GushCloud vs XiaXue

While I don't particularly like XiaXue's blog, I've to admit that she's a good blogger. I only just found out that she has 4 times more traffic than me (not this blog of course) at 40,000 pageviews monthly.

The hottest story online right now is The Big Gushcloud Exposé written by her declaring that GushCloud lied on several fronts.

GushCloud has since rebutted with their own account.

There are a few takeaway points for me.

1. If XiaXue's alleged pageviews of GushCloud's bloggers are correct, then it's quite shocking that so called influencers can be called influencers with that sort of readership. Yan Kay Kay's pageviews, and I'm quoting from GushCloud's rebuttal, is only 974 readers/day. I have around 4,500 readers/day and I consider myself just a writer.

2. Advertisers should demand a print screen of Google Analytics reports to verify the actual pageviews that GushCloud states their bloggers have. In fact GushCloud should make it mandatory for their bloggers to provide Google Analytics reports, or at least install some sort of counters on their blogs. You can be sued by clients for misrepresentation. Now that this news has been blown up, it can get messy if advertisers want to take legal action.

3. XiaXue has just posted an instagram update saying that GushCloud will not be suing her. Note that GushCloud said they want to sue her after XiaXue published her exposé.

Seriously, GushCloud? By not suing her, it just mean to the public that what XiaXue said had some element of truth. If I run my company and I have my numbers right, I would sue straightaway. Apparently after reading GushCloud's report, it seems that they do not have the exact numbers correct. Even the monthly revenue they gave The Straits Times was an honest mistake. Oh my goodness.

I don't take sides but GushCloud has some serious issues with accountability.

Ambulance blocked by road hogger on PIE

Reference: http://www.tnp.sg/news/ambulance-rushing-woman-hospital-blocked-pie-heartless-road-hog-causes-deadly-delay

Driver of the Hyundai Matrix should have his driving license revoked for a year.

Some people in Singapore are just too self-centred and have no consideration. There should be consequences for this type of behaviour.

Travel agencies break free from NATAS

Reference: 24 TRAVEL AGENCIES SAY DISPUTE WITH NATAS IS FAR FROM BEING RESOLVED

I see this as a good move on the part of the 24 travel agencies. If they can organise the fair themselves, why do they need to pay someone else, NATAS in this case, to do it and thereby increasing their own cost.

What's also interesting is how NATAS is interpreting the situation. NATAS claimed 80 to 90 percent of the issues are resolved while the travel agencies refuted that. It's a classic case of not knowing what the other party wants. Reminded me of how SMRT thought they resolved the conflict with their bus drivers who then went on to strike.

And it is not in NATAS's interest to disclose any financial information. If NATAS is bleeding money, the it's NATAS's own problem. However if NATAS is making profits, it means they are taking away profits from the travel agencies indirectly. It all comes down to money. If you know how they earn their money, you'll know how they behave.

Racist joint exercise?

Khaw Boon Wan posted some photos on the joint exercise with Police, SCDF & foreign worker ambassadors

It's interesting how so many people think this incident has something to do with racism.

If the rioters were Chinese or any other race, I suppose there won't be complaints? If so, then racism is already in your mind regardless of which race is rioting. You might be racist without even knowing.

Don't disclose your expectant salary

When you're at an interview, and the firm ask you to state your expectant salary, you should refuse.

Tell the interviewer to pay what they think you're worth. They are in the best position to know your salary, not you. You can negotiate later after you know the amount.

If the amount is not justified, the employee will jump ship eventually in the future. It's not about the amount, in Singapore it's not difficult to find a job, it's about the integrity to pay someone what he or she is worth to the company.

NLB removes two non-pro-family children books

Reference:
NLB removes two children's titles after complaint that they are not "pro-family"

If children can turn gay after reading the books, they should be banned.

Will LTA fines improve the train system?

Reference: LTA TO FINE SMRT AND SBS $1.65 MILLION FOR MULTIPLE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS

Sometimes I can't understand fining as a form of punishment. If the trains are disrupted or late, then they should be punished by running more trains. As if the fine is going to hurt SMRT, or improve the train system.

Road bullies should be kept off roads

Reference: Road bully blocks SBS bus with his car

Road bullies should just get their driving license suspended for at least 5 years. If they don't deserve to be on the road, they should be kept off road for a better Singapore.

And stop fining people. As if people don't have money to pay fines. Money is replaceable, time is not.

Writers’ boycott of event a good example for students

Reference: Writers’ boycott of event a bad example for students

I actually think it's a good example for students that the writers boycott. It teaches students to stand up for what they believe in.

Here's an interesting paragraph from the story:

Are the writers simply disagreeing with the NLB’s disposal process for books taken out of circulation, or do they feel that unsupervised children should be exposed to controversial topics and left to develop their own conclusions on such matters?

If unsupervised children can turn anti-family or gay by just reading the withdrawn books, then those books should be banned, and not just in Singapore.

Anyway check out the many comments from smart people in the comments section of the article linked above.

SingTel's practice on keeping overpayment

Reference: Telco holding on to $13k overpayment

In short, customer paid $13,873 instead of $138.73 via internet banking to SingTel. (Hey, the decimal points don't just get included by themselves.)

The customer was told that SingTel's practice is to keep the excess as credit to offset future payment.

Is it legal?

It is legal to accept money not intended for the payment of the service provided? Is this written in fine print of the contract that was signed?

And for something as simple as a refund, the customer waited for one month to no avail.

Someone should just go to their office, make a big fuss and film a viral video. Maybe that is how you can get the message through to them, through the public and then to them.

As for how much SingTel values customers and customer service, you can just make that judgement for yourself.