: How 35 workplace deaths were exposed in an internet chat room

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:53:12 +0000

Hi Ana, I had absolutely no idea about the controversy surrounding the organs of the Falon Gong members - I wonder if there is indeed any truth behind these internet rumors. Interesting. Hi Fred, Thanks for your feedback. Online interactive media adds to the richness and diversity of the media landscape. But it is no substitute for investigative journalism, which I hope will continue to represent a prominent feature of the media landscape for years to come. Andrews last blog post..Somali pirates - armed guards not the answer

By: Fred H Schlegel

Fred H Schlegel — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:16:52 +0000

Well written Andrew. Access to wide distribution does offer opportunities for whistleblowers to directly expose secrets. However, I have been worried that the loss of journalists who cajole and convince sources to talk, or connect the dots in complicated stories will actually reduce our ability to get at truth. Your story about the incident in China is actually a bright spot. Fred H Schlegels last blog post..Physics and Ideation: When Does A Breakthrough Idea Become An Acceptable Idea?

By: Ana

Ana — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:25:02 +0000

China is notorious for regulation of its media (aka censorship.) It has also worked very hard to control information available to Chinese citizens on the Internet. While online information may not always be accurate, subjects are exposed that may not find their way onto mainstream media. Do you really believe that Falun Gong members' organs are being harvested by the Chinese government? Maybe they are and maybe they are not, but the mere fact that it's mentioned on the Internet gives a person the chance to be aware and learn more about the controversy. As with anything, you just have to be a responsible consumer of information, but it's the freedom to find out about issues that is the key. China and other countries don't even want you to look. Anas last blog post..Critter News Content to be Featured on AnimalRightsZone.com

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:00:52 +0000

Hi Liara, Thanks for your comment and welcome to my blog. Certainly, none of us can control the world around us, but we can control our own thoughts and actions, and if enough of us choose to behave in an accountable manner, then we can have a positive influence upon the world in which we live. Andrews last blog post..How 35 workplace deaths were exposed in an internet chat room

By: Liara Covert

Liara Covert — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:12:35 +0000

Accountability begins and ends with the self. To notice apparent issues outside draws attention to not being completely accountable for all your thoughts and feelings. The physical world changes one thought, feeling and effort at a time. Each person generates energy within. Never underestimate the power you exert over the self and how this reverberrates in the world. Liara Coverts last blog post..5 Ways to reframe misinformation

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:55:14 +0000

Hi Mark, That seems to sum it up pretty well from my point of view. Whilst traditional media is prone to agendas and biases, any reports which we receive from online media are not always particularly reliable either and are prone to inaccuracy or a lack of objectivity. It is, as you say, a double edged sword. Andrews last blog post..How 35 workplace deaths were exposed in an internet chat room

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:11:23 +0000

I think on-line media is a dual edged sword. In an instance like the mine disaster in China a good purpose was served and people brought to justice. On the other hand on-line media is not always as accurate as traditional news sources, don't always have credible sources and can do damage when half-truths and un-truths are reported. Marks last blog post..Contradictions Along Our Journey

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:08:50 +0000

Hi Karen, I think you raise an interesting point, in that the potential for abuse of online interactive media platforms highlights the need for the development of commonly accepted standards in order to guide online behavior. First, we must come to a common consensus as to what constitutes appropriate behavior in this regard before we have any real chance of addressing the problems associated with those who do not use the platform in an acceptable manner. Andrews last blog post..How 35 workplace deaths were exposed in an internet chat room

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:02:11 +0000

Tom, Yeah, I heard about that on the radio just a few hours ago. I, frankly did not find it particularly amazing, and I can't imagine that management of the pizza chain were all that amused either, particularly given the potential impact of these images upon the value of the brand. Their dismissal was well deserved, and I wouldn't be surprised if they found themselves facing legal penalties. If so, hopefully it will send the message that social media is not a platform to be abused with irresponsible behavior. Andrews last blog post..How 35 workplace deaths were exposed in an internet chat room

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:48:37 +0000

Andrew, I am horrified by the deception but it only served to highlight how little I understand about the culture in China. Online media is not perfect but it is here to stay.The impact of arming the ordinary citizen with a voice and platform is a higher level of transparency. I believe that corporations would do well to embrace and encourage the technology even while establishing standards for responsible use. The upside is more open communication. The downside is the potential for inaccurate information, or malicious slander. Karen Swims last blog post..Dubious Deception and other Corporate Tales