Jordanian bloggers marked the third Blog About Jordan day on March 12th. As was the case in previous years, the cyber event was organized by U.S.-based Jordanian blogger Qwaider:
It's that time of year again. March is is the month of Blog for Jordan day. March 12th to be exact. This year it's going to be even more spectacular than the last two years.
The event, while primarily focusing on blog posts about Jordan, went live on Twitter as well under #B4JO where new posts and tweets about it were publicized. Clearly a testimony to the rising importance of Twitter as a social networking tool, tweets also opened up the event to non-bloggers.
Qwaider not only organized the event but also published an excellent roundup of what transpired during March 12th, linking up to the blogs that took part in the event. Since his roundup is so stellar and in order to avoid online redundancy, here are a few of the things bloggers have actually said on the third BAJD:
Nido on bringing up her children to love Jordan:
We're bringing my kids soon to visit you Jordan,
We'll make sure we take them downtown,
We'll make sure they BOTH eat mansaf, shawerma, knafeh and falafel,
We'll make sure we visit a lot of houses, for friends and family,
We'll make sure they bathe under your sun and they watch your sunset from the main balcony in my parents' house.
MommaBean on the Jordan of her heart:
Changeable weather that is summer today and winter tomorrow
Traffic that is never ceasing and never predictable
Opportunities to befriend the rich and the poor alike and enjoy both equally
An intoxicating blend of home-comforts and exotic strangeness
A country that takes in those without other places to go… that opens its arms and its heart – often at detriment to itself.
Miss Khasawneh on borders:
I know now that we might not be the largest of countries, but as cliché-like as this might sound, Jordan is large in its cities, each with its own history, its ability to hold within it so much diversity, its people, who prove themselves to be more creative, more successful and more worthy of admiration with each passing day.
Nadine Toukan on freedom of expression in the country:
Media today, be it legacy, traditional, new, or social, is a conversation. And no one can shut you up. Censorship does not stop anything, never has. […] Go ahead, blog about Jordan – share what you love, what works for you, and what else you want…with no holds. Speak your mind about the Internet environment you want, teach your readers and viewers something we don't know, demonstrate why open matters.
Ola Oeliwat on why it's easy to be creative in Jordan:
A lot of material to work with,Just look around you! Wherever you look it’s a blend of interesting people, phenomena and landscape. […] There’s actually a lot of support for those who choose to tap into their own potential. […] There’s always something to look forward to. A photo exhibition, a book signing, a movie showing, you name it! There are actually newcomers who are becoming well-known for their work all around Jordan, some sore of local celebrities, and I think this creates an energetic vibe and could be encouraging to other aspiring young people, or old for that matter!
Ranging from critique of pedestrian life in the capital to analysis of the educational system and a vocal protest against web censorship, Jordanian bloggers tackled current hot topics in marking March 12th, the third Blog About Jordan day.