Talking Jersey

Charles Robertson writes the blog ‘free jersey’ and primarily talks about political issues in the island. Here are his thoughts on Jersey blogging and why it’s increasing in popularity.

I started blogging in early 2003 - if I'm honest, probably as a displacement activity during my final months at university - when blogs were rapidly becoming popular and influential post-September 11th and in the build up to the 2004 US Presidential elections.

A friend (Ed Hillan, who blogs at "I Didn't Quite Catch That" - http://catchthat.net/) started blogging, and it seemed like a fun idea, so I asked him to set me up with one too. It was mainly a vent through which to rant, or post observations, photos or simply to say "hey, this is good - have a look!"

Typing on a Laptop

Over time, however, it became a way for me to refine my thoughts and ideas, not just through my own writing, but through what I read on other blogs.

In 2005 I started doing a lot of blogging about local politics. Firstly covering the Senatoral elections on my own blog, then the Deputies on Elect Jersey 2005 by their invitation.

Around this time I was beginning to tire of generic blogging, so set up Free Jersey to focus exclusively on local politics and current affairs in late 2006.

My aim at Free Jersey has been to raise questions and look at issues from a classical liberal/libertarian perspective, as it is a viewpoint sadly under-represented, with few vocal advocates on the Island.

I think the appeal of blogging is that it offers anyone who chooses to use it a way of expressing their thoughts, and enabling debate and discussion that by-passes the traditional gatekeepers of public comment: the editors of newspapers and TV programmes.

I can see this being particularly appealing in somewhere like Jersey where there is (rightly or wrongly) the perception that the traditional outlets are the voice of the 'Establishment'.

Anyone can publish their views and make their arguments without having to meet someone else's approval, or fit into their editorial narrative.

Of course, just because you publish something doesn't mean anyone is going to read it. That's the best part about blogging, though: it's entirely meritocratic. You only get readers, comments and links if what you say is any good.

~ Charles Robertson

Social Media

Look out for more articles on Social Media over the next two weeks from BBC Jersey. We'll be looking at Facebook, Message Boards and blogs - as well as comments from the people that set these groups up.