Big Bad Blogger Issue
When the issues about the Big Bad Blogger, The (Bad) Firm, and the Tale of Georgia surfaced about two weeks ago, it shook the blogosphere as amplified by the nature of social media.
Initial reactions include shock and disgust over the revelation of extortion. Some agreed with article writer Margaux Salcedo, some criticized by parts, and a number questioned the writer’s intentions as well.
It gained a ripple effect however, when most found the story wanting of the characters’ proper identification which led to a witch hunt. At this point, it went haywire as names were dropped and fingers pointed, while baseless and highly opinionated; sadly lacking substance and without proof.
Here are some reactions regarding the Big Bad Blogger issue whose different views I found worth pondering upon:
http://www.thelobbyist.biz/perspectives/subtext/397-jagged-jaded-journalist-and-the-big-bad-blogger
http://asiancorrespondent.com/46751/big-bad-blogger-shakes-philippine-blogosphere/
http://chuvaness.livejournal.com/1027404.html
http://www.newmedia.com.ph/the-big-bad-blogger/
http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/i-told-you-so
http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2011/01/our-sincere-thanks-to-you.html
http://www.viloria.net/archives/giving-blogging-a-bad-name/
http://animetric.blogspot.com/2011/01/alternative-take-on-big-bad-blogger.html
http://blogwatch.tv/social-media-news/content-curation/the-big-bad-blogger-and-the-cunning-pr/
http://www.immap.com.ph/news/77-in-the-interest-of-philippine-blogosphere.html
http://digitalfilipinocom.ning.com/video/personal-branding-and
On the other hand, the article had its merit. Basically a blind item that can be dismissed as a rumor and possibly be a simple product of imagination, it is a possible scenario nonetheless. Worse, it can be repeated.
And for its weaknesses, the greatest of which is that it failed to present a balanced view by getting the other side of the story.
Yesterday, the writer published a follow-up response in the same Showbiz/Entertainment section of Inquirer online magazine. Most of the reactions found the article still wanting and on the defensive.
Here are some ‘realization’ posts:
http://www.newmedia.com.ph/goodbye-big-bad-blogger/
http://www.bloggingfromhome.com/2011/02/becoming-better-blogger-and-public.html
http://www.influentialblogger.net/2011/02/blind-item-strategy-on-big-bad-blogger.html
One thing’s for certain – the revelation has now cast a large hazy cloak on the blogosphere in general. And until that dark cloak is removed, the innocent ones are included in the watchful eyes of the wary.
Jonel Uy is the EIC of BloggerManila.com. Graduating from UP Diliman with a degree in Computer Science, he is also the Managing Director of #DigitalCircles.asia engaging and amplifying social media campaigns for brands. On Mondays, he teaches information technology classes at Grace Christian College.
Know more about him at JonelUy.com 
Well said. But, what about the reputation of those accused by innuendos, and some who were even named (not by Margaux) but other bloggers quick on the trigger?
Indeed, anybody can be a victim of rumors and insinuations.
If the writer refuses to reveal the identities involved, the readers then should be able to analyze which of the accusations are “baseless and highly opinionated… lacking substance and without proof.”
The accused, of course, have also the right to reply/deter the rumors and make legal actions if it merits the case.