I’m sorry I’m not serious minded enough.

I think the online community in blogosphere is too varied to generalize. There are sub groups within sub groups even. I dont agree totally with what gerald giam has said, not everyone is comfortable with govt appearing in their website. Does he have any anecdotal evidence to support his claim that ‘most’ bloggers will even welcome such a radical idea. This respects both the right to autonomy, privacy and freewill. Our government has done well this time to draw the line broadly and clearly.

on the whole, i do not see how much difference this ‘change’ will bring.
it sounds nicer though.

Gerald, I’m not sure if you’ve tried this… that is, if there’s any particular posts (in your blog) you’d like the Government to respond or comment, post a link in Reach to invite the feedback unit. Perhaps give them the option to respond in Reach or in your blog – giving mutual rights to each other to post the responses in each other’s website?

the elite has lost touch with their overpaid salaries and mind-set. read seah chiang nee’s excellent article in the malaysian star. infact it should be compulsory study for the elite in admin service and schools, including for their parents as well.
so this REACH thing is another cosmetic change – Would it change its spots? I hardly believe so. Just look how they emasculate the online ST forum.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/10/focus/2975672&sec=focus

Its not that the government doesn’t want to project online and even stake a claim. Of course they do. Who wants to give up real estate? The main problem may yet be, they dont know where to set up a beach head. One reason could be bc e-engagement is a double edged sword. If they go in without a strong defensive base, they could get encircled and even end up in an ambush like stalingrad. Besides if you read this,

http://dotseng.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/suggested-solutions-for-managing-e-relationships-between-netizens-and-government-part-1-preamble/

and read close between the lines, you will all discover its written like a giant da vinci code especially in part 4, you will notice they know where X marks the spot, but these people arent telling, thats the main problem as I see it, it all hinges on where X marks the spot.

Once X is revealed it all happens

g

I think the key consideration here is “CONTROL”.

With REACH, the govt have absolute control over what get published and what get censored if necessary. With any other platform, the webmasters get to decide and the govt has no control over what and how their responses are being published.

I don’t think the govt will ever come out to engage netizens on any blogs/forums other than REACH.

This is a classic example of a state controlled media which blocks out all
views and state what they want to say to the people but when a new free medium
of the internet which allow people to express their view clear and precisely free of distortion, control which are independent comes into the picture for others to read they fear the truth and righteousness of reasoning and are now willing to respond Otherwise they will just treat all of you as dead logs

Do they want to engage you or manage you?

Ape – That’s a good suggestion. We could just copy and paste onto Reach and monitor the response. I might just give it a try.

“The government also agreed to set up an independent advisory panel, which will be made up of citizens of high standing and who are non-partisan”

Dear Reporters, Ministers and NMP’s reading this blog.

It would be good if you could invite people from TOC , SDP and the gentlemen from the Diary of the Singaporean mind and other well know bloggers from the internet to be on your board. This would give your
INDEPENDENT advisory panel a REAL Boost.

sure, there will be a response as amy khor says. even an auto-response like “Thank you for your feedback. We take all feedback seriously. Keep it coming! Have a nice day.” IS a response.

only when new holiday declared… that will be beginning of real big bang version 2.0 ….anything else…..

Given the record of the govt, will people dare to go to a govt website and say very opposing views? Those who dare to do so are now either bankrupt, in exile or in detention.

My view is that the govt is trying to restrict people’s views to those that they want to hear, therefore they say you have to say it at their own turf.

Gerry can be the new media ministar ;)

Don’t you feel frustrated and your time wasted when you have actively and sincerely put time and effort to come up with those acts but the government turns a deaf ear?

Guessed it’s mostly a ‘thanks but no thanks, we know best’ attitude. Don’t rock the boat, remember? Hilarious.

My main gripe is this: Who controls the internet? If it ain’t yours, what authority do you have to decide how I surf and read? Unless you think I’m too young to read such stuff.

Gee, nanny state, I think you have serious issues. Grow up.

Kaffein

Well folks there are are many ways to engage, first is to gauge the response whether its on their turf or whatever, either way it will work in favour of Singaporeans, because for starters, the dinosaur has started moving. If it cant prove itself with less slogans and positive actions, than its is a greater blow for first world govt, as the ripple effect will populate throughout the internet world.

Frankly we all have to move forward, with suggestions, that will eventually evolve into positive actions.

Change is the only constant and it begins with me :)

Hi Gerald, thanks for considering the suggestion.

I’m of the opinion similar to Blindman, at least they’re moving and we have to move forward with suggestions for improvement.

You think the govt really care about what you have to say? C’mon lah.

Its ok if the GOVT does not care, but we have to care for our future and our childrens future. What we need to do is to confirm the Govt’s ability to lead and provide a better quality of life for Singaporeans.

We pay them to do a job of running the country and its not at the expense of Singaporeans. We do not want to be told to work longer and harder, take lower wages and dont depend on the govt too much.

The internet is a platform that will educate and connect the masses, and our voices united will echo for a million years to come.

Its ok to give up on OTHERS, but please do not give up on yourself….. or your future to a better life.