Nitpick nitpick

Yesterday, I had a bone to pick. A teeny weeny bone which felt more and more like a bone of T-Rex –proportions as I mulled over it and concocted every scathing repartee that will put that puny bone in its rightful place.

I have been in his shoes, actually. I’ve been warned about posting regulated or controlled content in my personal web pages. And I remember feeling so insulted. It wasn’t as if I made money out of the video of my favorite artist. I was just sharing my likes with friends and other contacts.

So, I know how it feels like to be on that side of the monitor, so to speak. Personally, I think that content on the web, as long as it is useful and does not compromise the reputation of the subject (kung may reputation man na iniingatan) is fair game. The web is our new word of mouth – with visuals. It’s quite powerful, especially as it can also be used for financial gains, so I understand how some people may like to regulate/ control free information.

Being with an overly (entertainment) media-conscious mindset, I always think all publicity is good. As long as you get the viewers attention, then you’re good to go. It is not easy to capture the fancy of this tech-savvy, “entitled” generation. So when I see an online article, or comments on private online journals or on (would you believe) plurk, about the activities or events that we put on, then I’m thankful.

That being said, I don’t find any joy in telling off enthusiasts of our events that they cannot post pictures or videos or music clips that they can share to friends.

Madaling salita, I told some people off. Did I say I don’t like doing that? My bosses’ incredulous, outraged questions were not helping my bp either.

My bosses were outraged that not only photos, but videos and even music recordings were posted on these personal sites – after our numerous requests not to do so before and during the show. Also, they questioned well-meaning contacts as these errant posters were contacts of our legitimate partners. Mahirap na ipasa ang kasalanan ng iba sa mga wala naming kinalaman, kaya I had to do what I had to do.

A common reaction to these types of requests: outrage. I could imagine them reacting, “how dare they?”, “”sila na nga ang sinusulat, sila pa ang maarte.” Again, I understand this reaction.

But then again, another expected reaction to this request is acquiescence or plain giving in. It is after all, not their content, not even mine. Respeto na lang kahit pakiramdam mo e tumutulong ka lang na maging popular etong grupong ito. So, tanggal ever.

I had several emails from a “spurned” “ expert” blogger who pointed out many “mistakes” on my part – from what type of photo he used in his post (tama nga naman… it was taken before the show) to my email writing habits (cutting and pasting daw! ;) ), to being answerable to his community.

Dito nagpanting ang tenga ko.

Sino ba itong mayor na ito?

I am tempted to link to his site only to share how "powerful" his community is. Pero wag na. Baka sumikat pa. At mas powerful ang community ko :P Bwahahahahaha.

Oh the internets! It’s really a playground for the ego, I swear.

Kinalabasan, I think what this “expert” blogger wanted me to do was to apologize for my oversight and for my cutting and pasting. He reminded me in his emails. My gosh, abala talaga.

So anyway, I didn’t dare respond to his messages which were of the courting trouble type. I just replied “noted” and went on with my work.

Not. I just hope that I am not so affected by these things. I don’t always have a glass of wine nearby to calm my senses.