The Singabloodypore Blogosphere

*The terms 'mature' and 'infantile' are used in the same context as Steven.

Over at Singabloodypore Steven asserts that the majority Singaporean blogs are 'infantile' and goes on to cite 'Xiaxue' and 'Mr Brown' as two examples.

While I do not agree with the examples he has highlighted and shall explain below, I tend to agree with his general observation. The number of 'mature' blogs which deal with 'important' socio-political issues are few and far between. Mostly blogs deal with inane aspects of their life, concentrating on leisurely pursuits, day's work or emotions.

If the Singapore blogosphere is anything to go by, then 'mature' blogs are surely greatly outnumbered by 'infantile' blogs. I am also inclined to observe that the blogosphere could actually serve as a microcosm of Singaporean's mindsets in general. The proportion of 'mature' bloggers to 'infantile' bloggers would not be out of line with the proportion of 'mature' people compared to 'infantile' people in our general populace. My insinuations about the mentality of most Singaporeans can be thus derived from these assertations, although it is hardly fair to label someone 'infantile' just because one is not predisposed to 'mature' issues. However, it is in all probability that any blogosphere, including the 'US Blogosphere' or 'UK Blogosphere' has a similar proportion of 'mature' to 'infantile' blogs as well, simply because not everyone is predisposed to the same inclinations as Steven would like it to be in his perfect world.

However, what I disagree with Steven is his tendency to relate that blogs should only serve as a harbinger of 'mature' information, opinions and comments. Perhaps somewhat condescendingly, he insinuates that usage of blogs in other forms may be deemed 'infantile'.

Steven fails (or at least shuts his eyes) to the fact that there are a myriad of purposes for blogging. Many choose to blog to share their personal lives with friends. Others choose to share jokes, sites or other 'lighter' material. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. A blog is not just a source for information, it is also a source of leisure and entertainment. It is an outlet for expression, for exhibitionism, and perhaps Steven may not be too well aware, in Singapore it is in many ways a crucial social communication tool as well (due to the primarily reserved nature of Singaporeans). While development of the mind through 'mature' thought-provoking issues on contemporary affairs is crucial, similarly important is the development of one's character socially. If people choose to use blogs to derive that, I would not hold it against them.

That said, to suggest that these people are 'infantile' is also unfair. We cannot expect everyone to create blogs for the sole purpose of having a predisposition to current affairs, or so called 'mature' blogs.

What I suggest then, is that there is a severe lack of niche blogs in the Singapore blogosphere. There are a few with deal with a niche aspect of society- for example Days are the Those, which deals with army life – although most are generally rambling ons about their lives. Perhaps Steven should be more inclined towards suggesting that there is a dearth of niche blogs pertaining to contemporary issues – which I agree with totally – as opposed to suggesting that the dearth of blogs in this niche represent an 'infantile' mindset.

Why do I not agree with Steven that MrBrown and Xiaxue are examples of 'infantilism'?

Firstly, a lot of credit has to go to MrBrown, for being one of the real pioneers of the blogosphere. Even before the existence of blogs, MrBrown was there, as a pioneer of freedom of expression, offering his by now famous Singapore National Education (SNEs). He first posted in newsgroups, and then maintained a static website, which is decidedly inconvenient as compared to the ease of blogging today. He is, in some way, the LKY of the Singapore blogosphere.

If one bothers to trawl through his older articles (in Brownlands), you would see that Mr Brown is indeed a man who is in the know of contemporary events. He presents his opinions on contemporary affairs in an excellent satirical manner. However, what co-transpires during his ascent to fame is his consequent desire to appeal to a wider audience. Perhaps his status as a married man has also changed his outlook somewhat, but one thing is clear, he has mellowed 'for the wider audience'. In a sense, if one takes Steven's 'mature' viewpoint, his content has been severely compromised. This is not due to MrBrown's fault, per se, but his readers, those who cannot accept or understand his more subtle 'refined' articles. In a way, he has become a sell-out, but only if his 'origins' are anything to measure his blogging intentions by. Just like 'artistic directors' who move on to produce mainstream Hollywood movies.

As for Xiaxue, I would similarly (but perhaps surprisingly to some) spring to her defence. As we all know, her controversial, brash style of writing upsets many readers. However, her fame is unprecedented, even when compared to Mr Brown. In other words, her voice and power over the Singapore blogosphere is second to none. As much as the 'mature' bloggers would wish they exerted a similar sphere of influence, I shall make the following proclamation:

Even if all the 'mature' bloggers 'combined forces' together to rival Xiaxue's influence, Xiaxue will still prevail.

And her voluminous influence is one that 'mature' blogs will probably never emulate, unless they go the 'way of the Brown', simply because this is and will always be a niche market and the interests level toward a niche market will never be comparable to 'mainstream' content such that offered in Xiaxue.

However, Xiaxue's influence is also very much crucial for blogs in general, including 'mature' blogs. While some observers have commented that 'Xiaxue is the Tabloid to Brown's Newspaper', Xiaxue's site introduces many to the world of the blogosphere, and while predominantly personal in nature, has also covered issues such as nationalism, religion and other social matters, albeit in a personal subjective way. And in doing so, provoked comments and opinions, up to a few hundred in some cases. While most of the comments and opinions are decidedly amateurish and immature, the crux of the matter is that people make comments and opinions.

Rather than taking Steven's perspective that blogs should reflect 'mature' as opposed to 'infantile' content, I take the view it is alright to deliver 'amateurish' opinions on social matters, as opposed to not even bothering or attempting to do so. To bother to voice one's opinions is the start to involvement with social contemporary issues. Keep in mind that most of the readers are probably in their early-mid teenage years. We cannot expect them to deliver an opinion or comment which is of equal 'standard' as that of a 'mature' individual. But the fact that Xiaxue is available to 'provoke' them into commenting, is something praiseworthy and not to be treated lightly. In other words, Xiaxue's blog functions a crucial entrance point, a stepping stone for people new to the blogosphere, perhaps even a stepping stone for some towards this 'mature' niche in the blogosphere.

*Full credit to Steven to wisely pinpoint MrBrown and Xiaxue, the 2 flagships of the Singapore blogosphere, to ensure maximal provocative effect to get his point across.