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Kuno
Malawi
17 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Jul 2009 : 19:03:26
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Kudos to the Gainako newspaper for its new format...although the new design still leaves a lot to be desired, at least bros Yero Jallow and Demba Baldeh are trying their hand in technological newspapering. They seem to have big plans, visions and ideas unlike the rest plying this trade in Gambian cyberspace. I have to say that I am really grateful for their coverage of the July 4th events in Atlanta. It should have been better and bigger, but at least they tried to highlight some events that took place there....the Halifa Sallah interview is sweet...I saw another side of Halifa...he seems to be dispassionate about all these endless opposition gatherings in the diaspora that have always turned out to be just that...empty shells. I think Halifa is losing hope on the Gambian opposition movement.
Compliments to Gainako for the coverage of the July 4th ceremony, a truly Gambian affair. Gambians like me cornered in far away Southern Africa would always appreciate being informed and educated on Gambian happenings wherever they take place...in fact that's what a newspaper ought do...bring the news and its subject matter together in harmony and oh yes, disharmony too. I see none of the other outlets covered the Gambian event in Atlanta...what a wasted opportunity!! Reporters should have been talking to the various Gambians present at the ceremony...ask about the issues, take pictures and showcase the realities...you have got to highlight your own society....by doing so, you are strengthening the trajectories of history and of mass consciousness.
However, I would be remiss if I just showered praises on Gainako...that would not be right...and permit my saying this, it is not in my nature to be totally effusive or complimentary...it is always good to provide a criticism here and there, offer suggestions, for he who criticises must provide alternatives...that's a fundamental tenet of human relations. So get this, Gainako editors: your technology is improving but the irony is, your product is declining. It is an inverse relationship...when the technology goes up, productivity declines...I don't know if any sense can be gleaned out of this incongruence especially for you techies and marketing gurus...but it is something I have noticed about Gainako. The product (news, opinion, editing, photography) was better back then before the technological improvement. I mean what happened to the beautiful and enligthening commentaries? The debate between Momodou Baldeh and Cherno Baba Jallow on their native town Basse's history was the best I have ever seen to date ever since the coming of Gambian online media....it was civil, educative...I felt in love with Gainako ever since. The editing was good then...few errors...but now I see plenty of them...mostly caused by carelessness rather than understandable ignorance...examples: "Reaction to Mathew Jallow's List: "I was never (exciled)"..."Our Corresponden(ce), Solo"
It is not good to the eye reading this in what is supposed to be a newspaper...and no, I am not hectoring on grammar and style...the english language wasn't ours, it was superimposed on us...and I am the least qualified to be lecturing in english...i do have my fair share of terrible grammar and syntax on this beautiful forum. But when I see silly, unnecessary errors like that in my favorite Gambian online paper, my soul aches...i notice somebody is not really paying attention...somebody is in a hurry... somebody is not caring much about my intellectual well being....and that sucks! Good grammar and general comprehension was supposed to be Gainako's territory...in the past it was...but now it isn't...and this is a step backward...even the grammatically-besieged freedom is improving in this sector.
In the past, Gainako tried to play a fair hand...it didn't mind reporting the good aspects of the Jammeh government...that's the way it is supposed to be...newspapers should be fair to both sides...report on Jammeh's human rights abuses, the killings, witch doctors, arrests..you name it, but also report on the only good thing Jammeh is doing...infrastructural development. I want a free Gambian press but I, a reader, do not want a media with an agenda....I want Jammeh out of there asap...if throwing myself onto the tracks of an incoming train will help rid Gambia of Jammeh, I will do that in a heart beat...but I want to do that on my own as a citizen not prodded by a media. I want the media to give me all the information, allow me to make my own assumptions and conclusions ("we report, you decide," so says the banner of one news organization) and that's the right balance.
Gambian journalism has been dead long time ago....we don't have journalists, in the real sense of the craft, anymore...Gambian journalism was really doing very well before and immediately after Jammeh came...you learned a lot from the Observer, the point, foroyaa back then...everything was under purview...reporters doing real reporting, writers doing real commentary, editors doing real supervision by the many reporting projects you saw in all the papers. Gambia lost the last two real journalists, one killed, Deyda Hydara (allegedly)by Jammeh and one alive, Demba Ali Jawo, now residing in Dakar. There are no real Gambian journalists left...certainly not these ones parading themselves in the diaspora...they are NOT journalists anymore...they continued being journalists until that asylum package came and now like, elements of the taliban melting in civil society, they have been lost in the crowd. Those that claim the title are either delusional or operating from the standpoint of wilful ignorance...they are not practising the craft seriously speaking...most of them are political activists with an agenda to see the back of Jammeh....hell yeah, I too want that...but I want political organizations not members of the press entreat themselves with the task of political change....journalists are supposed to be information gatherers and providers...and platform setters for issues and ideas...political change should be left to other groups concerned with matters of political power and civil participation.
I should suggest to bro yero that he risks losing legitimacy as a "journalist" if he keeps openly calling for Jammeh's head and calling for conferences and meetings of opposition groups...it is his right to do so if he so wishes...but then I will not trust him to give me fair and accurate information about Jammeh and Gambia, my homeland. Just like Fatou Jaw Manneh...his one foot can't be in opposition advocacy and the other in objective journalism...it is incompatible folks.
I am not a journalist...but i know this is one of the most important professions in the world. I developed a lot of inquisitiveness about journalism during my days at the university of redlands in california...i developed close ties through frequent correspondeces with Dean Baquet the then legendary executive editor of the Los Angeles Times...a superb journalist with a lot of guts and passion about the free flow of information....I am not asking Gainako folks or any other Gambian claiming to be a journalist to be like Mr. Baquet...and nor should they ...but in the interest of real and sensible journalism, i want to be fed complete, unfiltered information about Gambia....give me the information, good, bad, ugly, pro and anti Jammeh....and I will process it accordingly.
Kuno, The Bird
Lilongwe, Malawi(formerly called Nyasaland)
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2009 : 16:26:32
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Kuno,
By your interest and determination to come up with what you have just done, that gives you ample responsibility to do what others are not doing. Journalism after all is an interest-driven engagement. Many of those you deem as poorly performing journalists have their various special skills and areas of professional competence. Only a matter of interest and being responsive to some of those gaps you mentioned that they chip in by doing what they are able to do given the time and other demands. You have gone far enough to recognise such gaps. That gives you the added responsibility to fill the gaps until some others take up the role as full time competent journalists. Don't you think so? "Journalist must be inquisitive...."You mentioned about being inquisitive. That is how someone noted as what it takes to be a journlaist. You may not choose being a journalist but surely you have what it takes (being inquisitive) to fill a gap till more interested and better capable persons perfect the job. Just an observation.
http://www.howtodothings.com/careers/a2730-how-to-become-a-journalist.html |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 12 Jul 2009 22:18:02 |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2009 : 08:17:06
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Kuno, thank you for your bold points about Gainako and our online media. I think you made some incredible points and while I am responding here not on behalf of Gainako, but as an individual opinion as co-editor of Gainako.
I must admit to you that it is my humble opinion that your criticism and ideas are most welcome because, it is only through such criticism that we can realize our short comings and strive to improve on our weaknesses.
I am also glad that you noticed some of the changes for good or for bad that are going on at Gainako. It shows us that you are a regular visitor or at least a reader of Gainako.
While some of the points you mentioned like silly errors are true and could be improved upon, I think you missed an opportunity to really challenge those you feel are professional(real journalists) to step up to the plate and live up to the profession they so claimed to be a part of.
As Karamba said, Journalism is about passion and interest and that is what we at Gainako have about the press and public service if you may. We have never claimed to be professional journalists, but what we have demonstrated is that we have the passion and are willing to sacrifice our own resources and time to bring information to our fellow citizens. As to the quality of that information, that is subjective and anyone is entitled to their opinion.
Having said that though, I must mention the reality that you have deliberately left out either due to your own bias or your guilt for failing to step up and fullfill what you claimed to be a profession you feel so strongly about. But I understand because some of the people many Gambians call Journalist were people who have worked as reporters for the Daily Observer and other papers in Gambia to make a living. Many of those people never had a single formal training on Journalism or never attended Journalism school but were trained on the job and that is what qualifies them to many people as professional journalists.
Obviously some of the reasons why we have so many short comings in the field of journalism is because of our blindless to the fact that you don't have to be a one time reporter for a paper to become a journalist or at least someone working in the media if you prefer.
Another point is that why is Kuno (former journalists?) not asking seasoned Gambian journalists to step up to the plate and fill that Gap that Deyda and others left? Why are you not challenging those people to consider joining those online papers or create their own to continue the fine work of Journalism that our society so badly needs? Who do you think is supposed to step up to the plate and resist the oppression of freedom of information and association in the Gambia?
May be you can answer these questions so more people can join the debate on the merits of your points.
Furthermore kuno, it is probably important at this point to point out some of the efforts that Gainako made to reach out to so many former Journalists and other Gambian writers to either join the paper as editors or support the efforts of the paper. At Gainako we have opened the door to many people and have personally reached out as recently as yesterday to some of our former journalists to partner with us... but for reasons known to them, they have hesitated to even send their writings to these papers much more swallow their egos and join the fight.
It is not a matter of who started Paper X or paper Y, but who is willing to start an idea and invite people they think are competent to help run the paper.... At Gainako we continue to be open to reaching out and welcoming people who are passionate about the media and we will be willing to accept advice from anyone who see our work as personal sacrifice and is willing to push for higher heights.
Finally, we are glad you enjoyed some of the coverage in Atlanta during July 4th. We certainly could have done better covering the events. However, it is important to mention that online papers like Gainako are entirely supported by their editors and everything is on non profit bases. So far the entire operation of Gainako and I believe other sites as well are entirely supported by their editors.
It would have been commendable if we have individual citizens like you who enjoy the sacrifice we are doing and support the operation of the papers morally and financially. We at Gainako went to Atlanta at our own expense and volunteered to cover the events without invitation. We spent sleepless nights covering the events and returned to our hotel rooms to post the events for our readers. Some of our friends were asking why we were so passionate about what we were doing? Our families were asking what we get from going to Atlanta and covering the events? The answer is nothing but passion and desire to inform our people.
It takes a personal sacrifice to leave your family and engage in such activities. We expect no personal benefits from this but rather are doing it as a passion for the media. One way people can support the media is simply by advertising businesses with the papers but even that they will ask for an ad and not pay the fees. That is real support...
While we are not necessarily professional journalists if you may, our practice and contineous engagement in bringing the news and reports to the public rightfully position us as Journalist and we are proud to continue to learn and grow in these area. With time Gainako will certainly reach that milestone.. God willing...
Thanks for taking the time to write and I hope this rejoinder will not silence you if you are so passionate about what you wrote. What say you Kuno?
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Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
Edited by - dbaldeh on 13 Jul 2009 08:27:13 |
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Kuno
Malawi
17 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2009 : 18:56:27
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Karamba,
Let me get this straight: you are asking me, an epidemologist, slogging through the rugged terrains of Malawian villages, to step up and "fill the gaps" of Gambian journalism's horrendous shortcomings just because I dared constructively criticize Gambian "journalists". Are you kidding me? Are you being serious or simply being a cynic-in-training? I have heard such counter proposals before...from many a Gambian publisher particularly those operating in cyberspace: if you think we are not doing a good job, go ahead and open your own website, your own paper and your own whatever...or as Demba Baldeh lamented, we are spending our own money...denying our families the attention they need...taking the trouble to bring news to you...so you, the reader, your complaints are in poor taste...you are being ungrateful, you nasty spoiled brats...how dare you!?!? Hmmm...
Karamba, by the way are you on the staff of allgambian.net? I ask because your style reminds me of a senior "editor" at the Wisconsin based newspaper...i meant to ask you long time ago, but the right moment came when I saw your outburst against my criticism of Gambian journalism...talking about somebody being upset about arrows directed at his supposed vocation...I must have really hit a nerve. It was unfortunate if I did....I was simply trying to be frank about what I and countless others feel about the wretched nature of the Gambian press whether it is about Jammeh killing and arresting journalists or journalists doing an awfully terrible job of reporting the homeland...see my contention? Please don't bring me the usual claptrap of Jammeh's climate of fear and therefore,the absence of an effectively functioning press. Gambians are far from close to what Nigerians and Ugandans went through during their respective dictatorships...you remember when journalists and high court judges would disappear frequently during Idi Amin's time? when journalists and newspapers would be banned all the time during nigerian military rule? Yet their journalists did the best against all the odds...good journalism was provided because they were well trained and had honed their skills including those of persistence and survivalism amidst tyranny and adversity.
Karamba, you write that.."Many of those you deem as poorly performing journalists have their various special skills and areas of professional competence." OK. Shouldn't they concentrate on what they are good at and by doing so, benefit Gambians and humankind rather than practice a craft that they have neither the training nor the acquisitve appetites for? You said that most of these Gambian "journalists" are simply showing their passion. Yo, I have news for you. Between competence and passion, I will choose the former in a heart beat ...all the more so, if you are talking about an important profession like journalism....which entails the documentation of lives and events for the here and the future. I want those who report me and my society to do a thorougly efficient job...frankly, I would rather there be a newsblackout than be fed with half-baked, junk journalism...it is dangerous to be ill-informed, under-informed and fed a daily meal of inaccuracies and deliberate distortions of reality. I care about my history and its functional value to posterity much enough to express my feelings about the hopelessness of these so-called Gambian journalists.
You suggested that I think about trying my hand in journalism since i seem to have an inquisitive mind...you damn right, good journalists have inquisitive minds...but a complete journalist needs more than that....I will not be a good one...and more importantly, I am happy being an epidemologist working in the hinterlands of Africa. If I were to choose between microbiology and journalism at the start of college, I would still choose the former....two reasons for that...interest and aptitude.
The moral of my criticism is this....those who claim to be Gambian journalists and they know they are far from doing an adequate job should enrol in some skills training or simply vacate the premises of journalism...we Gambians will benefit if either is the chosen route.
Kuno, The Bird
Lilongwe, Malawi. |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2009 : 20:37:09
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Kuno,
Don't blow a simple matter out of space. You made observations about what some Gambians are doing. You made particular mention of Gainako. Demba Baldeh explained his part of what Gainako has been doing and how they have opened their doors for anyone to chip in. Those doors are open to people like you. He even made it clear that out of interest they ventured into filling the gaps you have recognised.
What stops you from doing a favour by chipping in while you stop what many are good in doing. You brought an issue up that is open to debate. Why becoming heated? Are you happy to bunch on others and expect everyone to stay watch? Let us be fair to the little efforts Gainako or any of their likes offer. That is how far they can go. Your expertise, the expertise of others in whatever field of knowledge is simply a possession of mankind and for the better use by mankind.
If you feel offended that someone is asking you to fill a gap rightly observed by your interest and vigilance, then take this bundle of SOOORY.
Will you share your knowledge and stop bragging about it. Yes you may be one of Gambia's whatever but all that you know perhaps remains personal possession. Give us the portion of it that suits our immediate needs. Still a suggestion. If you feel further offended, sorry, and sorry for ever stepping on your platform. No hard feelings.
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Karamba |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 08:16:10
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Karamba, I like your approach and you can feel the guilt in Kuno and I will be willing to bet that he may be one of those former journalists who is not willing to join the struggle for one reason or the other.
You can also feel the heat in Kuno and he did exactly what many Gambians are good at; criticising but not willing to make a personal sacrifice towards the struggle.
You can see that he is dismissing a key point I mentioned and that is on personal sacrifice... This is no doubt some of the reasons why we have everyone pretty much running for cover and concentrating on their personal self development ignoring national sacrifice.
No one is forcing Kuno to swallow the inadequacies in our journalism or half baked information if you may.... If you think the information you are getting is keeping you in the dark try your news blackout or ignorance of events around the world... and report back to us on your black out....
This is yet another reason why we never value what we have but instead see superior in what others are doing instead of promoting our own brand to compete at the same level....
There is a fundamental reason why newspapers or Journalist in the West for example continue to do well... first most of them are supported by tax payer resources in the form of tax write off... their services are recognized and supported by businesses and individual citizens... in other words they are not left alone to carry the burden all by themselves...
Do we have that??? have people like Kuno ever pick up the pen and even sent a word of encouragement to our poor performing journalists? Do you ever appreciate someone bringing you information that you alone could never have discovered?
The answers are simple.... we expect quality and everything to be spoon fed and not contribute anything... not even a thank you... such criticism genuine as they may look like, are actually just that... expect someone to do a good job without any form of support...
Kuno, public information is vital to the health and development of any decent society... it is therefore the responsibility of everyone of us to contribute in one form or another. Should we fail to do so, we should swallow whatever comes our way and be grateful that someone is capturing some vital information right or wrong... History will judge our individual contributions...
Practice and passion is a great combination and it eventually lead to great skills and you don't have to have a degree to do well in a particular field... I hope you consider doing your part to support the cause....
By the way, stop kidding yourself.... you are not in Malawi or pulling rugges as you stated...there is a reason why you are hiding and true heros with good intentions never want to hide... we all want the samething... peace and happiness in life... if you want to go to Gambia and visit your family? we all do so stop kissing off to Jammeh... he is bad for our democracy and people period...
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Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2009 : 08:35:45
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I think it is good to take criticism with good faith and grace. There is no point attacking someone who critcizes in good faith. KUNO has done justice in my view by first appraising the Gambian media, particularly GAINAKO and then offered what he thinks are the shortcomings of the paper.
It is only proper to thank KUNO for his observations-good and bad - and work harder to improve your newspaper. Attacking critics, and those who give you feedback does not tell well on any newspaper, whose success depends on its readers. Remember, your readership is your constituency.
There is no excuse for bad writing whether as a journalist, epidemiologist, or an architect. This is the same whether you are a part-time or full-time, professional or amateur writer. Bad grammar, spelling errors, general sloppiness, inappropriate jargon and verbiage are common problems among Gambian writers and journalists. I think GAINAKO's outlook has improved recently, but some of the old 'evils' still persists. There is no need for defensiveness when these issues are raised by readers.
It is ridiculous to tell your readership to "chip in" instead of criticizing. Is there a better way to "chip in" than pointing out what you think are the flaws of the paper? Sometimes I feel like excusing Jammeh for his intolerance to criticism. Criticism appears to be a general Gambian aversion, I am tempted to think sometimes.
I must confess that I am not a big fan (reader) of GAINAKO, FREEDOM is my number one paper for many reasons; but foremost is its promptness in bringing the news and its accessibility to various opinions. Bad writing has been a problem with FREEDOM also, but I think we have seen some improvements over the years.
You do not have to be well trained or educated to be a good journalist. I know of internationally acclaimed journalists who had no formal schooling beyond high school. But again that is no excuse for bad writing. As a journalist, having adopted writing as a career, you have to fine tune your writing skills; and there is no point giving us stale 'news', news that I have read a couple of days ago somewhere else unless you have a new slant (or information) to it.
Good luck. |
Edited by - kayjatta on 14 Jul 2009 08:38:51 |
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Kuno
Malawi
17 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 02:29:28
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Demba,
I am constrained to say this, but you have (really) let me down...maybe you don't even give a damn about how I feel or whether I, Kuno, have been disappointed by the "co-editor" of Gainako, a paper he has openly called his own favorite. It is your right to be cynical about me and my genuinely-felt criticisms of your paper and Gambian journalism in its entirety. I take it, homie. But I have to tell you that I have found myself wanting in my long-held impression of you....a generally open-minded guy...a man who is taken to studied silence on issues of paramount importance like the one we are discussing here. I used to think that between you and your "co-editor" Yero Jallow, you were the more rational...the more thoughtful...the more receptive...the less sentimental...the less cantankerous. I was dead wrong all along, I guess. I write this with a heavy heart because I have been the saddened recipient of your vitriol...your attacks on me have shattered the last hopes I ever had of the possibility of a few remaining Gambians endowed with tolerance for and receptivity to viewpoints that run counter to theirs. Those Gambians may still be out there...but it seems the number is steadily declining....But why? Why can't we comprehend that it is necessary to disagree...that it is in the interests of intellectual pursuits and communal understanding that divergent views about the workings of society be accepted as a functionality of growth and maturity?
If you had really read my postings on this subject you would have realised that I had shown deference to Gainako...that I had given you guys credits and praises...that I tried to be constructive and even keeled in my criticisms of your paper. But what did I get? Nothing from you...no acknowledgement...but instead you went to war. You wrote ..."thank you Kuno for your BOLD points about Gainako and our online media." B-o-l-d? Do you think that I am a chicken head to be scared to critique anybody much less Gainako and the Gambian press? Or that I am too scared to share my admiration for something Gainako in the open field? You added, "I think you made some incredible points..." Incredible? Are you sure about that?
I intentionally decided against responding to your first posting for two primary reasons. One, I realized you were using Karamba as your polemical wingman against me...your voice was more of a reinforcer rather than an addendum to Karamba's response to my posting. Two and more important, I found that responding to you would go against my principle...only respond to comments that add new layers of understanding to the debate at hand. This principle is very important to me especially when dealing with some folks on this beautiful forum...So this is what I do, I voice my opinions...read the comments...agree with some (and I have done so openly)or continue to hold my own grounds if I feel unconvinced. That's why I responded to my homies Shaka and Prince and others when some of their viewpoints on the UK Gambians debate looked better than mine. I don't know why you think I am scared..."you can also feel the heat in Kuno"..."the guilt in Kuno" Who told you so? Why do you allow figments to hold captive your mind's rational sutures?
In your first posting, you implored me to call on the "veteran Gambian journalists" to step up, open their own websites or join existing ones. By the way, who are these veteran journalists? Tell me. The only two I know and have respected during all these years are Deyda Hydara and Demba Jawo, the former dead over four years ago. Even if these "veteran Gambian journalists" exist, what is my business telling them to launch their own newspapers or join the likes of Gainako, Freedom, etc? Who am I? You also asked me to "chip in." You mean chip in as money to Gainako to help you run your website? Oh no buddy, be careful of what you wish for... you are courting disaster...cheque-book journalism is bad for you. When I give you money, you will be professionally conflicted...you will be biased...you wouldn't know how to cover my professional malpractices or when I steal money as an international civil servant in Malawi. I don't want that...I want you and any other newspaper to report the news as fairly and as accurately as ordained by journalism's code of conduct. If you are asking me to chip in as writing to or about Gainako...I am certainly doing that with my criticisms of your paper on this forum...and I see you have posted my comments on your website...I didn't even realize it...but thanks anyway.
I want to challenge your assertion, thus: "There is a fundamental reason why newspapers or journalists in the West for example continue to do well...first most of them are supported by taxpayer resources in the form of tax write-offs...they are not left alone to carry the burden all by themselves." Demba, this is patently false...get your facts right. The independent press in the west is not tax-payer supported excluding the BBC in the UK, the national public radio (NPR) in the US, and any other public medium that I don't know about. The rest of the Western press is run independently...they get their financial support through advertisements and special media projects....but this is only possible thanks to their wide readership, good journalism, etc....Gainako can also bring in revenue by improving its quality...and by doing so, your readership will increase and advertisers will flock to Gainako. Can I ask you, why does Freedom seem to getting most of the Gambian adverts in the diaspora?
In your second posting, you blasted those Gambians who don't want to join the struggle. What is this struggle? What do you know about struggles? I would like to conclude that like your brethen Yero Jallow, you are also publicly calling for Jammeh's head, you want him gone, right? How do you reconcile that jingoistic posture with the character of an independent journalist? Is Gainako a newspaper or an organ working for the overthrow of the Gambian government? I look forward to the day when you and the so-called Gambian journalists particularly those in outerspace realize that journalists and journalism have never brought down any government anywhere in the world. Journalists only have that power to the extent that the rule of law and the democratic traditions of checks and balances, separation of powers, permit a change of guard. The Washington Post couldn't bring Richard Nixon alone...not even in the wildest dreams of the watergate reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. Nixon's departure was possible because of constitutional supremacy, congressional oversight. Gambian "journalists" should stop deluding themselves that they possess the power to kick Jammeh away. They can't and never will. Jammeh will go, when we the Gambian people, armed with the guts, the full and complete information about our society as provided by a fair-minded press, decide the ultimate. I will say this again, that, I, a reader, demand that I be fairly and accurately informed by the Gambian press about what is going on in Gambia. I want all the sides to the story. I want to read about Jammeh's killings, jailings, tortures, witch-hunts, etc, but I aslo want to know what good Jammeh and Gambian society as a whole are providing for the general mass of society. I want all the information, no slantings, no emblishments, no distortions. Just the facts, Ma'am, as Bill Clinton would say.
Kuno, The Bird
Lilongwe, Malawi. |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 06:32:18
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Bro Kuno,
It is not normal for me not to respond to postings here since the start of my contributions …and I am in for interactive debates always. Going through the back and forward postings here, I think Demba, Karamba and yourself all debated it well. To me, trying to corner someone or forcing someone in a defensive position, probably will defeat the purpose of forum interaction for enlightenment or trying to communicate a simple message. I think Demba lifting your article and posting it on Gainako goes all the way to show his tolerance. But Dalton got too much on his head just now…if not for the uncle we are currently mourning, I am too tied with work and family responsibilities that I even find it hard to follow my personal e-mails.
http://www.gainako.com/news/news/2009/07/14/a-special-tribute-to-the-late-uncle-musa-jawo.html (RIP till again, Uncle Musa!)
One thing you are right about…that I personally have been too hard on Jammeh. I believe truly also there is a need to balance news. I also believe there is a need to report on their positive side…in this case Jammeh. I also believe there has been some “snacks” in the execution of our journalistic duties, if DA Jawo will borrow me that word of his’ but to be honestly put there is few that compete us even in our support of growing musical artists. I just forced my jaws to give a sad smile, calculating in me fully how much Gambians went through under this capricious regime. With all this in mind, in me - I must admit openly that the guy is way over due…any second more of his name attached to the presidency is poking my intestines furiously. This is not out of jealousy for him or any political ambition I have. Matter of fact, do not mistake me for the wrong person…I am just simply an activist, a believer of freedom, equality and justice for all….and I do not see myself as one good reporter of a news outlet, but I believe I am that fighter… that ‘foot-soldier’ ready to be there for Gambians. If I were to choose between an editor and an activist, I will honestly go with it the later, so I can participate in more rallies, organize more and root out terror from the hearts and minds of dictators everywhere. I neither belong to any political party nor do I have a political ambition, but I cannot stand injustices…and God knows this is my philosophy. In my quest to fight, I realized I needed a voice, and decided to associate to the many outlets around. In all honesty, I would rather be charged with grammatical errors, spellings and silly sentence errors than to be charged with hypocrisy, hate, insincerity, greed, lying, igniting violence and pulling those sparking efforts in our struggle down. I believe you will agree with me we haven’t abuse anyone on our side and we refused to be used in anyhow.
For your rectification, I hope you accept the following misconstrued points in your speculated notion, thus: I am not calling for Jammeh’s head as wishing him death. I have said many times that even when Jammeh is gone, he will still be rendered the justice he denied Gambians and others. You will do me great justice by refraining from this style of your activism here. I do not see myself as a journalist, rather just that ordinary folk interacting politically to what is at stake. I have never openly advocated for arms against Jammeh, though I firmly hold that he should be out “by all means necessary.” I believe the only way to do this is to parade a unified force that is ready to tackle Jammeh without a penny less or more. Besides, the way you are representing my person is totally wrong. That tells me you do not know me…you probably just followed my “sound offs” online. It is therefore in the spirit of honesty that you at once get your facts on me straight. I am not going to push and pull on..and I am not asking for an apology either..but you are dead wrong on your notion.
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7436
See, I am really grateful to Demba and Karamba for their mention of others participating in what is at stake. I believe your pen is sharp…a good mastery of the language and loaded with versatile knowledge, but pen names must be used wisely. As far as I am concerned, I will never use a pen name whether to the paper I associate or any other place, for I believe sincerely in what I do, and I am not out to witch-hunt anyone including Jammeh. I believe some use pen names to abuse others. I also believe that most of the times, using a pen name puts one in a masquerade uniform, where one takes liberty of his or her “unknown” status to attack and distract others. I understand if one is in fear of reprisal by capricious regimes, such are excusable. That said, I do not wholly despise pen names but for all is certain, you cannot be unknown to all. Tomorrow when day breaks, you are certain to have others demand their niche. This is how many get exiled from forum outlets.
As for Gainako, we will continually strive hard to improve in all areas. We have only one reporter at home…God bless Solo for the wonderful job. Solo is doing good and have asked us to sponsor even sports. Baldeh also informed you right...we invited the very DA Jawos, Cherno Babas...and the lot around. We thank all for their previous contributions...but we cannot help that any is holding their hands. We have relied wholly on our pockets at the expense of our families to keep these paths running…at least if you care to understand. Baldeh is a hero, behind every background moving the ship of Gainako, while I remain only a poet. Since you are fan Kuno, stay tuned….we have a lot in the pipeline for you. If it is my counter of you when you posted here alluding Baba Galleh was the watch man that you are fighting back, take a break..because I would have fought for you equally..if you were put in the same situation, I still believe you confused a forum…and I am still not convinced he is . I still hold that for you to earn that respect and credibility, you got to prove this…if you can’t you will be man enough to offer him an apology..and that will do this forum great justice. I am also afraid…the GPU fight that transpired while I was on a visit in Africa is still whirling around…which seems to have started your battle..and rectify this if I am wrong. If you would, go after those that has done you wrong…leave little water for drinking, especially if you are expecting a good meal.
On a last note for you Kuno, I hope to debate you here or at Gainako after I dust my shirt off…for now, accept my appreciation of your debate. Even though I am too busy, I do not want to sound like ignoring your debate. If you would like, pick up a column with us at your own time…in your own filed of studies, in that way, you can help balance articles for readers. FYI, all our editorial team acknowledges your submission…but in reciprocity, you must take the advice given to you by bros Karamba and Baldeh…contribute when you can. The struggle cannot be left in some hands. Deal!
Mawdo Baldeh & Karamba, shake hands with Kuno as a symbol of unity and respect for dessenting views...and let us move ahead...for we have tougher battles ahead.. and we cannot afford to be distracted more than we have seen in the past...
*footnote:
I find it truly petty though when ungrateful lame-ducks or agama lizards uniformed behind hatred and hypocrisy try to picture themselves as angels, when their own backyards are filthy…saying I am not a reader to Gainako…take a hike KY boy! Even though we want readers, I must be honest we do not want hateful instincts of readers…showing little or no respect and acting as a watch dog, when squatting on fire…with no iota of recognition, other than that fake long tongue of the reptile animal trying to prey on every innocent insect. I think I am personally aware of such distractions. Since you cannot address people by names, you too pick up the dried towels and rub yourself with it…let us see, how you can as well withstand harsh criticism since you claim to be so strong. I think I got my leg on your balls such that you’ve been prevented enough to pounce on little sprouting insects…haa! If you are posting to show “hate” or mockery tendencies in a posting, you must as well swallow whatever reaction comes with it….and help yourself with “cool-aid” hey agama lizard! You right there with your shirt off….nurse or doctor! (: I think as well, if the monger about a coup is found out not true…for now, I do not know…go forth and apologize to this forum for forwarding it here. If that’s your journalism pal, I asked to be excused of it…rushing for news to lie, I would rather report stale. Don't you agree?
Aluta continua!
Long Live Gainako & and all the media outlets!
Sincerely,
Yj
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 15 Jul 2009 08:19:30 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 08:47:01
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"I find it truly petty though when ungrateful lame-ducks or agama lizards uniformed behind hatred and hypocrisy try to picture themselves as angels, when their own backyards are filthy…saying I am not a reader to Gainako…take a hike KY boy! Even though we want readers, I must be honest we do not want hateful instincts of readers…showing little or no respect and acting as watch dogs, when squatting on fire…with no iota of recognition, other than that fake long tongue of the reptile animal trying to prey on every innocent insect. I think I am personally aware of such distractions. Since you cannot address people by names, you too pick up the dried towels and rub yourself with it…let us see, how you can as well withstand harsh criticism since you claim to be so strong. I think I got my leg on your balls such that you’ve been prevented enough to pounce on little goats…haa! If you are posting to show “hate” in a posting, you must as well swallow whatever reaction comes with it….and help yourself with “cool-aid” hey agama lizard! You right there with your shirt off….nurse or doctor! (: I think as well, if the monger about a coup is found out not true…for now, I do not know…go forth and apologize to this forum for forwarding it here. If that’s your journalism pal, I asked to be excused of it…rushing for news to lie, I would rather report stale. Don't you agree?"
Aluta continua!
Long Live Gainako & and all the media outlets!
Sincerely,
Yj
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Okay, I guess "who the cap fits, let him wear it", if I may paraphrase the Reggae superstar; Bob Marley.
Since Dalton1 (I think that is a pen-name, isn't it?) has taken to insulting kayjatta (also a pen-name), I will try not to insult back. I have always nurtured the impression that I have passed the stage where one could stoop down to an uncultured level of trading personal insults. My currency is ideas, that is all I trade in; and love him or leave him Kayjatta will never falter in that respect.
I might be a hypocrit (since by GAINAKO standard every critic is a hypocrit-and I have heard Jammeh call his critics hypocrits too...) but I certainly cannot hate neither Dalton nor GAINAKO. Why would I burden myself with that? . I also have to say that I, kayjatta owe Dalton and GAINAKO nothing, so I do not see how I can be ungrateful to either. I am not a big reader of GAINAKO; that's it. I pick and choose which papers I read based on which papers appeal to my appetite and standards. I do not read the 'Washington Post', but I read the 'New York Times', the STAR, and the 'NEW YORKER' magazine. Similarly, I don't read GAINAKO, which I think is a lousy name in the first place, but I am an avid reader of FREEDOM, THE GAMBIA ECHO, FOROYAA; and of course I balance all that by reading the DAILY OBSERVER. I do not read THE POINT much now, although I used to subscribe to it back in the days when I was in the Gambia. But that is not THE POINT of today. THE POINT of today is damaging itself by exercising in self censorship I think. Will I be labeled as a "hater and hypocrit" by THE POINT editors also? No I do not think so. The editors at THE POINT are sober, cultured, enlightened, and above all professionals. But not quite so with GAINAKO apparently...
A few months ago I made a critque of GAINAKO during their renovation period. While "Baghdad Bob" went on a neurotic rampage (this fellow is so insecure he cannot take criticism in good faith), Dbaldeh, the other editor at GAINAKO kept his peace and I applaud him for that because it is a good sign of level headedness to maintain your calm in the face of criticism.
The reported coup in the Gambia I have forwarded is not my story; it is a story from THE ECHO. I just forwarded it, without a single comment of my own, so it can be discussed on Bantaba. Only the ignorant will attribute that story to the name of kayjatta.
"...long tongue of the reptile animal ...", John Dalton said. For your information, reptiles are already animals; I do not know of any reptile that is a plant. Ignorance does not really lie too far below the surface... |
Edited by - kayjatta on 15 Jul 2009 09:00:55 |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 09:17:23
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quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
"I find it truly petty though when ungrateful lame-ducks or agama lizards uniformed behind hatred and hypocrisy try to picture themselves as angels, when their own backyards are filthy…saying I am not a reader to Gainako…take a hike KY boy! Even though we want readers, I must be honest we do not want hateful instincts of readers…showing little or no respect and acting as watch dogs, when squatting on fire…with no iota of recognition, other than that fake long tongue of the reptile animal trying to prey on every innocent insect. I think I am personally aware of such distractions. Since you cannot address people by names, you too pick up the dried towels and rub yourself with it…let us see, how you can as well withstand harsh criticism since you claim to be so strong. I think I got my leg on your balls such that you’ve been prevented enough to pounce on little goats…haa! If you are posting to show “hate” in a posting, you must as well swallow whatever reaction comes with it….and help yourself with “cool-aid” hey agama lizard! You right there with your shirt off….nurse or doctor! (: I think as well, if the monger about a coup is found out not true…for now, I do not know…go forth and apologize to this forum for forwarding it here. If that’s your journalism pal, I asked to be excused of it…rushing for news to lie, I would rather report stale. Don't you agree?"
Aluta continua!
Long Live Gainako & and all the media outlets!
Sincerely,
Yj
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Okay, I guess "who the cap fits, let him wear it", if I may paraphrase the Reggae superstar; Bob Marley.
Since Dalton1 (I think that is a pen-name, isn't it?) has taken to insulting kayjatta (also a pen-name), I will try not to insult back. I have always nurtured the impression that I have passed the stage where one could stoop down to an uncultured level of trading personal insults. My currency is ideas, that is all I trade in; and love him or leave him Kayjatta will never falter in that respect.
I might be a hypocrit (since by GAINAKO standard every critic is a hypocrit-and I have heard Jammeh call his critics hypocrits too...) but I certainly cannot hate neither Dalton nor GAINAKO. Why would I burden myself with that? . I also have to say that I, kayjatta owe Dalton and GAINAKO nothing, so I do not see how I can be ungrateful to either. I am not a big reader of GAINAKO; that's it. I pick and choose which papers I read based on which papers appeal to my appetite and standards. I do not read the 'Washington Post', but I read the 'New York Times', the STAR, and the 'NEW YORKER' magazine. Similarly, I don't read GAINAKO, which I think is a lousy name in the first place, but I am an avid reader of FREEDOM, THE GAMBIA ECHO, FOROYAA; and of course I balance all that by reading the DAILY OBSERVER. I do not read THE POINT much now, although I used to subscribe to it back in the days when I was in the Gambia. But that is not THE POINT of today. THE POINT of today is damaging itself by exercising in self censorship I think. Will I be labeled as a "hater and hypocrit" by THE POINT editors also? No I do not think so. The editors at THE POINT are sober, cultured, enlightened, and above all professionals. But not quite so with GAINAKO apparently...
A few months ago I made a critque of GAINAKO during their renovation period. While "Baghdad Bob" went on a neurotic rampage (this fellow is so insecure he cannot take criticism in good faith), Dbaldeh, the other editor at GAINAKO kept his peace and I applaud him for that because it is a good sign of level headedness to maintain your calm in the face of criticism.
The reported coup in the Gambia I have forwarded is not my story; it is a story from THE ECHO. I just forwarded it, without a single comment of my own, so it can be discussed on Bantaba. Only the ignorant will attribute that story to the name of kayjatta.
"...long tongue of the reptile animal ...", John Dalton said. For your information, reptiles are already animals; I do not know of any reptile that is a plant. Ignorance does not really lie too far below the surface...
Oops! GWB, What happened there? This iron is so hot...I thought this is equally mild criticism...and you cannot swallow it too without reacting...pal, let us be frank, you couldn't carry it on your head as well..we cannot pretend to withstand criticism...at least let us not fake it..and let us not push too hard to annoy one another. It takes time to provoke me before one can get a response like this from me..I just wanted to show you what it means to be put in a situation of defense. Play the fool all you want and pretend like you are the victim...now you are on the defensive, see! Discussions are supposed to be mild! Now, how would you like it when I humbly called you "Bro " always? compare the two...can you make any sense from it now? How about we interact with true enlightenment? The wrong one!!(: |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 15 Jul 2009 09:50:10 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 09:49:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalton1
quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
"I find it truly petty though when ungrateful lame-ducks or agama lizards uniformed behind hatred and hypocrisy try to picture themselves as angels, when their own backyards are filthy…saying I am not a reader to Gainako…take a hike KY boy! Even though we want readers, I must be honest we do not want hateful instincts of readers…showing little or no respect and acting as watch dogs, when squatting on fire…with no iota of recognition, other than that fake long tongue of the reptile animal trying to prey on every innocent insect. I think I am personally aware of such distractions. Since you cannot address people by names, you too pick up the dried towels and rub yourself with it…let us see, how you can as well withstand harsh criticism since you claim to be so strong. I think I got my leg on your balls such that you’ve been prevented enough to pounce on little goats…haa! If you are posting to show “hate” in a posting, you must as well swallow whatever reaction comes with it….and help yourself with “cool-aid” hey agama lizard! You right there with your shirt off….nurse or doctor! (: I think as well, if the monger about a coup is found out not true…for now, I do not know…go forth and apologize to this forum for forwarding it here. If that’s your journalism pal, I asked to be excused of it…rushing for news to lie, I would rather report stale. Don't you agree?"
Aluta continua!
Long Live Gainako & and all the media outlets!
Sincerely,
Yj
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, I guess "who the cap fits, let him wear it", if I may paraphrase the Reggae superstar; Bob Marley.
Since Dalton1 (I think that is a pen-name, isn't it?) has taken to insulting kayjatta (also a pen-name), I will try not to insult back. I have always nurtured the impression that I have passed the stage where one could stoop down to an uncultured level of trading personal insults. My currency is ideas, that is all I trade in; and love him or leave him Kayjatta will never falter in that respect.
I might be a hypocrit (since by GAINAKO standard every critic is a hypocrit-and I have heard Jammeh call his critics hypocrits too...) but I certainly cannot hate neither Dalton nor GAINAKO. Why would I burden myself with that? . I also have to say that I, kayjatta owe Dalton and GAINAKO nothing, so I do not see how I can be ungrateful to either. I am not a big reader of GAINAKO; that's it. I pick and choose which papers I read based on which papers appeal to my appetite and standards. I do not read the 'Washington Post', but I read the 'New York Times', the STAR, and the 'NEW YORKER' magazine. Similarly, I don't read GAINAKO, which I think is a lousy name in the first place, but I am an avid reader of FREEDOM, THE GAMBIA ECHO, FOROYAA; and of course I balance all that by reading the DAILY OBSERVER. I do not read THE POINT much now, although I used to subscribe to it back in the days when I was in the Gambia. But that is not THE POINT of today. THE POINT of today is damaging itself by exercising in self censorship I think. Will I be labeled as a "hater and hypocrit" by THE POINT editors also? No I do not think so. The editors at THE POINT are sober, cultured, enlightened, and above all professionals. But not quite so with GAINAKO apparently...
A few months ago I made a critque of GAINAKO during their renovation period. While "Baghdad Bob" went on a neurotic rampage (this fellow is so insecure he cannot take criticism in good faith), Dbaldeh, the other editor at GAINAKO kept his peace and I applaud him for that because it is a good sign of level headedness to maintain your calm in the face of criticism.
The reported coup in the Gambia I have forwarded is not my story; it is a story from THE ECHO. I just forwarded it, without a single comment of my own, so it can be discussed on Bantaba. Only the ignorant will attribute that story to the name of kayjatta.
"...long tongue of the reptile animal ...", John Dalton said. For your information, reptiles are already animals; I do not know of any reptile that is a plant. Ignorance does not really lie too far below the surface...
Oops! GWB, What happened there? This iron is so hot...I thought this is equally mild criticism...and you cannot swallow it too without reacting...pal, let us be frank, you couldn't carry it on your head as well..we cannot prevent to withstand criticism. What is that )...at least let us not fake it..and let us not push too hard to annoy one another. It takes time to provoke before one can get a response like this from me..I just wanted to show you what it means to be put in a situation of defense. Play the fool all you want and prevent like you are the victim. ((what is that)...now you are on the defensive, see! Discussions are supposed to be mild! Now, how would you like it when I humbly called you "Bro " always? compare the two...can you make any sense from it now? How about we interact with true enlightenment? The wrong one!!(:
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Edited by - kayjatta on 15 Jul 2009 09:52:34 |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 09:51:53
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GWB,
You are late to see that one...because it was already submitted.
If you don't mind being rectified , go ahead and correct the following on your "coup" posting.
quote:
...must be taken caustiously...
try again! |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 15 Jul 2009 10:10:51 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 09:56:06
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GAINAKO needs to address these 'old evils', like I said before. It is better to focus on these issues than wasting your time wrangling with critics ...
Good luck! |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 10:00:49
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GWB,
Correct yours....and I am waiting....please be humble to do it as well.
The important lesson to draw, when the veil is taken from those faking it....we see the real face. My effort on you is not a waste of time...if I should rescue you from the traps of pomposity...and acting like the washington Big B, I will ever be grateful.
Take care GWB & later!
Always,
Dalton..
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 15 Jul 2009 10:09:07 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2009 : 10:24:51
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John Dalton wrote "...prevent to withstand criticism" and "...prevent like you are the victim" (both highlighted in red above.
I have had a had time wading through the tangle of words there to put a question mark on the two problematic phrases.
However, the "old evils" we are talking about; that is bad writing, general sloppiness,and all the others still persist... . Why not get good proof readers at GAINAKO?
Journalists need to write better,and practice what they preach-tolerance of criticism- otherwise just stay home Dalton and take care of your family. Then we will leave you alone...
However, kayjatta will not be dragged into this mud of stupidity. I have always tried to give my honest appraisal; take it or leave it. I will try not to return insults, but will defend my position with enthusiasm ...
Good luck again. |
Edited by - kayjatta on 15 Jul 2009 10:28:28 |
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