An Opinion Regarding the Cebu Pacific Blogging Challenge Issue

I only became aware of the issue regarding the Cebu Pacific Blogging Challenge today, 17 September 2008, when I visited Mindanao Bloggers and Ang Dabawenyo. The Cebu Pacific Blogging Challenge issue revolves around the condition stated as such, “must not contain negative reviews of the airline or any harmful content pertaining to the airline in any manner.”

Here are my thoughts on the matter.

I think we have to give more credit to Cebu Pacific. The main reason companies are turning to the blogging community as an alternative form of media is because of its reputation for “non-censorship” in the sense that readers/consumers have the impression that bloggers are more likely to write what they really think because they are not hampered by considerations such as repercussions from a sponsor or advertiser.

I think Cebu Pacific is very much aware of the risks involved of possible “bad press” if they sponsor a blogging event, and, I would like to think that Cebu Pacific’s proactive management will use even negative constructive feedback to improve their business.

The inclusion of “not contain negative reviews” is very dangerous, because it is negating the very feature that sets bloggers apart and can set a precedent for future blogging events’ sponsorships, and will surely “bite” into bloggers’ freedoms slowly and concisely to the point that we might become impaired and ineffective. Peace.

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