Handbook for Cyber-Dissidents

by Sheldon Rampton — October 28, 2005 - 11:42am

Reporters Without Borders has published a "Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-Dissidents," with technical instructions and advice for people who want to use the internet as a means of expression in repressive societies. "Bloggers are often the only real journalists in countries where the mainstream media is censored or under pressure," they state. "Only they provide independent news, at the risk of displeasing the government and sometimes courting arrest." The handbook provides tips on how to remain anonymous while blogging, explains how to publicize a weblog, and offers basic advice on ethical and journalistic principles.

Main Source:

Reporters Without Borders

Comments

Reporters Without Borders

Submitted by senoch on November 2, 2005 - 12:48pm.

I'm surprised CMD listed this story without letting its readers know the rather sordid links "Reporters without borders" maintains with the U.S. government and its attempts to destabilize Cuba, Venezuela & Haiti. Furthermore, its attempt to "borrow" the legitimacy of "Doctors without borders" via its name make it a perfect example of government propaganda masquerading as independent, non-partisan dissidence. Not what I would characterize as "citizen's journalism." Sincerely, Simon Enoch Department of Communication & Culture Ryerson University Toronto, ON Canada

Z Net article

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on November 4, 2005 - 5:29pm.

Back in May, Z Net ran an article by Salim Lamrani titled, "[http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=45&ItemID=7851|The Reporters Without Borders Fraud]," which discusses the issues Simon raised in his comment. Our SourceWatch article on [[Reporters Without Borders]] links to the Z Net piece, but could use some work. If you'd like to help out, see the [[SourceWatch:Help]] page on how to get started.