Random Reflexions

This blog has essentially survived the Asian tsunami, seen the wording of a brand new constitution and witnessed the fall of Gayoom and his 30 years reign of absolute power.

Yes, this blog has been through all that and today it marks the 4th anniversary.

Even if it is not immediately apparent, the arrival of the Internet and the world-wide web has been and will be essential to the reform movement and activism here. How blogs such as Dhivehi Observer has had tremendous influence on politics and political opinion is anyone's guess. It was reported on Al-Jazeera news network that blogger influence on the media, keeping a check on facts and in shaping the polls in the recent US election was as undeniable as it was important. In other words, bloggers represent an essential segment, an uncensored voice if you will, in the cross-section of opinion-formers as more and more people tune into and rely on them to provide free and unbiased commentary and news on current affairs.

Therefore, I am delighted to see the huge explosion of Dhivehi bloggers in the past years. It is an indicator of how many Dhivehin have continued to embrace technology more and more to shape our future. I believe the influence of bloggers on our country's future will gain strength in the years to come.

Understandably, there will always be people who oppose the idea of otherwise ordinary others expressing their opinions so freely and openly. I have had comments accusing me of trying to 'prove how clever and intelligent' I am hiding behind a blog and not being "out there" in the open. Such opinions are exactly what I am talking about: it is proof beyond doubt that blogs are far-reaching and far from being insignificant. If someone is bothered then we're obviously doing something to be bothered about.

Sadly, I've seen many great blogs and bloggers rise and disappear as they have succumbed to such criticism. Admittedly, the comment mafia can be nerve wracking and stressful. But all this can be overcome by wielding the sword of truth and wearing the armor of knowledge. And it is essential that where they are proven wrong, bloggers, as a matter of principle, must admit their mistake and move on. Where they are proven right, bloggers must be humble and still move on. Keeping the debate going either way is what this is all about.

I agree, keeping morale of bloggers high is difficult - especially in an atmosphere of ignorance. Ignorance arising from misunderstanding the concept behind blogs and bloggers, and what they do in the great spirit of upholding a basic human right and protecting the sanctity of that great democratic philosophy of Freedom of Expression. There will always be resistance to free speech. Understanding this is as important as understanding that different people have different opinions.

I do want to happily note that over the past few years commenters also seem to show great interest in blogs and take time to compose constructive comments. I think this is due to a rise in the number of a comparatively more intelligent audience in the blogosphere in recent times. And the comment mafia don't like that very much.

All the same, comments really are the magical mirrors of the blog - reading between the lines, exposing the flaws in our opinions, the loopholes in our ideas and in general testing the blogger to wits-end. If tackled properly they can be challenging as well as rewarding.

Remember, public opinion, blogs, the Internet are all powerful enemies of the establishment. Therefore, please do not shut up.

So. Coming back to the this blog, I must say, it has been a good ride. 4 years of furious typing at the keys hasn't gone up in smoke in vain. I admit it is time for some changes around on this blog. To that end, I am happy to announce that many new features to help readers / commenters will be implemented in the course of the rest of this year. I've already added a 'reply to a particular comment' facility.

Thank you for the few minutes you spend reading my thoughts. It has been a pleasure.