The Post’s Difficult Readership

Since our honorable Bangkok Post has introduced the possibility to post comments under online articles, quite some disparities have come to light between the editorial line of the paper and the opinions of its readers. With the principal gap being again and again: The Post’s editors aren’t that upset with the PAD. Whereas many online readers seem to be quite upset with the PAD.

Take the in the meantime legendary commentary Dearest Tom, Dick & Harry by a certain Voranai Vanijaka, who compared Thailand’s democracy with “a ping pong ball in Patpong” that “suffers about the same level of degradation.” Khun Voranai advised politically concerned foreigners: “But beg your pardon, please do not insult us. Especially if you are a guest in our country.”

A week later Khun Voranai had to run a clarifying apology. Too many angry comments seemed to have inundated the Post’s editorial desk. But readers didn’t have to wait long for a next displeasing commentary: Deputy editor-in-chief Veera Prateepchaikul’s Time for what? didn’t get Khun Voranai’s nearly 300 comments. Judging from some of the comments though Khun Veera didn’t cause a lesser stir.

Mixing up more personal emotions with clean-cut analysis, Khun Veera begged Prime Minister Somchai: “Give us a decent or feel-good cabinet that we can feel proud of and upon whom we can place our confidence and trust.” Not that I cheer Somchai’s strangely familiar cabinet, but hey, this is realpolitik you have to deal with. Not to mention that the West’s economy is on fire.

Commented a reader: “Mr. Veera should be fired for writing such trash.” Another one: “This is the worst, most biased piece of reporting I have ever had the misfortune to read in my life. I will NEVER buy the Bangkok PAD Post again.” Another one: “It is amazing that the Post gives huge publishing space to a single person like you, while limiting letters of the public to the minimum space.”

Not that those are outstandingly intelligent comments, but nevertheless they show a surprising level of discontent. One can easily gather from all this that the Post’s editorial line may bite the hand that feeds it.

You don’t buy a paper just because it’s there. A reader is looking for affirmation as well as background to refine and possibly revise an own opinion. No balanced information? Hardly credible paper.

Remember: Back then under the Thaksin heydays the Post went the exact opposite way by becoming a timid advertising media lacking any editorial bite. Ignoring any controversy. Whereas The Nation never really got intimidated.

Again not living up to its old reputation, I wonder how many readers the Bangkok Post loses thanks or due to the PAD.




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September 30, 2008 | Filed Under News & Media, Politics 

Comments

6 Responses to “The Post’s Difficult Readership”

  1. Peter Hall on October 1st, 2008 5.34 am

    Soon the BP will be allowing user comments (and published IPs) on every article they deem worthy of hits, as they have joined AdSense and the rest of the businesses you are all competing for, except you (AB) are definitely the lesser hypocrite.

  2. BangkokDan on October 1st, 2008 8.22 am

    Ha, dear Peter, I’d be starved since day one if I’d be in for the money.

    BangkokDan

  3. Peter Hall on October 1st, 2008 2.20 pm

    I assumed you were independently wealthy, judging by your attendance at the gourmet fair!!! On a more serious note, all great artists are starving scoundrels who manage to scavenge at least some delectable leftovers and a great bottle of plonk, whatever it takes to fuel that intrepid imagination …

  4. BangkokDan on October 2nd, 2008 9.40 am

    Well, maybe I spent all the money earned so far to get a loan to buy a ticket for the gourmet fest.

    BangkokDan

  5. BangkokDan on October 3rd, 2008 4.22 pm

    Another sorry by the Post – this time regarding “Superba 100″ and “Max Estroginie.” Via Bangkok Bugle.

    BangkokDan

  6. whoopla on November 20th, 2008 3.22 am

    The Nation re-names itself The Taksin Chronicles as it has clearly no other mandate or anything of worth to report …

    http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/11/19/politics/politics_30088766.php

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