The gospel according to anyone

by Chris Losh

Have you ever considered how changes in freedom of information alter people’s behaviour? We’ve just had the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James bible – a democratisation of religion that put the ability to read and interpret religion in the hands of people, rather than in the hands of priests. In the way in which it reduced the influence of the formal church it was revolutionary and, in its fostering of people power, paved the way for all kinds of social upheaval in Britain.

The same goes for online news. Dictatorships can ban the distribution of printed words, but it’s all-but impossible to ban the internet, and mobile technology has been at the root of the so-called Arab Spring. Disaffected youths hear about the pro-democracy uprisings in neighbouring countries and the movement spreads. The Syrians can ban journalists from entering the country, but they can’t stop people videoing government snipers on their camera phones and sending the footage to the BBC.

Similar story with holidays. Hotels can put together swoonsome websites promising a fortnight in paradise, but if the reviews on trip advisor give it two stars and a right royal slating, then their claims are instantly exposed for the sham that they are.

In the internet world there are fewer places to hide. Post an article and if people think it’s a crock of crap, they’ll tell you instantly – and everyone will be able to read their thoughts. It’s a world away from traditional print journalism, where columnists wrote something and editors decided whether or not to print any reader feedback that came in.

Of course, it’s not always great to have people power exercised in such an unrestrained way. There are plenty of stories of operators sending in stinking reviews of competitor products or places, and there’s no shortage of swivel-eyed nutters sheltering behind the cloak of anonymity to say the most appalling things online.

TS Eliot was right when he said that mankind cannot bear too much reality, but generally speaking it’s refreshing to live in a world of instant and honest feedback. I’m sure most bars, hotels and restaurants would prefer it if customers gave them feedback at the time, but people generally don’t. And while it’s never nice to see criticism of oneself or ones establishment in black and white at least it allows you to do something about it.

To put it bluntly, it may not be nice to know where you stand, but it’s useful. The public might not always know what they’re talking about, but that doesn’t mean they’re always wrong. As the priests found out 400 years ago, and Hosni Mubarak, Colonel Gadaffi and Bashar al Assad are finding out today.