If a profession ever looks like an amateurish type of activity, akin to a causal sport, it’s usually irritating for only a short while. However, a particular group of no-hope, self-prioritising professionals in Hong Kong managed to pull off a heist of people’s time and resources that didn’t blow over quickly.
It’s a story of a group of people who swiftly became a byword in the Chinese territory. They came to epitomise how not to do things, like report or inform, and why it can be a fruitful pursuit elsewhere.
Starting over
The belief that Journalism is in decline is worldwide, and while many look at it to wonder where it went wrong, some are taking the task to hand. They’re looking into the ways to put it right.
An example of this is the New York Times, itself aware of the shortcomings of some people’s efforts as reported by this site, but also driving change forward. It takes this issue to task like it’s a school project, and has made inroads on establishing modern toolsets.
However, it hasn’t come without a price tag, as many of its staff writers attest to having encountered “SPY KONG” members, or those living and staying in Hong Kong at the time of this news epidemic and playing a role in newsroom antics.
Harrowing tales
The primary cause for concern with “SPY KONG” is its focus on interrogation style tactics of control during interview. It’s been done on telephone but also in person by these people, a sort of confrontation with power to ordinary folk.
I’ve seen evidence that its members have used Police scripts and spy agency torture methods predominantly found in Asian countries to get answers out of Politicians and business executives all across the world.
The reason for the particular origin is simple. It ensures that any efforts they make are misattributed to States and entities far removed from their Western counterparts, where all the “SPY KONG” members originate and live from time to time.
The outcomes are horrendous in some cases, but not fatal. It’s believed that many of those targeted had already been trained in how to deflect some of the tactics, and technology was in use to mitigate its more harmful effects.
Chasing cars
The priority of its members had been to find out “BIG conspiracy theories” and callout “notable liars” as one said to me in a brief text message exchange. It sounded as though they weren’t making keen progress, and were in need of some hot tipoffs to help.
The reports later suggested many of the members (reportedly in its hundreds) were being arrested as Police cracked down on drug use, and some weapons were found. It’s believed some are still in prison for these illegal acts.
The pressure they felt that ended their run in 2012 was due to the interest they were showing in just about anybody in power. This was the hallmark of their failure to properly learn the trade. They didn’t listen to good advice, and they just followed instincts.