The Struggle for Digital Freedom of Speech
53
to blogger-politicians, some of whom kept blogrolls prior to the 2008 elections. This
omission may stem from a risk-adverse political calculation, but it does not substantially weaken the overarching abstract norm of inclusivity.
Another concrete norm stemming from inclusivity is the granular and heterogeneous nature of participation in the blogosphere.
57 “ Granular ” means that the degree
of contribution to discourse in the political blogosphere can be as minimal or extensive as one is able to make it. Contributions are also “ heterogeneous ” — the type of
contribution made depends on the blogger ’ s expertise or interest. For example, Haris
Ibrahim as a trained lawyer posts on legal issues, and Tony Pua, now an elected MP,
blogged almost exclusively on education in the past.
Topicality The value articulated by this abstract norm is that the determinative criteria
for mutual- or cross-linking are the quality, relevance, and subject matter of the materials, not simply how well-connected they already are.
58 It is manifested in three concrete
norms. First, political bloggers are expected to be motivated by nonpecuniary rewards.
Second, listing in a blogroll is based on the host blogger ’ s judgment on topicality, which
is crucial in race-divided Malaysia. Most signifi cantly, topicality is embodied in the
third concrete norm requiring removal of racial slurs from blogs. These comments are
not considered valuable contribution to political discourse, and racial tensions are
universally acknowledged to be especially damaging in Malaysia ( table 3.1 ).
59
Table 3.1
SUMMARY OF ABSTRACT AND CONCRETE NORMS IN THE MALAYSIAN SOCIOPOLITICAL
BLOGOSPHERE
Abstract Norms
Concrete Norms
1. “ Responsible
blogging ”
• Double-check one ’ s facts before posting online.
• “ See for yourself ” links to original source
• Reveal one ’ s identity where possible.
2. Expectation of bias • Disclosure of blogger ’ s ideologies, motivations, or intentions
• Readers are the ultimate judge of content quality.
3. Inclusivity in
participation
• Permit comments to be left by readers.
• Grant consideration to readers ’ e-mails/comments as potential sources
of materials.
• Mutual links encouraged by maintaining blogrolls and mutual citation
• Granularity and heterogeneity are expected in contributions.
4. Topicality
• Incentive for blogging not pecuniary, but passion
• If a blogroll is maintained, sites are selected based on topicality or
language, not race.
• Bloggers are responsible for removing racist comments, posts, and
trolls.
53
to blogger-politicians, some of whom kept blogrolls prior to the 2008 elections. This
omission may stem from a risk-adverse political calculation, but it does not substantially weaken the overarching abstract norm of inclusivity.
Another concrete norm stemming from inclusivity is the granular and heterogeneous nature of participation in the blogosphere.
57 “ Granular ” means that the degree
of contribution to discourse in the political blogosphere can be as minimal or extensive as one is able to make it. Contributions are also “ heterogeneous ” — the type of
contribution made depends on the blogger ’ s expertise or interest. For example, Haris
Ibrahim as a trained lawyer posts on legal issues, and Tony Pua, now an elected MP,
blogged almost exclusively on education in the past.
Topicality The value articulated by this abstract norm is that the determinative criteria
for mutual- or cross-linking are the quality, relevance, and subject matter of the materials, not simply how well-connected they already are.
58 It is manifested in three concrete
norms. First, political bloggers are expected to be motivated by nonpecuniary rewards.
Second, listing in a blogroll is based on the host blogger ’ s judgment on topicality, which
is crucial in race-divided Malaysia. Most signifi cantly, topicality is embodied in the
third concrete norm requiring removal of racial slurs from blogs. These comments are
not considered valuable contribution to political discourse, and racial tensions are
universally acknowledged to be especially damaging in Malaysia ( table 3.1 ).
59
Table 3.1
SUMMARY OF ABSTRACT AND CONCRETE NORMS IN THE MALAYSIAN SOCIOPOLITICAL
BLOGOSPHERE
Abstract Norms
Concrete Norms
1. “ Responsible
blogging ”
• Double-check one ’ s facts before posting online.
• “ See for yourself ” links to original source
• Reveal one ’ s identity where possible.
2. Expectation of bias • Disclosure of blogger ’ s ideologies, motivations, or intentions
• Readers are the ultimate judge of content quality.
3. Inclusivity in
participation
• Permit comments to be left by readers.
• Grant consideration to readers ’ e-mails/comments as potential sources
of materials.
• Mutual links encouraged by maintaining blogrolls and mutual citation
• Granularity and heterogeneity are expected in contributions.
4. Topicality
• Incentive for blogging not pecuniary, but passion
• If a blogroll is maintained, sites are selected based on topicality or
language, not race.
• Bloggers are responsible for removing racist comments, posts, and
trolls.