Why We Didn't Post Infamous Jet Ski Video

Posted: 15 Sep 2009 | 10:48 am

Okay I admit it over the weekend I faltered to the media frenzy and went on You Tube and viewed the 'Big Trouble in Tourist Thailand jet ski video.' Then there was a sequel and of course now allegations that the whole event was staged; and even the latest that the guy did damage the jet ski. Now all of a sudden the entire event was apparently staged. It makes franchise sequels like Police Academy take on a whole new meaning.

I like TV and make no excuses about it, it's an absolutely mindless escape at the best of times and yes I do from time to time stop while channel surfing onto the E Channel and watch Biggest Celebrity Breakdowns or Child Stars Gone Berserk…but only for a few minutes and then like some Endless Summer Surfer I'm back onto the remote and happily off to hopefully more productive pursuits such as Discovery or History Channels.

Today we live in such an instant age of gratification, and getting our fix of what's happening this minute to the next, Face booking twittering, it's like drinking espresso 24 hours a day. High anxiety and onto the next big thing. The entire Reality TV cause though and this attraction to tabloid news is a concern, as every news outlet across the globe is in such as rush to get things online so they can own the Google stories or generate magazine or newspaper sales or hits. It's become a bit of a nightmare.

Reading the tales of JJ and company I can barely make out what's real and not real, and as a matter of fact we will never know as tomorrow it will be something else. I'm not taking a pot shot at anybody or any news outlets, we are just a small outlet who write about hotels, tourism and property in Phuket. I have to respect that larger organizations are covering this as it has in fact become a news story. Far be it from me to be critical, its news and that's what the people want…but as to what's important, meaningful and creates intelligent dialogue and sustainable change, it's doubtful that will be done in the name of You Tube.

Last night after watching the You Tube video of Jet Ski JJ, I tuned into the Travel Channel with one of my favorite personalities Anthony Bourdain who was visiting Bali. Stunning images of sights, sounds and a feel good messaging. I can imagine someone sitting in Europe or North America about to makes plans to visit Asia and making that decision after viewing both programs. In many cases media argues that showing the constant line of shocking stories helps bring about change and reform along with consumer awareness. While that's admirable, it also needs to be done with balance and oversight. At the end of the day there are enough positives in this market that there has to be some accountability for action that hits down on our local industries such as hotels, property, marinas, yachting and tourism. They should have an equal voice in the news as at the end of the day this is what counts as the livelihood of so many people.

So while I pondered putting the video up on the site this morning, no doubt eliciting hits and comments and hey my Google rankings may even go up, I'm saying no to this nonsense. I have to believe that out there perhaps a growing number of people who want substance, knowledge and perhaps just a bit more from life. At the end of the day it instant coffee versus a fine Italian espresso..sorry guys you will just have to put up with my own shaky videos for now…

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