Introduction to Blogging

Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is available on the internet. It is frequently updated and intended for general public reading. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site. The activity of updating a blog is "blogging" and someone who keeps a blog is a "blogger." Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog. However, when one blogs, one has to be responsible. Although we maintain the freedom of speech, we must never turn to discrimination. All posts on the internet can be monitored and the posting of discriminatory or defamatory remarks can result in one being arrested and thrown in jail.

Singapore has seen the conviction of 3 bloggers who were arrested for posting racist remarks:

FlashBack - In October 2005

Singapore jailed two men for making racist remarks about the Singapore Malay Muslims on their blogs:

Benjamin Koh, 27, was jailed for one month.

Nicholas Lim, 25, was jailed for a day and fined $5,000.

Later in November 2005

Gan Huai Shi, 17, the third Racist Blogger was given 24 months of supervised probation. He will face the following during this period.
- psychological evaluation,
- counselling sessions,
- post a $10,000 bond, and
- 180 hours of community service in Malay welfare homes.

So, if you blog, be a responsible blogger!