It all started with Senator Stuart Syvret's blog; the public reaction it produced was what first motivated me to start this website. What makes his blog so popular, at least in my opinion, is the way it destroys the apparent secrecy surrounding States members; what do they really think? what must it be like to be a person 'in power'? Such questions are easily answered when a States member starts blogging.
Of course Senator Syvret's will always be the Jersey blog, however that does not mean it should be the only Jersey blog.
In recent weeks I have not only been following Senator Syvret's personal commentary, but Connétable Peter Hanning's also. From my previous comments here you will most probably already know that Mr. Hanning is in my 'good books' so to speak, however I would like to make it perfectly clear that this website is not, and will in no way become, a politically biased commentary. That said, I would like to harness this website's growing popularity, and the so-called 'power' that inevitably follows alongside, to direct your attention to Peter's online voice.
Started in July 2007, Peter Hanning's blog acts as a means to connect with us; the 'general public' (not his words). This is a great idea, and something I believe every States member should be doing, however I have noticed that none of his posts have been commented on. As a 'blogger' myself I can tell you that seeing this is not very reassuring; are people even reading my posts? am I doing something wrong? is there any point continuing if nobody is 'on the other end'?
Therefore I ask you to spare just a few minutes to read through some of his more recent posts; possibly even submit your own comments just as you would do here. Of course you don't have to, but surely it is our own interests to connect with our Connétables?
So, if you will, you can find Peter Hanning's blog at http://peterhanning.blogspot.com. I have placed a direct link in my 'Jersey blogs' section.
- Benjamin Langlois
Distant Coasts
3 hours ago
4 comments:
23 May 2008 14:34
I couldn't work out how to comment on your site. I had to phone my whizz kid nephew.
Also I think there are more Jersey related blogs than many people know. Just a few I know are
http://tonymusings.blogspot.com/2008/05/uk-and-jersey-party-registration.html
http://www.upyourego.com/blog/
http://baldysblog.com/
http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/
http://st-ouennais.livejournal.com/
http://www.jerseyparents.org.uk/blog/
http://simonbellwood.blogspot.com/
http://www.markiss.co.uk/blog/index.html
http://www.cathykeir.co.uk/about/
Jo
28 May 2008 15:56
Jo,
Thanks for the links, I will check them out when I have the time.
You are correct in saying that there are more Jersey blogs than people realise (I never realised some of the blogs you mentioned even existed!); Jersey is experiencing somewhat of an online revolution in recent months, and this can only be a good thing.
Thanks again,
- Benjamin Langlois
5 June 2008 18:11
I think the "online revolution" has come from peoples desire for the truth to be recognised about how our goverment and local media operate.
People, I believe are blogging out of pure neccessity and frustration of being subjected to, what might be termed as, half truths, cover ups and spin fed to us by our local propaganda machines.
Unlike (most) of our states members the jersey public hasn't got quite the freedom of press these states members do. The local press aren't quite so quick to give us a voice as they are their friends in the states.
That all said I am with you on "not all states members are bad" the question is, what good are they to us being they are in such a minority?
8 June 2008 19:43
voiceforchildren,
What you mentioned is precisely the problem we are facing; there are simply not enough decent states members to make any great difference. They solution will be electing more of them in the next election, which is why every eligible resident must cast their vote.
Post a Comment