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by Joey Alarilla, Philippines

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Filipina co-founder of b5media cited among most influential female bloggers, Part 2

Jan 28, 2009 13:07

As I recounted last week, ironically, b5media co-founder Shai Coggins, found out that Fast Company had cited her as one of the most influential women in technology for the bloggers category a few days after she and b5media parted ways.

In the phone conversation where the b5media COO and CEO broke the news to her, the economic downturn was cited as a reason for the decision. In the face of a global economic slowdown that has also resulted in massive layoffs in the tech sector, will we see tougher times ahead for bloggers and blogging?

Asked to comment on this, Coggins replied: "Inevitably, the economic climate will affect bloggers (especially those who are making money from them independently or through networks) and blog networks. There are already many businesses that are affected by the recession, and blogging isn't exempt.

"I think insight, innovation, and a little bit of inspiration will be very helpful to overcome the challenges that professional bloggers face right now."

Coggins, however, said those who don't primarily see blogging as a source of income will probably "not feel any different at all".

"That's the beauty of doing something out of passion and pure love. You'll do it even when tough times come.

"Is 2009 still a good year for blogging? I think any year is always going to be a good year to blog. It just depends on what you expect to gain from it. So perhaps, refocusing will be key to making things work on this front," she said.

As a female blogger, does Coggins feel the contributions and influence of women to blogging have been properly recognized?

"It's always great to see the different ways women get recognized with the work that we do in blogging. Of course, it doesn't really matter what gender you are. If you're doing something great in the industry, then you definitely deserve recognition.

"However, in the world of technology, men seem to outnumber women in general. Or at least, that's the most commonly held view. But women's voices are definitely stronger now than they were a few years ago. And I think more and more women are definitely stepping up and that's wonderful."

Back in 2007, I said here in Babelmachine that Filipinos are taking over the blogosphere. While 2007 did turn out to be the year when blogging became more mainstream in the Philippines, what developments are needed to make blogging as a business truly take off in the Philippines and among the Filipino online community?

"Filipinos are very entrepreneurial and creative by nature, I believe," Coggins replied when asked why Filipinos seem to thrive in the blogosphere, including professional blogging. "Probably it comes from growing up and seeing poverty and hardship all around us--and wanting to escape that and make life better for us and our families."

To accelerate the growth of blogging as an industry in the Philippines, Coggins expressed the desire to see "people be more united".

"Come together for a common cause and play less politics. Use what we're good at for good. And yes, it will be great if the Government will find ways to support the industry. And use blogging in education a lot more. There's definitely a lot that can be done to make the most out of blogging as a whole."

Thanks, Shai, and here's wishing 2009 will be a great year for bloggers.

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About Joey Alarilla

Joey Alarilla is the Multimedia Head a.k.a. The Catalyst of Manila-based Level Up! Inc., the PLDT Group's online gaming company. He is a doting dad, avid gamer, and pro wrestling fan. Visit his personal blog and follow him on Twitter. You may also add him to your Facebook, or follow him on Plurk and Yahoo! Meme.