This is only the second time I read something by Xiaxue, plus the first time I’m sharing something of hers. (Didn’t really like what I saw on the first outing.) But she makes a a few very good points.

First, a bit of background. Xiaxue is a prominent and controversial Singaporean blogger who recently became the topic of a ‘caption this’ on Temasek Review, an alternative Singapore media site.  In our last General Elections she came out fully in support of the PAP, but more recently in the Hougang by-elections she did not involve herself – not until Temasek Review pulled their tabloid-worthy stunt.  Then of course folks piled in with all sorts of snarky comments.

Par for the course right?  It’s the Internet after all, isn’t it?

Not when your target hits right back, and not when you’re posting comments with your Facebook – i.e. your REAL identity.  And incidentally, this has generated lots of new publicity for Xiaxue in the local mainstream media.

So here are the take-home points from this mini-flareup.

1) It isn’t nice to be judgemental. It’s even less nice to be deliberately snarky.

2) If you want to be a troll, try not to troll with your real identity. That rather defeats the purpose, unless you enjoy people trolling you back. Note: I dislike this whole ‘trolling’ thing, it’s just cyber bullying to me.

3) Tarring and feathering seemingly easy targets is a great way of gaining negative publicity for your cause. But hey, the Tea Partiers are doing it too.#faithinhumanitylostagain

Folks, before you post something full of troll or raeg on the net, walk away from the computer and take a few deep breaths. Then come back and ask yourself if that is really what you want to present yourself as.

Incidentally, Xiaxue’s post can be found here.