Philippine Bloggers' Association? Make it Professional

There's been some buzz online on the formation of a National Bloggers' Association here in the Philippines. Some, like the Mommy Bloggers Club, oppose it. And then there are those pushing for it.

Before I say my piece, I want to get two things established:

1. Fact: There are bloggers in the Philippines who make money via blogging.
2. Fact: There are professional organizations out there that exist that put the welfare of its members and the protection of industry's customers as its main priorities. (Think Philippine Medical Association, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, or the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines)

It is along those two facts that I believe that a group for professional bloggers can help the industry. The setting of guidelines and standards can help protect the bloggers, advertisers, and readers. In an ideal scenario, this organization will elevate the state and professionalism of bloggers who do it for pay. This body can also be the "ethical police" where maligned customers can report errant bloggers.

Representation is a key concept in our society (Isn't that the intent of the party list system?). Even if the context is not political, representation and establishment of a position on a relevant issue (professional or otherwise) becomes an important function of this organization. Of course, it assumes that the body and its leadership will at all times put the body's mission and goals ahead of any other agenda.

This group should not pursue bloggers who are blogging as a hobby and as a means of expression. And clearly, the group should present itself as a representative of the professional bloggers, not all bloggers in general. Making such a claim would be downright wrong.

I believe no one group can represent the Philippine blogosphere-- it's akin to attempting to represent all those who can express themselves. But I believe that a group focused on one aspect of blogging, that is professional blogging or blogging with an agenda, can be helpful in legitimizing Philippine blogging as a practice.


Tags: Bloggers