The Development of the Armenian Blogosphere
Following on from the Global Voices Summit in London, I’ve been trying to promote the development of blogging in Armenia among young individuals and civil society activists. Hopefully, 2006 will see the emergence of a real Armenian blogosphere by those working in areas of crucial importance to the development of the country, and by those with a stake in its future.
For example, today I met with the Civil Society Institute, and in particular Tamar Palandjian, a visiting Fullbright Scholar from the U.S. of Armenian descent, who works with the organization. We discussed the need to encourage young Armenians to blog as well as others working in civil society. Tamar also had ideas of her own, including a collaborative blog by Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Georgians involved with peacebuilding in the South Caucasus.
I said I’d try to help anyone serious about blogging to set up their sites, and also to try to promote their blogs by links and the re-posting of summaries. Hopefully, 2006 will be the year when it all happens, and as an example of how blogs can supplement journalism, as well as amplify the voices of people with something to say, I noticed that my recent article on the trafficking of women and children from Armenia that was first posted on this site has been picked up by a project implemented by the International Institute for Child Rights and Development (IICRD).
Although the article was also published by Hetq Online, the IICRD first saw it on my blog. The article was also posted on New Eurasia and linked to on Global Voices’ Armenia page, as well as distributed via the Armenian News Network - Groong. The Human Rights Center in the Republic of Georgia has also contacted me regarding obtaining a copy of the film mentioned in the article and enquired into the possibility of collaborating in the area of combatting trafficking from the South Caucasus.
I think the possibility for blogs to not only supplement but to also expand the reach of news, commentaries, opinion and the activity of NGOs in transitional countries is obvious, especially as one internet or print publication alone could not have achieved such exposure. Hopefully, if CSI builds on what we discussed today it will also strengthen the work and effectiveness of civil society in Armenia as well.
Even so, I would like to see more young individuals blog from Armenia. Until now, their voices have remained largely unheard by the outside world, and especially in the large Armenian Diaspora, so perhaps I should make it my New Year’s Resolution to change all of that.
Hi Glendale Chick,
Well, a confession. I have to admit that whenever I speak to young Armenians about blogging from here, yours is the first site, and generally the only one, that I tell them to check out. While I would like to see more serious blogs dealing with politics etc., what you say is correct and I’d also add that yours is one of the best blogs I’ve seen. It’s funny, well-written, and all the rest of it. Would love to see something similar from Armenia.
Anyone out there who hasn’t checked it out — do so now!
http://glendalechick.blogspot.com
Great Stuff! Keep it up!
Onnik
Comment by Administrator — December 21, 2005 @ 9:50 pm
Hello Onnik and others,
I agree that the start of Armenian blogging shouldn’t and cannot be a hardcore political stuff or something related. It can start very simple, and especially for encouraging the youth in regions of Armenia I think i would be good to send some kind of invitation or announcement in a short text, to the organizations that are responsible for spreading information around in regions, so they can publicize this idea a bit. What do you think?
Many people don’t know much about blogging, that is why I thought it would be good to ind a way to publicize it a bit.
best
Vahagn
Comment by Vahagn — February 8, 2006 @ 6:27 pm