This case about Quezon City Science High school students supposedly criticizing their school’s policies through their blogs brings to mind issues of freedom of expression and responsibility.

Based on earlier reports, these four students blogged about certain policies they deemed “unfair.” For that, they were suspended. As one student recalled:

“It’s not true that there was due process. We were asked to submit letters of apology and we thought that was it. Next thing we knew, we were suspended for ten days,” he added.

The school reportedly submitted a recommendation that the four students be suspended for 10 days, which was later approved by the Department of Education’s division. Later –or after news about the suspension of these students was picked up by media, the DepEd revoked the suspension and ordered an investigation.

When I was still in high school, it was unthinkable to criticize school policies. We do discuss about such things. But they were all done privately among us, students. Back then, there was no Internet to speak of. No blogs. No social networks.

Today, it’s quite different, as some teachers and college professors I have talked to attest. Yes, some teachers know that students blog and that they are now more vocal about their feelings about school policies, subjects, and even the teachers themselves. Some teachers may find this “inappropriate.” But others chose to tolerate it.

Question is: what can teachers/principals/school official tolerate?

Based on this report, the students claim they were not given due process when they were suspended. Also, they claim that the blogs were “private,” meaning only “friends” have access to it.

The report indicates that the students’ blogs were allegedly critical of the school principal, Dr. Zenaida Sadsad.

At this point, it’s hard to say whether or not the school was right in suspending these students. Students do have the right to express what they feel, but since they were done “privately” albeit through the Internet (think of discussions in a private mailing list that are posted in a public list), are they answerable to the school?

On the flipside, it is also apt to ask whether or not these students have gone beyond merely venting their feelings to the point of already maligning persons involved.

What do you think?

Editor’s Note: We’re reposting this article with permission from Filipino blogger Juned Sunido. Catch him as he blogs at Baratillo @ Cubao.

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By Juned Sonido

WITHIN a span of two years a lot of things have changed. It would seem that the blogger has entered mainstream. First, blogging is slowly being recognized as an Internet medium: Another source of news, information and opinion available through the Web. Second, a lot of marketing, public relations and companies seem to be recognizing this thus the increase engagement with the bloggers through contests, events and product launches. Third, bloggers are often stereotyped or miscast as ranters or in it for the money.

There is nothing wrong with ranting via blogging and nothing wrong with making money from blogging. For me its not the end all, be all and sole reason why I blog. It is more complex than that and the blogs are not a thing one can conveniently pigeon-hole.

And sure enough a lot of opportunities are opening up to bloggers. A lot are now treated like media as they are invited to press launches and a greater number are tapped to spread the word about a certain product or bit of information. These are done via press launches and events.

The question comes up: should a blogger avoid going to press launches and events?

It is an option that the blogger might take. Then again the blogger might also take to attending press launches and events. There are reasons why the blogger opt to go. First, in order to get fresh information or news about something–product, service and bits of news. Second, it is always a nice to develop contacts and make friends. At its most brutal, it is a way of developing a network of sources and information. At its best, one gets to meet true and genuine friends. Third, press launches and events provide the blogger the means to sample a new product, try a new service or preview/review a gadget. All of these contribute or add things that we can post.

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OK, how many saw it coming?

After getting bloggers riled, David Bullard has launched his own official Sunday Times blog.

Here’s an excerpt from one his blog entries:

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DAVID BULLARD’S recent column “Name and shame offensive bloggers” on Sunday Times has stirred the blogosphere.

Vincent Maher did not mince words, as he answered every point made by Bullard. He says:

“I hereby dub this Bullardgate. David Bullard launched an attack on bloggers in the Sunday Times today that cannot be allowed to stand. His invective is simply not acceptable from a journalist of the calibre he claims to be.”

Poynter Institute’s Amy Gahran also highlighted this recent row, and has even pointed to more reactions from bloggers and journalists alike.
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BLOGGING is fun, but just as in the real world, sometimes you encounter unsavory characters.

Maybe it’s spammers. Or trolls who want to pick a fight and leave rude comments. Maybe you’ve had to fend off online stalkers, or deal with impostors who pretend to be you in cyberspace.

What’s the worst thing you’ve experienced in the blogosphere, and how did you deal with it?

TWO influential Netizens, tech publisher Tim O’Reilly and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, have called on bloggers to work together in coming up with a Blogger’s Code of Conduct.

Check out Abe Olandres’ blog entry on this initiative.

And here’s an excerpt from a Guardian Unlimited story:

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