Are blind items the new news?

And just like that, blind items are everywhere — traditional and new media carry them. Entertainment portals and platforms give them headline status. Online talk shows appropriate time and segments to discuss the latest chika hidden under its very name.

Thus, I cannot help but wonder, now that they are so in, will there ever come a time when they will be out? Given that the majority just cannot get enough of them, is it safe and intelligent to say that blind items, indeed, have become the new news?

Good

The late great superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor had her lioness’ share of blind items. Vilma Santos, the Star for All Seasons and current Batangas governor, had her proportionate share of blind items as well.

Of late, Marian Rivera-Dantes needed to issue a denial about the “power couple whose relationship is on the rocks” blind item. Oddly, starlet Barbie Imperial claimed that she was the subject matter of a blind item that was written in an online entertainment portal. And yes, every Stella or Ella, Adam and Steve, for as long they are in the category of celebrities, political and public figures, being the focus of a blind item is part and parcel of their stellar territory.

A good blind item, for it to arouse the curiosity and make the imagination of readers go ballistic, must be intriguing and not just laced but filled with connecting-the-dots clues, enough hints and suggestions, but maintaining the dignity of not being so obvious so that the item becomes boring or predictable.

Yes, juicy and scandalous are important components for a blind item to reach not just fever-pitch levels but of viral proportions. Some fine examples are: cheating involving high-profile personalities; menage-a-trois of the same sexes with one of them having a girlfriend, or a married man; diva behavior that gives diva-hood a bad name; substance and intoxicating addiction, and addiction of the carnal kind, are top tier blind item topics. The more salacious, the better. However, though it is shrouded in mystery, adding a I’ve-got-a-tale-to-tell element makes it grounded and truthful still.

Also, a good blind must always be short and to the point, no beating around the bush, no going to peaks and valleys; it must be a quick, thrilling read that catches not only steam but fire and it being smoking hot means it will be shared and talked about by all, and definitely, we want some more!

Bad

When it fails to be entertaining, and seems like a rehash of material that did not age well, and the clues about the personalities in it are too easy for identification, then that blind item belongs to the bad or worst kind.

If it is not written like a riddle, a problem or a puzzle to be solved and the clues and descriptions fit a certain celebrity or public figure, then this blind item must not even be shared and given life.

Reading a mystery or suspense thriller novel, or a science fiction book, or even literature with elements of magical realism, deserves more of your attention and time than spending it on a bad and bland blind item.

Libel

While a blind item does not explicitly name the subject matters in it, it is not exempt from libel or cyber libel charges, especially if it is easily identifiable and there is a strong sensation in your gut that your guess is gold. Per research, if the descriptions in the blind item — such as profession, specific actions and unique traits — are so detailed that the public may proclaim that is this and that person, that individual may sue.

If the item is defamatory, outright false and malicious, and undermines reputation, character and standing, then we know what comes next.

News will always be news. And a blind item will never be considered as news or a source of it. For now, it is relevant, but the next day, another blind item will eclipse it. This blind item obsession is this season’s fad, a titillation with a limited span, and then it will be gone.

Why it always resurfaces is because the popular and avaricious love notoriety and the 15 minutes of fleeting fame. So yes, spreading their craziness through blind items is our means and sway to get even and kick their sagging butts!