Call to Bloggers: Let’s Start the Great Debate on Charter Change

thanks for the confidence, but how would this work, exactly?

Ehem. First, there must be some bloggers willing to participate in the debate. Then, once a week, a topic is set, and participants will post in their blogs their position on the topic (whether they are against it or for it). As much as possible, all of the participants will post on the same day (and on the same time if possible). para walang kopyahan he he. Then, there will be a central post where the links to the participant’s entries are listed. If the participants wish to counter/rebut others, either they post a comment in the blog where they wish to rebut, or post another entry in their blog a rebuttal. Then another week, another topic, until everyone is exhausted (kidding), I mean, until all possible topics on Chacha are tackled. Topics may include adopting the parliamentary system, incorporating a Bill of Duties, etc.

I know it is asking too much to all concerned, but as I have said, it is a debate, and hopefully those mentioned will participate (including you, sir). I think it’s somehow like your Blogs of the Round Table project. You don’t have to be the moderator, someone may be asked to moderate.

Another idea is to create a multi-user blog, and I am willing to host in the meantime (or your own Blogs of the Round Table may be used instead). Invite bloggers to be registered, then they all post on that blog, so that all posts will be on a single blog, not disparate.

Of course, everything is predicated on whether bloggers will be interested.

I might not get to reply sir, since I am on night shift, I just got home and have to sleep. I’ll try to get back ASAP.

It’s called a Blog Carnival. We just need a Ring Master. MLQ3 already is that, in many ways, since his blog is in “linker” blog mode most of the time. Though he is most powerful in “thinker mode” — as he is this Monday.

Of course I would participate. What real blogger wouldn’t? You can even come as you are. In fact, you MUST come as you are to a BLOG CARNIVAL!

Basic mechanics of one format are–

(1) The Ring Master posts a topic and deadline time.
(2) The participants post on the topic and leave a backlink with the Ring Master.
(3) The Ring Master then points to the various contributions.
(4) It makes sense to have the posts occur within a small space of time, like within one or two days.

It’s also a way of consolidating posts from many bloggers on a given hot topic which has some SEO implications for all the participants. Or at least that’s the theory advanced on some sites that think about such things.

But I think the Philippine political blogosphere is still too small for and not yet ready for carnivals. No critical mass of “opinionated-enough” bloggers. Am waiting for the MSM writers to all wake up to the possibilities of blogging or if schools promoted their use more. Free publishing bandwidth from dozens of providers! Maybe next year…

Thanks for the heads-up re: Blog Carnival. That’s one way of doing the Great Debate.

I agree that the Pinoy blogosphere is small at the moment, and as of now the one people who agreed to participate are you and MLQ3 (I think). Anyway, since there are not enough takers, maybe we have to wait, though I fear by that time it would be too late. When we wake up tomorrow – voila! – we now have a prime minister!

The Great Debate can only start if we get as many willing participants as possible. But since no one’s interested……

Guys, count me in. This is something worth exploring. Arbet, do we take it that you’re the lead on this one? Will point to your site for updates…

I agree with MLQ3 as the moderator…although DJB would equally fit the bill.

My visits will be rare until next week. Hopefully, by then, the Blog Carnival will be in place =)

Hi, Attorney. It is just an idea, and I don’t think I am the lead in this, since I don’t have the readership that MLQ3 and DJB has. Besides, I don’t even have the credibility; who would believe me?

Also, the reaction to the idea is lukewarm. I only got two Yeahs and one probable Yeahs, and one declined; no Nays, but no reaction is Nay for me.

But I’ll see what I can do on the matter. Thanks, Atty., Mssrs. MLQ3 and DJB for the comments.

First, I should thank you for specially mentioning me as one of the possible participants. As a 30-year old fledgling lawyer somewhere in the Visayas, it is an honor to be included among the more experienced Manila-based lawyers expressly enjoined to participate in this “cyber” debate.

The topic of charter change (whether revision or amendment, or the various modes of changing it) is always something worthy of scholarly discussion. But under the present circumstances, I’m inclined to focus my attention not so much on charter change per se but more on the motives behind such a proposal.

Hi, Atty. The Bystander (I dunno how would I call you). Well, if the Great Debate pushes through, you may definitely tackle that, specially if the subject assigned is about your concern. Hopefully, if it pushes through, you will participate also on other topics.

Thanks for dropping by.

Arbet,

You make Manolo or DJB the ringmaster. but I think Manolo has declined so it leaves us with Dean. He will surely whip up a storm. I dont know how he wil moderate but I think DJB can handle them perfectly.

Hi, Atty. Lacierda.

If DJB agrees, then good for all of us. I think, if he accepts, he will be using Blog Carnival to create a carnival. If not, well…..

I am willing to do so, but as I have said, I don’t have the credibility.

Thanks for dropping by.