toot is the sound you make to draw attention to yourself. toot is a fruit that consists of little particles that make up a whole. toots belongs to a tree. toots is sweet. toot toot comes in different colours. No, really, what is this site?
tootlog What toot sounds like: hear it from the people behind this site
Blogger Identity
Blogging is mainly about freedom of expression, sharing of information, thoughts and ideas. This healthy phenomenon started to kick off in Arab countries, and since it requires use of internet and computers it is being driven, mainly, by the younger generation.
Since blogs are personal online journals, each blog tends to reflect its owner’s personality, from the layout design to content. Generally, older bloggers have no problems in revealing their identity, unlike teenage bloggers. In the Arab Gulf countries Arab bloggers –and mainly female bloggers- tend to conceal their identities, unlike bloggers from Jordan for example.
Why would someone blog and allow people to read her/his blog if she/he doesn’t want to be known? Wouldn’t it be better to use closed groups or forums? How can it be a personal blog with no identity? And how does this promote freedom of expression in our region?
But the most important question is why do these bloggers hide their identity? Is it because of the country/community they live in? Maybe it is because they are afraid of someone coming after them (“safe blogging” issue), or is it that they don’t want their families/friends to know about it?
I tried to follow these blogs for some time and did not find any justifications for concealing identity, some of these blogs are very good, but not knowing who wrote the post (or who commented) does not create any personal connections with that blogger.
All that I found was just a few bad words here and there and some nasty comments like “*crew you”. If the use of some bad words is the reason for hiding identity I think bloggers (and readers) should refrain from using them and at least show their first name or image.
This will also enhance the blogs’ quality.
Welcome to toot everyone!
8 Responses to “Blogger Identity”
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January 3rd, 2006 at 7:50 am
Vgood,good luck.
January 3rd, 2006 at 9:45 am
Just want to congratulate all of you for the great project. Wish you all the best!
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:40 am
Jordan: The end of media as we know it. Now toot!
They flipped the switch and the toot went live. How they toot it? They spend the day plowing through a diverse list of blogs representing a sample of the most interesting blogs they find in Arabia. Then, they share with us the most interesting ideas, …
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:48 am
toot toot!
About the project:
So, what is toot?
We witnessed something amazing and decided to start this site! Across Arabia and all around the world, intelligent, passionate, interesting, funny, knowledgeable and courageous people are using the web to make …
January 6th, 2006 at 7:07 am
[…] George at toot also has a similar opinion, “Why would someone blog and allow people to read her/his blog if she/he doesn’t want to be known? Wouldn’t it be better to use closed groups or forums? How can it be a personal blog with no identity? And how does this promote freedom of expression in our region?” […]
January 6th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Anon Bloggers and Credibility
The issue of anonymous bloggers and credibility was always a problem, specially when a blogger is critical on issues that touches public opinion and controversial matters by nature.
Yesterday, Jihad Al Khazen wrote an article at Dar Al Hayat (Arabic)…
January 6th, 2006 at 7:48 am
[…] George […]
January 13th, 2006 at 3:45 am
[…] Nevertheless it’s an interesting point in case. Why should bloggers reveal or hide(Tootlog) their identity? Maybe an interesting question for you (my reader) as well? Because do you really know I’m for real? I could have a pseudonym, stole ones identity or something else. Would that be important (never mind the legal issues)? […]