There has been recent discussion over at Barbados Free Press speculating on the influence which blogs maybe having on how decisions are being made in Barbados. There is no denying the power of the blogosphere in the North America, Asia and Pacific countries. BU suspect that our influence has not yet reached that of the countries mentioned; however the acceptance of blogs as a credible news channel outside of Barbados has provided the opportunity to force that influence by operating in the blogosphere and therefore benefiting from external pressures which maybe be exerted.
A classic example is the request which Bajan bloggers received to respond to a CNN request for a web cam interview to speak to the world about how Barbadians are currently preparing for a partial impact from the approaching Hurricane Dean. Understandably, BU had to respectfully decline the request and referred CNN to our only snub nosed reporter left on the island, David Ellis.
Hello,
We’re looking for a Barbados based blogger who could do an interview via web cam this evening on Anderson’s show. Just want to talk about Hurricane Dean preparations. Could you call me at the number below, or let me know how best to reach you via phone?
Mark Garrison
Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, One Time Warner Center, 7th FloorNew York, NY 10019-8012
To all you Barbadians relaxed in believing that Barbados is not going to adopt “world behavior” very soon___ you are in for a rude awakening!
Check for updates on Hurricane Dean over on a sister blog (notesinthemargin)
14 responses so far ↓
Idealist // August 16, 2007 at 7:34 PM
CNN are now dumbing down and blatantly chasing Fox’s ratings.
So blame Hurricane Dean on Al Qaeda and become their caribbean contract contributor.
Money for old rope if you have lost your principles, and can live with yourself.
notesfromthemargin // August 16, 2007 at 8:46 PM
If you want a blogger who doesn’t mind being identified Ian Bourne over at Bajan reporter would probably be a good candidate
Barbados Bloggers Hunker Down For Hurricane Dean (Sorry CNN - We Can’t Do A Live Interview Either!) « Barbados Free Press // August 16, 2007 at 9:24 PM
[...] So… we’ll have to remain anonymous like most of the other Barbados blogs you have contacted. (See Barbados Underground CNN story here) [...]
David // August 17, 2007 at 1:02 AM
Seems to be some rain in the North but very little to the South and East of the island. So far we have not had any damage. The only pointed observation we can make so far is that the opportunistic Dale Marshall is on the out and about being interviewed by the media and Cupid the BLP candidate for St.George South is on duty in the VOB studios:-).
David // August 17, 2007 at 8:28 AM
The simple report to the world is that Barbados has once again been spared. Dominica and our our sisters tp the North will suffer no such luck.
wow !! // August 17, 2007 at 9:40 AM
honestly i am curious to see how people will turn DEAN into anything political, ooops, lol david did. damn ! thats talent, everyone couldnt do that.
Global Voices Online » Caribbean: Bracing for Hurricane Dean // August 17, 2007 at 10:10 AM
[...] Indies Cricket Blog wants Dean to go home, while both Barbados Free Press and Barbados Underground have turned down requests from international media to be interviewed about how their fellow [...]
Amit // August 17, 2007 at 10:39 AM
“If you want a blogger who doesn’t mind being identified Ian Bourne over at Bajan reporter would probably be a good candidate”
—————————–
Hi notesfromthemargin,
Agreed. Ian makes a huge effort when it comes to his blog and posting news /info on Bim (and other C’bbean islands, too!)
Surprised that they didn’t (or did they?) contact him for an interview.
Rgds,
Amit.
Amit // August 17, 2007 at 10:46 AM
“Seems to be some rain in the North but very little to the South and East of the island…”
*****************
Hi David,
It’s raining cats and dogs up north, i.e., Spring Hall, St. Lucy.
Rgds,
Amit.
David // August 17, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Amit~thanks for the report!
You are right about the hard working AB. We are not sure if he was contacted but we are wary to push his name publicly given his substantive responsibiltuy at the SSA.
Amit // August 17, 2007 at 11:35 AM
No worries, David.
Ian walks a fine line and I’ve mentioned this to him before. He is a public blogger and easily identified. Whereas BFP and BU have a certain amount of ‘anonymity’ and have to safeguard it carefully.
What of the other islands, any news there?
David // August 17, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Amit~our reports indicate that Dominica and St. Lucia took a beating.
Amit // August 17, 2007 at 4:47 PM
Thanks for the info, David. I took a few pics while driving up north this morning. In addition to reading about it, it doesn’t hurt to see it. Thankfully, it wasn’t that bad for Bim. Ofcourse, there is still the problem of flooding. Wonder how the west coast made out today?
The Power Of Bloggers In The USA~Stay Tuned Barbados We Can See The Signs « Barbados Underground // August 19, 2007 at 9:10 AM
[...] CNN International Reach-out To Barbados Bloggers To Paint The True Picture About How Barbadians Are … [...]