The Online Citizen (TOC) went “live” on the Internet on 1 December 2006.
Starting out with a small editorial team and a few writers, TOC soon grew from strength to strength. With just about 500 views a month, we now command 20,000 to 30,000 views a day.
Our readership has been on an increasing curve upwards since Day One.
On 1 December 2010, we celebrate our 4th anniversary as one of Singapore’s most recognized socio-political blog.
The credit goes to the many editors, writers, supporters and readers who have contributed to TOC over the last four years.
On 1 December, I will be stepping down as Chief Editor of TOC. I will also be stepping down from the editorial team. However, I will continue to contribute as a writer until the end of December.
Joshua Chiang will take over from me as Acting-Chief Editor from 1 December.
Joshua has been with us the last two years and, besides the cartoon illustrations you see on this website, has also been instrumental in our coverage of certain stories – particularly on the migrant workers and the homeless issues. In the past few months, Joshua has been responsible for a large part of the day-to-day running of TOC’s website and our Facebook page.
With support from the rest of the editorial team, there is no doubt that TOC is in good hands.
The big event which the team will next be involved in is, of course, the General Election.
We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is interested in being part of the TOC General Election team. We are looking for reporters, analysts, commentators, videographers and photographers.
The elections will be our biggest challenge yet and we will need all the help we can get.
It will, undoubtedly, be history-making.
If you are interested in lending us a hand, and in the process be part of history, do drop us an email at: [email protected] .
Personally, it has been a pleasure and a great honour indeed for me to work with an amazing group of Singaporeans these last four years – almost 300 of them in total. They have shown that passion is alive, especially among the younger set, and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. And all this without monetary rewards or accolades.
On Sunday, 29 December, we held a small gathering of editors of TOC and some friends to celebrate our four years online. Below is a picture of TOC editors, past and present.
In particular, my personal thanks to some very special people :
Zheng Xi, who – besides founding TOC together with me, Gerald and Benjamin – has stood by me through thick and thin.
Lynn Lee, besides being a very good friend of mine, has also advised me and taught me courage and who often lent me her ears when I was down and afraid.
Shelley Thio, a mentor to me, teaching me about how to navigate the pitfalls of running TOC and what selflessness means.
Sze Hian, my very good friend whose generosity I will never be able to repay.
Joshua Chiang, for stepping up when I said I would like to step down from TOC. Also, for being so passionate in helping the less fortunate, and for being a friend and confidante with whom I have spent countless hours talking about TOC.
Lastly, I thank each and everyone of you who believed in us, stood by us, and helped us to be what we are today.
I wish TOC the very best.
Regards,
Andrew Loh
Chief Editor (for the last time)
The Online Citizen
