<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>Original P65 blog revealed interesting personal side to young MPs
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to Mr Teo Ser Luck's letter last Friday, 'P65 MPs will be blogging on', on behalf of the P65 MPs.
The P65 blog was originally meant as an avenue for Young PAP MPs to reach out to the online community, to share their personal views and insights on their work, lives and careers. Although there was always a degree of scepticism associated with the blog because of the political affiliations of its contributors, it was engaging to see another side of this group of politicians.
With the revamp, the blog's contributors are now a group of unknowns. Although current issues are discussed, there is little incentive to visit the site as similar contributions can be found elsewhere where there is greater editorial licence, real or perceived.
Mr Teo noted that more MPs are reaching out through avenues like websites, personal blogs, Facebook, and online chats and forums. However, he seems to ignore the fact that these are merely platforms and should the content on these be found lacking, it would lead to greater disengagement.
Admittedly, engaging the online community is not an easy task, as the veil of anonymity often encourages exaggerated and even fabricated claims. However, this community is savvy enough to appreciate robust debate and respect individuals who participate, even if they hold differing views.
Seah Su Chen (Ms)
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to Mr Teo Ser Luck's letter last Friday, 'P65 MPs will be blogging on', on behalf of the P65 MPs.
The P65 blog was originally meant as an avenue for Young PAP MPs to reach out to the online community, to share their personal views and insights on their work, lives and careers. Although there was always a degree of scepticism associated with the blog because of the political affiliations of its contributors, it was engaging to see another side of this group of politicians.
With the revamp, the blog's contributors are now a group of unknowns. Although current issues are discussed, there is little incentive to visit the site as similar contributions can be found elsewhere where there is greater editorial licence, real or perceived.
Mr Teo noted that more MPs are reaching out through avenues like websites, personal blogs, Facebook, and online chats and forums. However, he seems to ignore the fact that these are merely platforms and should the content on these be found lacking, it would lead to greater disengagement.
Admittedly, engaging the online community is not an easy task, as the veil of anonymity often encourages exaggerated and even fabricated claims. However, this community is savvy enough to appreciate robust debate and respect individuals who participate, even if they hold differing views.
Seah Su Chen (Ms)
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