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’ve heard of that One Day Blog Silence event, but didn’t join in since I don’t blog enough to “qualify”. Let’s see if the domain will one day turn into one of those dead sites that link / redirect to a web hosting site, though, then we’ll know whether this is a linkbait.
I have to admit I honestly don’t know enough about the VT incident. Sure, I’m on the other side of the Atlantic, but I really need to turn the news on once in a while…
I had noticed the use of the day of silence on blogs, but wasn’t too sure what I thought about it. And I still don’t. I agree, silence is not the way to move forward and resolve the issues (in this case), but I guess some simply don’t have the words they feel would contribute to the situation, so choose silence instead.
Very well said! While I understand the purpose of the campaign, I don’t think it’s very practical. I guess they’re trying to replicate the ‘one minute of silence’ that we give to honour those who have passed, but it just doesn’t work in the blogosphere. In this case, words are sure to speak louder than silence.
Like what John Chow had said, I also believe that this is just part of the Link Baiting campaign. That’s the main reason why I didn’t participate…
What’s wrong with the human race? We’re the only species of animal that destroys each other. We’re so corrupt.
Enter the rooftop layout contest. You can win great prizes like money and advertising! You will have so much fun during the contest, so don’t doubt and enter. The rules are very easy! Good luck!
I was thinking of putting something like this on my blog myself, but changed my mind. I don’t really see why I should. I mean, if you really want to express what you feel about something, you gotta say it.
No noise from onedayblogsilence.com though…
Putting up the ODBS graphic is what Filipinos would do as a show of “pakikiramay” or just a simple show of support.
It’s just like wearing those ribbons, black (mourning), pink (breast cancer) and red (AIDS) or that yellow wrist band (cancer). [Unless you think they're fashionable...]
Some people speak out.
Some people keep silent (and will just shoot at anyone).
Both are as powerful…
I do understand people wanting to show signs of respect, but I don’t understand why they would take a tragedy and turn it into their own personal gain, monetary or otherwise. There are bloggers who take important news to the level of mocking just for the sake of hits to increase Technorati, Alexa, and Google rankings… I just hate what the blog world is slowly coming to.
April 30, I did my usual blogging activities. I even put up a new post for good measure. It’s not that I don’t care about the victims of Virginia Tech, but I think it’s ridiculous to show your concern by being silent about the whole thing. On the other hand, reacting vehemently is not going to work either. What we need is action, something solid and tangible.
In the meantime, understanding the circumstances, the background and reasons for the massacre will do. So it sticks in the gut and we never forget.