SPH: An insider speaks
I had no illusions about the independence of the local media when I first started my job in StraitsTimes, under SPH.
I knew that my work would be edited, and possibly censored for political safety, and I was mostly fine with that – no media channel anywhere in the world is entirely free from some form of editorial trimming, after all. But there is such a thing as a free press but certainly not one in Singapore.
What I didn’t bargain for was individual self-censorship, unspoken policies and rules, and the stoutness with which people swallowed their journalistic dignity and integrity (because it does exist, even strongly, in some places) to toe the company line. Incredible as it seems, reporters in Singapore do have the same fierce pride in their work as reporters anywhere else; only pitifully and sadly they cannot demonstrate their beliefs. After all its a job.The omnipotence of the CPF.
Its on the cards that there will be a general election in 2010. It’s hard for me to swallow the indignation I feel whenever I see the local media doggedly ignoring its news sense. We have seen it all before. We will see it again. And again. We see it every day.
Articles and TV programmes are edited to balance out pro-opposition views; awesome camera opportunities – like the opposition rallies – are studiously left out of media coverage; banal and unfair quotes and tactics are highlighted and headlined simply because they are tools of the ruling party and the lap-dog media will comply. But the truth will out. The voting public are not as blind as they seem. For those that WILL get the chance to vote, that is.
There are many things journalists see that the eyes of the public are not privy to, and that we would like to report on but can’t. Please remember that when you read an article or watch a broadcast that seems particularly, emetically subjective.
And help spread the word that a lot of us in the media are sorry that we can’t do the job we want to. It may not mean a lot to you, but it sucks for us that for every day, people’s opinions of us plummet – despite the fact that we work our asses off in 14-hour days with no breaks on weekends or public holidays to bring you OUR (or it THEIR) version of the news. We are just doing a job..for THEM.
And for those who think it’s as easy as quitting your jobs and following your conscience – grow up. This is a job. It puts food on our tables. We can all get up and leave, but it’s ridiculously easy to replace us with more party-line-spouting drones. And it’s also likely that we’re doing something about it, in our own little ways, even if it’s as small as writing about and expressing our dissatisfaction with the system from the inside. But we cant tell you about it.
After all, walls have ears inside here too. And some of those ears are positioned to hear everything, sometimes for some who want to just get on with company at the expense of dobbing their own friends. But that is another sad story.
Clearly the pressure coming from the head is overwhelming, and it is no surprise whatsoever that that pressure should translate down the chain, so that the executives chastise the editors, the editors chastise the journalists, and so on, if anyone steps out of line, and that perpetuates self-censorship because ‘you might as well mutilate your own article before they get to it, and in any case there’s no point in drawing attention to yourself’.
Will it make some people squirm after reading this.
Doubt it. There is no soul.
EDITOR’s NOTE: This article is contributed by a reader with the moniker helplessinsingapore, copied verbatim. Readers are advised to excercise discretion as to the authencity of the information contained herein since the contributor is not the original writer of the article. It was originally published on Gayle Goh’s blog here
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New Era on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 1:40 am
This is particulary scary. Sends a chill down you spine.
Sounds positively Orwellian.
Makes budding journalist fresh our of university think twice about a career in SPH.
p on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 2:23 am
Straits Times is not a newspaper. It is a propaganda newsletter of the PAP printed in a larger size newsprint format.
concernedsingaporean on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 2:27 am
url of the blog please!
SnakeEater on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 4:21 am
Vote for opposition does not solve social problem as this is a British Systems of democracy and it is flaw. Look at US and UK. Voting opposition or anybody does not solve social problem. Both side have common goals but the decision making left to the so-call elites has become a mission impossible. What need to be done is not voting PAP or opposition but a revamp on the systems itself. We do not become a communist like China or democratic systems like US/UK. We need our own policy systems that admired by more people from around the world. The future must return to the hand of the people and not the leader. LKY or Barrack Obama could say a thousand beautiful words that touch millions of heart but do everything in opposite to the will of all people when he think he is right. That is the flaw and people can only bring failures down during election or force revolution. In Singapore, if we vote someone and he failed to achieve we cannot bring him down or replace him but giving him more chances to learn. The probation period for a president or PM is too long for 4 years. There is no public report card on the web. Every promise a leader made have to make public to hold responsible for failures. This report card must be made public and I think an honest man will not afraid of such level of transparency.
Time for Change on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:17 am
Looking at the Shitty Times now, the good thing I can see is that younger Singaporeans are more reluctant to join them and write proganda articles.
This has resulted in the Shitty Times having to employ more foreign journalist. The thought of seeing foreigners write propanda articles turns off many Singaporeans.
I am not surprised that the Shitty Times is rapidly losing its readers. After all, the foreigers who come here also prefer reading their own ‘home’ news than reading the Shitty Times.
TR is in a perfect position to take advantage of falling readership in the Shitty Times.
Gerald Heng Sr. on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:31 am
It is sad and depressing to realise that after 50 years of the PAP it has come to Grief and Dementia on our Media Censorship because during the Early Days of the Old Guards PAP it was a Party of Progress and Widening of Democratic Rights of a more just,moral and equitable society as the early Political Campaigns said Singapore should be.A Free Press and Media according to Tom Paine English author of the Rights of Man and President Thomas Jefferson of USA is indispensable for an independent democratic government of the people,by the people and for the people ! How can Singapore be lesser in this respect having arrived at First World Status after 40 years with a new generation of Singaporeans educated to world class standards for world trade and professionalism !With respect we shouldn’t be stunted by a mufflered press of silence on political correctness !!!!
very truly yours,
Gerald Heng Sr.Esq
Metrowest Framingham,MA
Quitter and Squatter since 1963
Kiat sudah lah Berhilang di-Sini !
HongTat on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:45 am
my dear reporter. u got urself into a dunghole, you crawl out of it.
Time for Change on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 7:07 am
As SPH readership falls yearl, so does its revenue. People nowadays have easy access to new media and don’t want to pay to read propaganda.
http://www.marketing-interactive.com/news/13981
Imagine having to pay to read articles by Ms Chua Mui Hoong. Many Singaporeans are certainly turned off. Try reading one of her articles and judge for yourselves.
http://www.temasekreview.com/2009/11/06/in-defence-of-singapore-exceptionalism/
x12831 on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 7:54 am
This article says it all.
sgcynic on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 8:22 am
So helplessinsingapore, how will you vote, I IF you do get the chance to do so?
English Writer on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 8:47 am
Now you see the problem caused editing articles for correct English, although in this case, not editing it makes it more credible it is from a source outside TR.
The problem is that the basic grammar errors in this articles make it look like it is NOT the work of a qualified journalist at all.
Yes, writers are humans and we make mistakes. But these mistakes seem to come from a “journalist” who don’t understand basic grammar.
Glaring basic grammar errors like :
- After all its a job
- Its on the cards that there will be a general election in 2010.
XIIIblackcat on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 9:00 am
There’s a reason why Reporters Without Border rank us so slow on their scale.
If possible, I will love to read an original, uncensored article by you SPH folks. Who cares whether your article is been censored by the mainstream media, as long as it can be viewed widely in the alternative media?
No one can censor the alternative media.
I’m sure I’m not the only one interested in reading your uncensored article.
churuya on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:20 am
Wow… seems like the battle is heating up. Is TR going to force the issue about press freedom in singapore and make the law minister, K Shanmugam eat his words?
In any case, helplessinsingapore’s lament about SPH occurs in any organization that’s too big and entrenched. If you can only lie, cheat, steal, betray to get up there, then you would expect that the top management of that organization would be liars, conmen, robbers and traitors.
noyoro~n
Time for Change on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:22 am
“SPH journalists who are keen on certain news can just feel free to contact us directly. At the same time, we are more willing to help them publish their articles which are not approved by publication by their senior editors.”
Temasek review
SPH journalist should take up the offer. Go on. We would love to read what you really have to say. Your honest opinion.
churuya on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:32 am
a quote relevant to the topic at hand:
“To the people within this system, please change it to better benefit yourselves and future generations, instead of creating a self-perpetuating cycle of at best, painful obligation, and at worst, utter despair.” – Dr Allan Ooi
randomnessinmind on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:41 am
There’s good people everywhere. But keeping your rice bowl is more important. I’m fine with that. Wish you guys have a better future soon.
Substance over cosmetic on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:53 am
A few of you folk nitpick on English grammer in TR.
IS THIS SOME KIND OF AN IMPRACTICAL TEST CONSTRUCTED TO OBSTRUCT AND/OR OBFUSCATE THE FREE FLOWING THOUGHTS AND EXPRESSIONS OF THOSE MORE SERIOUSLY PERTINENT CONTENTS?
Just look at the English expressed in readers’ contribution, should TR also venture time, attention and resources to polish those English grammers as well?
Come on, this is a blog, not a PHD assignment in puritanical English submission for assessment. Or is it.
Quite frankly, as a reader, I don’t care. Substance over cosmetic is my way to go.
Venomous snakes are dangerous on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 11:00 am
SnakeEater on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 4:21 am
WAT?
MORE OF THE SAME TRIED AND TESTED REPEATED FAILURES instead of change and vote for the opposition?
I believe that snake will eat your soul before you eat any snake meat.
Sinkapore on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 12:06 pm
@English Writer, you got me very curious. Are you here to help correct english or making fun of every posting?
Why be so specific about everything the writer writes? Readers like us are not after the english, we want to know the facts and in this case that suffice. TR is not an educational institution, its a news portal and while I agree that articles should be as grammatically correct as possible, sometimes it is just not possible considering the different education level the writer has.
To lesser educated readers like us, we can understand perfectly:
1. Its a job
2. It is a job
Not all of us graduated with a PhD in english, you know.
I look forward to seeing you contribute an article to TR with your ‘perfect english’.
Exposer on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 12:45 pm
@English Writer,
if you really sincere in helping, won’t you find it more meaningful to help proofread TR’s post prior to posting ? After all, what is your point of finding grammatical errors as commenters here never complain about it except you ? So are you going to find English error in my comment to you too ?
Rainnix on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 1:33 pm
It is sad to realize that you are swallowing poison everyday and can do nothing about it. Change, it can only start from own-self albeit slowly but surely. Little snowball rolling down the hill will become giant snowball. Vote for change.
magnum on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 2:30 pm
the ppl who choose to work at SPH aren’t journalists. if they were they would be elsewhere. you really gotta imagine what kind of monkeys would want to work for sites like STOMP.
the ones who are qualified or are really into journalism find better prospects elsewhere. those who do end up at SPH are the lowest ends who lack decent qualification to find work elsewhere OR are there for the lifestyle. the freebies, the parties, the invites, the delusion that they are part of smtg mainstream for the first time in their life (u see most were the wall flower losers in sch who sat by and watched their peers having fun. thats why there’s a lareger number of women at SPH than men) and of course quite simply for FUN.
its not far off to say that SPH will be losing ground in time. they already have. wage cuts on ur employees for the ONLY MAJOR PRINT news organisation in spore shows how far the mighty have fallen.
Kim on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 3:10 pm
The Strait Times is more like the North Korea newspaper, report according to the State requirement.
Actually, Singapore is not a 100% democratic country, it is half communist and half democratic. In North Korea, the power of the country is handed down from father to son to grandson and so on, the commoner has no said or cannot said a single thing, there are many secret police watching and listening in every corner of the country.
This type of system has been practice since ancient China, where the Emperor throne is passed from father to son, even the son is not capable, those who oppose either the whole family being executed secretly by ancient secret police or banished to hard labor.
For the next coming election and future election, LKY will wins hand-down again and again, the Straits Times will proclaim PAP victory just like what North Korea state newspaper did.
to magnum on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 3:56 pm
also for the record most ppl working there are there becos their friends recommend them etc. qualifications not impt. u have friend working there is good enough they will pull u in to work with them. cos its all abt fun. enough said.
SnakeEater on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 4:03 pm
Venomous snakes are dangerous on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 11:00 am
Debate for controlled media or not has slowly obsolete from this internet age. There will be journalists jump wagon to ST from TR and vice versa always.
Voting for opposition will do more harm than goods in Singapore. Reputation that has been built for 40 years could be ruin in few years. I think the vote results will proof that this is most people belief as well. Instead of risky and costly revolution, I think more openness from within as people are more educated and responsible provides a steady path for better change.
Singapore is too small to have a perfect government. Can you ask a hawker centre to hire CEO, CFO, Marketing Manager to fight against Global Food Chains with hundreds of food scientists, geographical and global advantages? We were told that there are not many genius from small population like Singapore. We are even ridiculed as the next generation poor DNA from the first generations of Chinese/Indian slaves. If this is true, the same will apply to our imperfect government.
Political systems is an unchallenged Ponzi scheme all over the world. People who are poor and weak are blamed for their own DNA, family traits, stupidity and education. Country growth is merciless. The policy making process in Singapore is now dominant by acting in response to other stronger countries.
Lastly I just hope that in the end all will still stand as one united people. This strong 5 million united forces ( or potential 13 million) will stand out uniquely as compared to other Asian counterparts like HK, KL, Taipei or Shang Hai.
Venomous snakes are dangerous on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 4:43 pm
SnakeEater on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 4:03 pm
….more openness from within as people are more educated and responsible provides a steady path for better change….? Since when is this happening? You never heard of the term “dynamic conservatism” in autocratic regimes and institutions? When never heard of Legal Profession Amendment Act to silence dissenting views – where is the start point of “more openess from within as people are more educated and responsible provides a steady path for better change”
Where is these more educated and responsible voice emerging in an environment of blunt oppression that includes surveillance camera even in Hong Lim Park? You have an giant elephant in your bedroom and won’t move, so do you feed this animal fatter and patiently wait for it to dump more poo on your bed whilst you begging it to dance out the front door??
And you happy with 13 million here united against HK, KL, Taipei or Shang Hai? Wiping this motley bunch is the goal and success of our economic posterity and prosperity? Is this not niave fiction of enclosed mind thoughts?
If I sweep these competitors from the map of the earth, do you seriously think we got survival in this globalised world with those mob still captaining this sinking ship?
The last Economic Restructuring Committee made recommendations in 2003.THAT WAS FOR OUR LONG-TERM SURVIVAL AND PROSPERITY. The simple truth is that is irrelevant now. The new Economic Restructuring Committee is working on a new road map.
Called it imperfect government if you will as your preferred understatment of crisis management. BUT I KNOW ONE SIMPLE TRUTH – in crisis management, if you DON’T SHIFT YOUR MINDSET (that is a political dynamic conservatism), you will remain trapped in old conventional thinking. It condemned the chances of success as they did in 2003. It will happen again because the Government in place is totally EXCLUSIVE of any view contrary to their. That is we are right and we shall oppress and eliminate all view contesting.
So how to change the status quo? Vote the opposition in. We have NO other choice because the status quo won’t move just like the elephant pooing in your bedroom.
Exposer on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 4:47 pm
Comparing with the cock of ShittyTimes, I find http://www.talkingcock.com more credible ! At least the latter never ask me to pay for cock out of my tax-money !
J. Sontag on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 5:00 pm
If this journalist lives in France, he’ll have lots of things to write about.
He’ll find that in this freedom-of-press and human-rights country where theoretically no media censor is applied, there are other problems such as poverty, crime, housing, job, etc. to talk about. Bearing in mind that France is not only known for her wine, perfumes and luxury goods, but also exporter of nuclear power station, petrol chemical engineering, commercial and fighter air planes, missiles, TGV trains, armament as well as builder of luxury cruise ships, etc.. Unlike Singapore which has to import even fresh water!
When a person luckily gets a job after graduation, he then yearns for a car, then a house, a wife, probably a mistress and what else?
My point of view is: One should yield to one’s fate, or, to quote a French saying: ‘Les génés s’en vont’
DavidSeeLeongKit on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 5:15 pm
1 How the PAP Govt grabbed power for over 40 years, “brain-wash and make brain-dead” 7 out of 10 S’poreans that “the sky is green and the grass is blue”:
(a) thru POLITICS OF FEAR (sue this and that person, this and that newspaper,producing “yes-man citizens”)
(b) thru POLITICS OF CONTROL (control/manipulation of Mainstream Media)
2 Former S’pore Chief Minister David Marshall was dead right when he described The Straits Times as “PAP bootlickers, running dogs and poor prostitutes”.
3 Popular Internet Nicknames:
Straits Times — PAP Times; State Times; Crooked Times; Snake Times; SHIT Times (most popular)
Channel News Asia — MediaCOCK TV; MediaCORPSE TV
janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 5:27 pm
Nobody pays to read ST for its political section, I am more interested in LIFE! So you think ST’s political correct stand will cost it to lost readership, think again..
To all the people who ask for change. the question should not be do we need change, but rather we should be asking Change to what?
sicktothebones on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:13 pm
strangely – someone does not think ST’s political section will cost it to lose readers because she assumed everybody like her is more interested in LIFE – what to eat, where to shop and where to go. I don’t think we are the ones who need to think again.
Regarding the statement `To all the people who ask for change. the question should not be do we need change, but rather we should be asking Change to what?. – this sounds like rehashed rhetoric like `don’t criticise unless you have a better constructive alternative’ crap that is dished out by the estab drones. OR similar to `if you don’t like it here, why don’t you leave whenever someone brings out some defect in the system.’
To me, the pertinent question is still we DO need change and not be side-tracked by this red-herring that we should not ask for change unless we have something constructively better?
Chua Mui Mui on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:54 pm
After LKY, who will be as regarded?
What i mean is, Change is Inevitable, really.
janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:55 pm
u r being illogical, we need to change from A to B or A to C, we can’t change from A to..Nothing.
If my argument on ST is flaw. and since everyone know that ST is a mouth peice of the Gov. Can you explain why ppl still buy ST?
More interest in LIFE or lies? on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 7:23 pm
@ janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 5:27 pm
….”.Nobody pays to read ST for its political section, I am more interested in LIFE! So you think ST’s political correct stand will cost it to lost readership, think again…”
Diabolical of cross-purpose thoughts there or simply a cobweb of deception?
More interested in LIFE!????
But a persistent pest of blogging the political threads to even pretending you are the editor commenting on quality of TR publishing on subject – political.
Where did you get any knowledge of politics to be of meaningful contributor here other than constant nitpicking?
Or is it fictional writings to entertain us?
sicktothebones on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 7:45 pm
i don’t buy ST. many ppl don’t buy ST. We need change from the status quo to a less autocratic top-down paternalistic style of govt. And that is not changing to NOTHING – the poster’s words not mine.
Too much reading LIFE may not be too healthy.
Seriously on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 7:54 pm
Chua Mui Mui on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:54 pm
After LKY, who will be as regarded?
What a dumb question. The answer is ME!
More interest in LIFE or lies? on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 7:59 pm
@janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:55 pm
Can you explain why ppl still buy ST?
I thought you said you are “more interested in LIFE!”.
So is it not YOUR good answer in explanation that others might be the same as YOU or is it YOUR OBVIOUS CONFUSED THOUGHTS playing up the sanity of your critical thoughts again?
'Mat on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 8:42 pm
This article shows how frustrated and unhappy some SPH staff are with the press subjugating itself to the will and service of the PAP. The agony expressed is quite understandable. So is their need to carry on in their misery as “it puts food on the table”. It is sad that they are caught in a no-win situation.
All delegates to the APEC Meeting should be encouraged to read this piece in order to arrive at a better understanding of the political situation and the unprofessional relationship the press has with the PAP.
Anomyous on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 9:32 pm
Yeah yeah, heard this kind of crap from SPH journalist before. We need a job too. We need to feed our families. SO WHAT?
YOU made a choice to become a journalist for SPH. The damn author admitted that he/she already knew that SPH was a screwed up organization with no free press to begin with. So with that in mind, why join in the first place?
Sorry, but the “I need to feed myself and my kids” argument doesn’t hold water here. YOU can always find another job. YOU could have always not started down the journalist path. I’m sure the Nazi collaborators of WW2 cited the same reasons of needing to survive and keep their families safe. It is a POOR EXCUSE to justify what you are doing.
Yes, it is not going to be easy, but since when is life easy? Damn journalist prostitutes.
tojanetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 9:37 pm
“If my argument on ST is flaw. and since everyone know that ST is a mouth peice of the Gov. Can you explain why ppl still buy ST?”
bcos its the only major english publication in spore (minus BT and TNP). try to remember all the competitions were steadily wiped out for decades leaving ST as the longest running and hence recognisable publication left in spore. try not to put ur foot in ur mouth next time.
David on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 9:44 pm
A true journlist only write fairly in the new media. I pity SPH workers, every time they write a pro-pap articles, they are doing Singapore a great diservice. I wonder if they sleep with sleeping pill at night.
x12831 on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:15 pm
//janetnt
The answer to your rhetorical question “…Change to what?” is simple: checks and balances, and accountability. That is the expected role of the elected opposition in parliament. Perhaps it is difficult for Singaporeans to appreciate that after decades of one-party rule.
btan on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:28 pm
It’s never a secret that while we condemned the MSM for its pro-PAP content, we know that there are many young and promising journalist had to sell their souls in order to make a living. After all, where else can they work as journalist?
Our condemnation of MSM has always been directed at the leaders and the helmers who chose to follow PAP as a mouthpiece and run the organisation like a mouthpiece. What else can you expect when some of the heads of these organisation are ex-ISD employees?
To those journalist who has not choice but to play the part of the mouthpiece, you can don on your cape by night and publish your REAL articles via way of TR and other online sites should you chose to do so.
Take up the challenge to show that you truly are not a stooge of PAP. Use your talents for the cause of good.
fpc on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 10:51 pm
self pitying idoit.
You choose to self censor.
You pay the price.
fpc on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 11:40 pm
He said something good:
That he is replaceable.
That is a common strategy by the PAP to coerce people to act for PAP.
PAP people are no different from bandits.
They just don’t get caught by the international media that’s all.
Now they are doing the technique on a massive skill through liberal immigration policy so that they can replace singaporean votes.
They basically got sick of lying to singaporeans and just want to squeeze us out.
I wonder how many realise this and decide to give them all kinds of shit during voting time.
janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 11:41 pm
yes because ST is the only major eng paper so people will still buy. No ones going to boycott it, or at least it won’t be a big enoug number to make any diff.
Many people don’t buy ST? What evidence do you have? if most ppl don’t buy ST, they would had gone the way of STREATS long ago. Most ppl still need ST for the classified ad, LIFE, gossips, movie review etc etc. yes yes there are many alternate out there, but none can totally replace ST. Be realistic, ST is going to stay no matter how much you post here.
to more interested in life guy:
Sorry I don’t understand what you are talking about.
come to think of it, I am sure TR will never release the name of the insider, so how would we ever know if this article is real?
Vote4Opposition on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 12:57 am
“IT’S ON THE CARDS THAT THERE WILL BE A GENERAL ELECTIONS 2010.”
Exposer on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 1:30 am
“come to think of it, I am sure TR will never release the name of the insider, so how would we ever know if this article is real?”
Even if the insider is real and release his name, so what ? Does that going to make you any smarter ?
Rainnix on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 1:56 am
@janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:55 pm
You asked “Can you explain why ppl still buy ST?” I cannot say about others, but I buy ST for my dog to shit on. Don’t know why my dog likes ST, it seems that it can’t shit on other papers. Tried and tested.
fpc on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 2:12 am
//janetnt
Yeah right, there are more and more people reading and buying ST?
I don’t think the increase readership come from the Chinese Fts.
I for one don’t buy ST.
reader on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 2:28 am
Dear janetnt:
You ask what we can change to. And you ask about the quality of B & C as potential replacements for A.
But the problem is, A does not need to be replaced. At least not totally. You are making an “all-or-nothing” fallacy, assuming that Chee Soon Juan & James Gomez will end up leading Singapore if we vote them in.
But common sense will tell us that PAP will never be voted out totally. In fact, their power base is so strong that they will likely retain majority for the foreseeable future.
Thus the purpose of voting in the likes of CSJ and James Gomez is to provide checks and balances in parliament; to let them serve as dissenting voices so that every issue is well debated and every policy is well tuned.
Which is exactly what Singapore sorely need now.
qussl3 on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 3:08 am
Wanna actually do something about it?
Tell your friends and colleagues about other local news sources.
As long as the incumbents have a stranglehold on the flow of information, nothing will change. People in aggregate have always been sleep, the media is the staff by which the shepherds lead.
I applaud how hard the TR trying to change the current state of things, but i hope the TR isnt reduced to nothing more than an anti PAP mouthpiece, cos if that were so, the majority will never take it seriously. Just report the facts and let the people make their won judgment.
Time for Change on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 3:25 am
I have also noticed that in recent years, when circulation figures had shown stagnation or declines, the Straits Times had increasingly been emphasising on “readership” rather than “audited circulation.”
Seah Chiang Nee
http://www.littlespeck.com/media/2006/Media-061024.htm
Elfred on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 10:44 am
Simple… No wonder so many news ‘leaked’. Some would have released their news from inofficial manner.
Hahahahahahahaha…
Mine, I love this bloody cool era. It’s like a Black-White show~
deoxin on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 11:08 am
@reader on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 2:28 am
This is Misleading =>
==> “Thus the purpose of voting in the likes of CSJ and James Gomez is to provide checks and balances in parliament; to let them serve as dissenting voices so that every issue is well debated and every policy is well tuned.” <==
when/if opposition contests enuf seats like previous election, they MAY WELL BE the gahmen.
so, when u vote for opposition u must be really sure that u r comfortable with the idea of replacing Multi-Millions-Dollar-Salary PM LEE with Multi-Millions-Dollar PM LOW.
5-6 years is long waiting time to undo ur vote.
We don't want you around anymore on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 12:42 pm
Who says the incumbent EVER has the monopoly of wisdom.
Show us the proof.
Look at all those monstrous policy failures – massive influx of migration, housing crisis and an economy on the knife’s edge, anybody else is better!
Who needs their company a day longer?
Vote opposition to take over the Government to find new directions.
More interest in LIFE or lies? on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 4:37 pm
janetnt on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 11:41 pm
Of course, you can’t understand! You can’t explain your queer behaviour of self-contradiction and posting preaching.
Need I say anymore?
janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 8:56 pm
http://i-speak.blogdrive.com/archive/157.html
wow this is very interesting indeed. anyone else care to comment or rant?
dear Reader,
As one voter,i have to look at it from a micro point of view, not just marco. On one hand i have minster mp who do a lousy job as a minister. maked some mistake with my town council fund. But overall still did some work over the last 5 years. On the other hand, i have a guy, which i only know of a couple of months ago who rant and rant and rant with no solution to anything. Now who should i vote/invest/trust the next 5 years of me and my family’s future in? lets be honest, its not a easy choice.
janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:12 pm
To clarified, it will be a difficult choice to vote only for responsible voter. for people who are scenes-less and anti pap(not matter wat the matter is) then the choice is very simple.
For the record, I will vote AGAINST Wong Kang Sing, Raymond Lim, Lee Bee Hwa and maybe just maybe Cynthia Phua the moment a at least decent opposition member steps up, yes please please do appear soon my hero. Waiting…
moron on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:45 pm
You know that this article has been plagiarized and mangled and you’re not taking it down? You stupid or what?
Absolutely no integrity.
Anon on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:47 pm
2 + 2 = 5
The Straits Times distorts facts to push their agenda
Seems the Temasek Review isn’t above that either, eh?
Will this comment be published, or censored, because speech is never free anyway?
admin on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:51 pm
Hi all,
It was stated clearly in the first place that the article was taken from another secondary source. – contributed by a reader helplessinsingapore.
Our editor who posted it did not know it was from Gayle’s blog. Otherwise, he would have included the link to her blog as is our usual practice. Our long-term readers will attest to the fact that we never reproduce any article not written by us without quoting the source.
Anyway, Gayle has already contacted us and she had given us the permission to continue putting up the article, so are there anybody who still want to make any more noise here? A simple comment to point out the source will suffice. There is no need to kick up a fuss.
Anonymous on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:53 pm
janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:12 pm
Since it involved a GRC, I vote opposition. Nothing to consider.
janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 9:56 pm
I notice that a few extra lines was added here and there e.g. ‘But there is such a thing as a free press but certainly not one in Singapore.’
Could you also verified if this was and an amended/modified/revised article?
Are the new content added in by the contributor or the original writer?
janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 10:09 pm
@Anonymous,
If Thio Su Mien is running against say George Yeo. Who do you vote for?
@admin,
Should permission be sought from the original SPH writer instead of Gayle who only obtain permission to publish on her blog? Unless Gayle has already obtain permission from the writer on your behalf then i withdraw my comment and apologies
Anonymous on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 10:22 pm
@ janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 10:09 pm
If it is a NON-GRC contest, different metric apply.
janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 10:55 pm
@anonymous
Then can you list your choice in both GRC and NON GRC instance and explain why?
fair and square on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 11:18 pm
for some years now,the only worthy read from SPH is 8-days!
folks @sph seem to do a better job tabloid types!
that way,i really saved money sgd 2 per week against 90 cts
weekdays and sgd1 weekends…and that is because of more
advertisements which i thought paid for.
deoxin on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 11:23 pm
well .. TR has rectified the issue with note & link & Gayle’s permission; i think it should suffice. dont make mountain out of a mole, just say: it’s a big mole u hv there. hehehe.
mmh… the Gayle’s blog version ends with:
“………..
And it’s also likely that we’re doing something about it, in our own little ways, even if it’s as small as writing about and expressing our dissatisfaction with the system from the inside.
Don’t give up on us. We haven’t given up on our ideals.”
i tot ..the quote above is very reasonable conclusion. people shouldn’t just labelled those ‘inside the system’ or ‘follow the system’ as “brainwashed by PAP”, “blind obedient”, etc etc + vulgarities.
everyone has their own ideals n their own ideas on achieving those ideals.
Gayle Goh on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 11:36 pm
New content was indeed added to this article. While I have lost touch with my original source, the poor grammar and incoherency of the additions lead me to strongly believe that they were made by helplessinsingapore, who plagiarised this letter, and some of my own writing as well. I’d just like to make that very clear, as I highly respect the integrity of the original article.
Anonymous on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 12:14 am
@ janetnt on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 10:55 pm
Read what I wrote in this thread. Nothing complicated in the English, right?
anon on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 12:35 am
The common grouse here is that the msm is largely one-sided. Sadly, I don’t see any difference with the alternative.
I’d enjoy a balanced piece that gives credit where due, and dispenses criticism when called for. I don’t believe any issue can be so lop-sided and straightforward to invite endless glorification or damnation.
I don’t think I’ve seen critical objectivity in any alternative media. Neither do I see that in any media, even those abroad. The press isn’t as free as you think.
An objective media is a simple-minded farce. The only neutral reporter is the suspicious and inquisitive one in your mind telling you to relook again at the issue from all angles. If there’s no maturity to hold your emotions and rethink, then woe be to free speech.
togaylegoh on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 1:53 am
gayle goh, u need to grow up. freaking out and accusing TR of plagiarism on ur facebook just smacks of a hormonal twat. 5 status updates condemning TR horrendously in ONE DAY instead of waiting patiently for a reply is just borderline psycho behaviour. u urself were an online blogger so dont bother calling the kettle black.
there’s nothing exceptional about this article and ex SPH staff willing to speak aren’t difficult to find. TR has not and will never plagiarise any article. it was an honest mistake on their part. just a reality check here, not everyone knows of ur blog so dont blame TR for not knowing it came from you. and like i said, there’s nothing exceptional here. there’s so much more that TR can offer.
Gayle Goh on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 2:23 am
I have never accused TR of plagiarism; I said that they had posted a plagiarised article submitted by helplessinsingapore. It was helplessinsingapore I was especially angry at. The multiple status updates were prompted by the sudden loss of access for all IP addresses in my area to the Temasek Review site, which looked awfully suspicious. TR has said that they did not block my IP address, and I am not interested in contesting this claim. For me, the matter rests here.
As for calling the kettle black, I’m not sure what you’re saying there. Are you saying that I’m accusing them of being online bloggers? If so, then why yes, I do see them as online bloggers, and as such I believe they should be careful with what they publish. Online media already has mud slung at it from different sources, accusing it of being non-credible, irresponsible and dishonest. I think organisations like Temasek Review do a great job, generally, but that they also need to be aware of the demands of their responsibilities, especially when it comes to sensitive material like a supposed letter from a journalist in SPH. Doing so will ultimately protect them, protect their readers (myself included), and protect the reputation of online media. It is true that I was emotionally invested in the incident because it was a matter of trust between my source and myself that their word would not be violated and would be reproduced faithfully. But as a matter of principle as well as emotion, I stand by my reaction. On the Internet, where regulations are rarely enforced, it falls particularly upon readers to keep online media accountable.
Cheers to Temasek Review for making most of the amendments to the Editor’s Note that I requested, and I’m not interested in taking this further; I think I’ve made my point, and have accordingly deleted most of the references to the incident on my Facebook profile.
Best,
Gayle
Anon on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 3:52 am
“TR has not and will never plagiarise any article. it was an honest mistake on their part.”
No true Scotsma-… I mean, no true online alternative media outlet would plagiarise any article, right?
So of course, when they initially put it up with no reference, it wasn’t plagiarism. 2 + 2 = 5 and the online world of new media is safe and secure once more.
To Oxbridge Singapore Students on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 5:12 am
You elite snooty little kids who have never worked in a single day should be careful what you say.You are after all our ‘future’leaders right?
Reuben Peter from Cambridge – they have very very poor english in most of their op-eds to start with. they could do with a cambridge literature student’s prose
Gladys Teo Cambridge Grad – wah, i was thinking of submitting some stuff to them for money ahha, but yes their articles are a bit, let’s say, lacking.
Gayle Goh – I’m on the college connection, no choice. However, I went to http://anonymouse.org which disguises your IP, and am able to access the site just fine, so the editors appear to have specifically banned IP addresses originating from Cambridge upon reading my comments pointing out that the article was plagiarised and to please be more responsible. That’s low, man. That’s low.
Suhas Malhotra from Oxford – Remember how I told you all these people were just random fake cheating bastards posing as journalists. Now you know.
Suhas Malhotra from Oxford – and how can they just copy shit like that? they don’t have the authority to publish it. I’d sue if were you.
anonymouse on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 9:19 am
Does helpless still get his fees for plagiarism? Will Gayle get any fees? Plagiarism is taboo in media. TR must be more discriminate in accepting articles.
Better put in the disclaimer that there’s no guarantee on the authenticity, for whichever articles that TR don’t wish to be held liable for, unless TR wish to shoulder the responsibility for all individual articles and writers.
JanetNT on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 9:39 am
I think TR should publish the original letter instead of the one modified by helplessinsingapore.
iwasinschoolwithyou. remember? on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 10:57 am
“Cheers to Temasek Review for making most of the amendments to the Editor’s Note that I requested, and I’m not interested in taking this further; I think I’ve made my point, and have accordingly deleted most of the references to the incident on my Facebook profile.”
You are famous for making a mountain out of a molehill. Now you come down here and start throwing your big arse around like a tow truck. You may have succeeded in the online citizen for pulling the write up, but here, you are deservedly humbled.
Grow up. Anyone these days can go to Cambridge, no big deal, dont think you are special, just try to respect others online and stop throwing yr weight around
togaylegoh on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 11:46 am
its a shame i didnt get a chance to screen grab ur status updates. cos what u said is an utter lie. how convenient of u to have deleted it already. u clearly accused them of plagiarising and for sinking low. and it went on for an entire day. it wasnt just that. there were multiple comments from ur friends on each of those status updates that only fueled the fire.
so much for transparency and honesty on ur part eh gayle? u can say the matter rests here now, but it was just downright childish behaviour. u even said u were contemplating sending in a complain to TOC abt TR. grow up twat. trying to incite a war between TR and TOC over smtg so trivial is just downright stupid behaviour. like i said there is nothing exceptional here that you’ve produced for u to even start acting like a baby.
To Oxbridge Singapore Students on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 2:38 pm
You elite snooty little kids who have never worked in a single day should be careful what you say.You are after all our ‘future’leaders right?
Reuben Peter from Cambridge – they have very very poor english in most of their op-eds to start with. they could do with a cambridge literature student’s prose
Gladys Teo Cambridge Grad – wah, i was thinking of submitting some stuff to them for money ahha, but yes their articles are a bit, let’s say, lacking.
Gayle Goh – I’m on the college connection, no choice. However, I went to http://anonymouse.org which disguises your IP, and am able to access the site just fine, so the editors appear to have specifically banned IP addresses originating from Cambridge upon reading my comments pointing out that the article was plagiarised and to please be more responsible. That’s low, man. That’s low.
Suhas Malhotra from Oxford – Remember how I told you all these people were just random fake cheating bastards posing as journalists. Now you know.
Suhas Malhotra from Oxford – and how can they just copy shit like that? they don’t have the authority to publish it. I’d sue if were you.
right on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 3:48 pm
“Readers are advised to excercise discretion as to the authencity of the information contained herein since the contributor is not the original writer of the article.”
That’s it? That’s your note? Exercise discretion. That is all you have to say when it is very clear you are carrying an article that is not only plagiarised, but also edited to change its context.
It now contains lines that clearly were not written by Gayle Goh’s SPH Insider. You know this, you’ve seen the blog posts, yet all you say is exercise discretion?
Might as well put up a post from a third party saying Obama is an alien from mars, and just wash your hadns of it by inserting fine print at the bottom asking readers to “exercise discretion”.
Jermyn Wee on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 6:53 pm
posting someone’s facebook statuses is just low, behind an anonymous name no less…
tojermynwee on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 8:51 pm
her facebook statuses were left for the public to see. its only now that she has made her profile private. and she has 1000+ ‘friends’. discretion isn’t a priority to her.
besides, deleting the statuses just shows on who’s part the guilt is on. if u’ve not said anything wrong why bother going to hide or delete. grow up pls u fat twat. no one gives a sh*t abt your stupid blog or your thoughts. its lowlife behaviour to try and incite a war and then go hiding when u’ve been caught out. the things u said abt Temasek Review were just downright disgraceful.
tojermynwee on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 8:55 pm
and to Right: its unethical to delete smtg that has already been posted. the best they can do is to put up a discretion. there’s nothing wrong with that. and stop saying gayle goh’s insider/source or whatever. its not hard to find an ex sph employee who wants to talk.
its not credible for TR to use this but its credible when gayle says it really is from an insider? since when did gayle become the mother of all credibility. for all u know she probably made up this sh*t herself.
jermyn wee on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 11:32 pm
so says someone who hides behind anonymity.
so says the person who the person who calls her a fat twat.
lecturing other people on how to behave on the internet..
this is the kind of things that i see the 14 year olds do.
As for Gayle’s status, she already said that she stands by them, And the comments she wrote. Anyone would be annoyed at having their IP banned speaking up for an injustice.
At least she never hides behind cloak of anonymity and stands being everything she says, which is SOOOO much more then what i can say about you.
Where is YOUR Facebook account hotshot? where is YOUR sense of credibility? Im sure accusing someone anonymously really adds to that.
janetnt on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:45 am
IF someone has posted/say something in error, they should either retract it or apologies. Putting up a notice to say oh its was up to your fault for believing me is not the right way.
To the people who are pro Gayle and anti Gayle, you are entitled to you opinion on what TR did is right or wrong and you should respect that they are people who don’t share the same view as you. After all isn’t this the Freedom and democracy that both side are calling for?
Most of the posting are arguing for the sake of arguing. And since there is no need to reg your nick like other forum, who dun even know how is saying what or is one person behind many posting using diff name.
to tojermynwee on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 7:38 am
It’s easy to throw around words like fat twat when you can hide behind the veil of anonymity, motherfucker.
Well, I’ll just show you how easy it is to insult people when no one knows who you are.
I think you are lifeless little cunt. Maybe you should get out of your house instead of incessantly checking your other ppl’s facebook status for gossip and posting them on a public forum.
You want people to take you seriously, I challenge you to reveal your identity. You are probably the same dickhead who copied her status and posted it here. You come out into the open, I’ll do the same and at least the public will know who they are dealing with.
Right now, it’s just assholes flaming each other.
fuck you all on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 8:25 am
TEMASEK REVIEW SUCKS BALLS!
Get real on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 8:25 am
@janetnt on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:45 am
….”Most of the posting are arguing for the sake of arguing….”
Guilty mind after guilty act? Just look at your own self-contradictions.
to tojermynwee on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 1:40 pm
i hope gayle’s giving u access to her fat twat for ur amusing postings.
anonymous or not anonymous has got nothing to do with it u immature prat. trying to incite a war between two hardworking sites cos of ur hormonal breakdown is just low life behaviour. and thats what she did. yeah its lowlife. even if this wasnt said out of anonymity what she said still stands moron.
the fact she even went and deleted her ststuses shows who’s part the guilt is on.
u want to know my name? its christopher lee. so what now? u wanna come knocking at my door cos ur high on gayle’s twat?
everybody makes mistakes. nice to know grand old fat gayle did too in condemning temasek review in her facebook to 1000+ ppl. did SHE give an apology? no of cos not. but TR makes an honest mistake of crediting the wrong person and she turns into a immature 14yr old brat.
ive already said all iwanted to say u morons. i think u know its all true. just read all the posts abt gayle here. and no, its not all the same person posting. u dont believe me? feel free to contact the admin if ur still high on gayle’s twat. dont come here starting a fight for the sake of it and embarrasing urself.
nice to see all the childish anti-TR postings that fat twat has incited from her friends. very classy.
right on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 3:03 pm
to tojermynwee:
TR deletes things all the time. A few months ago they accused the government of blocking their site and quietly took down the posting when it was clear it was not true.
At any rate, taking something down and putting up a notice explaining why you took it down is not unethical. What is unethical is keeping something posted even though you know it is false. It’s clear this note was copied and that it contains lines not in the original. The credibility of the piece is shot, yet they keep it here because they think it is in line with their agenda.
Ultimately I guess it’s up to TR, but it really should then stop trying to pretend it is a bastion of virtue.It is as bad, if not worse than most people it criticises.
(It’s not hard to find an SPH insider, but TR clearly didn’t, neither did helplessinsingapore.)
angry_one on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 6:47 pm
Maybe these oppressed journalists can reclaim their lost karma by writing for alternative media like TR. They are at events that normal peasants will not see, and can offer insider news without disclosing their identities.
janetnt on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 9:25 pm
So TR made an honest mistake and we shall all move on, while the article continue to be posted here…
end of the day we will see if TR achieve it’s agenda set out in the about us page.
to the man who calls himself "christopher lee" on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 9:51 am
right. and i’ll throw another generic name back at you. i’m james tan.
i think you’re just jealous because she’s smarter, much nicer, more popular – all in all a better person – than you. i dunno whether to laugh, get angry or feel sorry for you. please, give up la, no one takes you seriously.
if i were as sad and loserly as you, i’d just quit – at life.
to to the man who calls himself "christopher lee" on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 1:36 pm
grow up.
magnum on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 4:45 pm
yeah u shld grow up ‘james tan’. im sure ur the one who’s posting under different nicks. probably the same person jermyn wee or whatever. thats why u feel so guilty and say other ppl post under different nick.
come on la. gayle so fat and ugly, udefend her for what.. not worth it.. she wont give u ‘acesss’ one.. not worth the effort also… she already show shes stupid, all talk and no substance so inside also got nothing special.. ugly inside and outside..
come come,, got better ‘prospects’ for u to defend
Newtype on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 8:04 pm
Why has the topic changed from is the article real to is Gayle ugly?
qussl3 on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 10:47 pm
lol, can someone pass the comics section
Gayle Goh on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 12:11 am
You guys are real comedians. Since you obviously know how to find me on Facebook, send me a message using your real-life identity and we can have a proper chat about how ugly and stupid I am. I look forwards to it!
Bobby on Thu, 19th Nov 2009 1:22 pm
The problem is Dictoators do not know when to quit or change…..by the time they realise it …..it is often too late……many examples abound … Musollni of Italy, Franco of Spain, Hitler of Germany, The Shah of Iran, Emperor Selesie of Ethopia,\, Aidi Amin of Uganda, Pinohet of Angentina, Fuji Mori of Peru; Nicolai Ceaucescu, Marcos, Suharto…and many many others…I pray for the sake of the current Oligarchs of Singapore they amend their ways (I doubt they will since they have to protect their multimillion dolalrs allowance of taxpayers’ money) before it is too late for them.