Just.

Seth Godin says,

‘If it acts like a duck (all the time), it’s a duck. Doesn’t matter if the duck thinks it’s a dog, it’s still a duck as far as the rest of us are concerned.

Authenticity, for me, is doing what you promise, not “being who you are”.’

Pure coincidence but Seth Godin just blogged about what has been on my mind for the past few weeks.

Individuals who sprout lyrical about transparency, honesty, god-like social media rules, integrity and so forth on their blogs, tell a different story in plurk, msn and twitter.

Respectability requires consistency.

You don’t talk about respect and best practices in social media but call people names in conversations.
You don’t talk about discretion but divulge confidential information discussed in private conversations.
You don’t talk about integrity but ask for confidential information to be shared to all and sundry, tabloid style.

Transparency is not an excuse to merrily list out others’ ‘mistakes’ in an attempt to look superior.
Honesty is not an excuse for breach of trust.
Integrity is not an excuse for being a thoroughly self righteous and pompous person.

Respectability requires consistency.

For you may think you are a duck, behave like a duck (sometimes), quack like a duck and think you are a duck, but we all know better.

The beauty of the blogosphere flows in its fluidity. Indeed, there are all kinds of bloggers – the nonsensical, the bare its soul, the foodie, the shopping fanatic, the know it all, the beauty enthusiast, the kiss and tell, the guru etc. Like it or not,, they all have their own  audience.

Just like you don’t barge into a man’s home and tell him how to live his life, you don’t saunter onto another’s blog and tell him how to blog.

At least, that is what I believe.

I celebrate the beauty of the blogosphere and its freedom and sensibilities. I celebrate the difference in opinions and the diversity of personalities. I believe that people should have their freedom in blogging, just like readers should have the freedom of choosing.

Naturally, the liberal in me detests any form of OB markers imposed upon my blogging though common sense does steer me away from certain topics. I also find herd mentality confounding; when a person with an alternative opinion either gets herd attacked by a ‘like-minded’ group or is dismissed as an attention whore. Though, I must admit, it is true in some cases.

But such is the beauty of social media – everyone has their own opinion. There will always be attention whores who take an alternative stand or criticize just because. They will be isolated with the onward trending of new media and its community. Petty bitching and flaming defeats the purpose of social media and more importantly, diminishes the importance of social media in corporate consideration.

Having said that, when Eastcoastlife approached me to join the committee for the Association of Bloggers (Singapore), I was very inspired by the founding principles, and was happy to be part of the team.

I really like the idea of supporting the development of blogging as new media and to promote professionalism or responsibility in blogging. I know how many bloggers baulk at the thought of certain XX being the front of Singaporean bloggers (though I find her quite amusing) so this might be a good platform moving forward.

Things are moving rapidly. We are featured on Today, several community projects require bloggers’ participation, corporate opportunities are opening up – we have even lined up an eventful year of educational programs, ranging from writing workshops to heritage/nature trails and talks on media law.

The best thing is – there are no cliques or in groups – ALL are welcome! We warmly welcome all bloggers to join us in all our activities, events, outings etc.