EDIT Apr. 30, 2007 7:11 PM: I just read Ed Lau’s post today about SEO expert John Chow’s allegations that the One Day Blog Silence event today was just an effective but unethical link baiting operation. While I do believe in “innocent until proven guilty”, I have to say that a huge part of me had already been conflicted about the goals at the start. In truth, I was sitting on the fence about participating… Simply put, I don’t believe that silence is the best way of honouring all victims of violence. Yes, silence can say more than a thousand words… but silence is not the answer here. Voice… is action… that may lead to awareness or solutions to complicated issues such as gun control and the growing impact of mental illness on society. Gung-ho to back up your conviction with a donation? Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund.
I put up the graphic on the 29th and tried not to blog on the 30th only to show my respect for a few bloggers (whom I hold in high regard) who felt strongly about ODBS, otherwise I wouldn’t have posted it. I have removed the backlink to the ODBS site NOT because I think unquestionable proof of guilt exists, but because the event is now over. Now… Think. Act. Speak. NOTE: John Chow is himself a pro linkbaiter (controversy = links). 2 sides.
Adieu for now,
Massa P
I just read the link, and yes, what John Chow said makes sense.
I considered participating, but I didn’t see how the victims would benefit from the event.
There are different ways of showing our support for the victims. This just wasn’t mine.
Ulterior motives aside, ODBS isn’t gonna solve anything, but it will (hopefully) get a few to remember and to start thinking.
I still really don’t get it about ODBS. Maybe I am too dumbstubb to quit talking for a day… If some people can take this idea, I am happy already to know that, but no not me…
Kiss
Fendi
The point is that you paid your respects to the victims of this horrible tragedy. Bravo for speaking out.
Since I am doing a blogathon, I felt the silence relevant for my own archives and for myself (since I’m one of those people who actually thinks about the thing they’re participating in on the day). In a few weeks, I may remove the backlink to the site if pro linkbaiter John Chow’s predictions prove to be true.
Tsk tsk tsk… I never knew of a possible ulterior motive of the ODBS til now… I am gonna check the blog you mentioned now and I just might remove the link from my blog as well. People can f*ck anything up… Ok, I give him the benefit of the fifth amendment.
I seriously forgot about this. It was on my link roll for the longest time, I but forgot to make an entry out of it.
I didn’t join the bandwagon for the One Day Blog Silence because I’d rather reflect on the event. I just find that life goes on, so I just posted my daily.
I agree. Blogging is about speaking, so why would we be silent? We should preach!
I was going to put this up in my blog, but decided to back out since I don’t see any reason for doing so.
Like what you said, silence will not resolve any issues on the Virginia Tech Massacre. Why do we have to shut ourselves up when we can speak up against the said issues? I think that will be of more help to the victims.
Of course, that’s just my opinion.