an email I received

I got this in the email today:


Hello,

My name is William currently a mass comm student in Singapore. As I've found out you are quite a regular blogger, maybe if you could assist me with a few questions I have below.

1) How strict are Internet laws in Singapore? Which laws would you
change/retain? Why?
2) How much of your blog/podcast is self-regulated? Give us some examples of
what you decided against publishing on your blog/podcast.
3) In your opinion, how has blogging/podcasting changed the world?
4) With regards to the media, do you expect industry self-regulation to
increase or decrease in Singapore? Why?

Thank you so much for your time. ^_^ Take care too~

Warmest regards,
William


My reply:

1) How strict are Internet laws in Singapore? Which laws would you
change/retain? Why?

To be honest, at the moment I am not fully aware of all the internet rules in Singapore, except that we are not to make any seditious remarks, nor persistently propagate political partisan views. Which, to me, are rather fair in concept.

2) How much of your blog/podcast is self-regulated? Give us some examples of
what you decided against publishing on your blog/podcast.

I don't publish podcasts, so my reply is purely about blogging. I self-regulate merely because what is written and read on a blog, symbolises the online persona, and alter ego of the author. I have to self-regulate so that my views will not seem contradictory to the moral character that is required for my job.

3) In your opinion, how has blogging/podcasting changed the world?

Now, ideas are free, and are more easily propagated than ever. This means a lot for business (cf. Seth Godin), for ministry to those in need like Postsecret, personal fame and recognition as a writer or any profession like Opinionistas. And for the internet consumer (like me) point of view, it means free entertainment in reading, viewing and listening pleasure. I hardly watch the tv, and now I refuse to pay for anything e.g. online reader subscriptions, cable telly.

4) With regards to the media, do you expect industry self-regulation to
increase or decrease in Singapore? Why?

I don't think I can answer nor understand this question effectively. But we do know now that the government and its agents have dipped their stick further into the blogosphere, to find that there are many opposing views, against them. They might clamp down their actions, or they might encourage the bloggers to come forward with their views, in a bit to control them, which is either way all very necessary if you were the reigning political party.

Hope this helps.

Elaine