The Pakistani Spectator

Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?
I wanted to improve my writing skills especially narrative writing, the added advantage was being able to look at my thoughts in the past as time passed, the downside is that what we goof around in blogs, echoes in cyber eternity. I blog here.

What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?

well, i perceive my blog to be an isolated island, never had any comparative motivation nor can I imagine a niche for it except that I am the targeted audience of my own blog. But based on comments ive recieved, it is the most confusing yet interesting, one of the lengthiest, very diverse (ill-focused actually) but expressive.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

I think not being shy of taking first steps has led me to many surprises in life, all good ones. I also dont give much heed to critics unless there is substance in the criticism.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I cant measure happiness or the opposite.

Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?

Earlier I used to think that it all depends on the accessiblity of infrastructure like hardware, internet connectivity, localisation of software and also skills to use a pc. They are major factors no doubt, but for Urdu blogging to take over, we as a population has to come out of the post-colonial hangover where English reigns supreme. Unless we take pride in our own langauges and use it pervasively, Urdu blogging will not flourish. Great examples include the Japanese, the Germans, the Nordic etc.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

1. Jeruselum and Israel
2. Botswana
3. Thailand

What is your favorite book and why?

Difficult question, im not so good at measuring, but one that i fancy a lot is ‘Crow Eaters’ by Bapsi Sidhwa. Her use of language has been my inspiration but specific about this novel besides the story has been the protagonist, Faredoon Junglewala which is one of my fav characters. A close second would be the ‘Sealed Nectar’ by Safi-urRahman Mubarakpuri. Among urdu books, Raja Gidh tops the list of the few ive read.

What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?

Aloo Paratha, jeans and tshirt, soccer

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

his/her greeting style

Whose Future is more bright in Pakistan; English blogs or Urdu Blogs?

English, as more foreigners are interested in knowing about us and since English is more pervasive to early adopters of blogging in Pakistan, it will define the pop blogging culture.

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Is it all about making money?

Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don’t go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it?

It depends on what we expect out of blogs, for me, they are a subjective medium for supplementary material. Be it corporate blogs, blogs by famous people or group blogs even, they are supposed to give a personal touch, an insight into one’s individuality. Otherwise, they become more like forums or worse as commercially backed content.

What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?

On the Gartner’s Hype cycle, we are at the “Trough of Disillusionment”.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?

In specific order,

Green and White
All Things Pakistan
Teeth Maestro
Kashif Hafeez
Karachi Metroblogs

ofcourse this is besides The Pakistani Spectator

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?

Adnan’s Crazy World of Blogging

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?

I think it will grow and become a more recognised form of independent media. Pakistan had seen the first form of Free Media so to say under Musharraf’s era, but it has its limitations, especially those pertaining to corporate intentions and censorship. Blogging (including Vlogging) will provide the next level of media independence and also produce localised content.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

It is a difficult task no doubt, but blogging has its advantages which outweigh the investments. For instance, it is an ideal notebook for those with memory not quite that of Zakir Naik’s. I refer to my professional blog quite often to reuse previous solutions. It also gives me better employment chances. Blogging also allows one to let others get a better picture of one’s individuality before passing judgements on first impressions. This is very useful for those participating in online forums where one’s identity is fuzzy.

What are your future plans?

I will think about it in the future.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

Bloggers thrive on comments/critics/feedback. I believe there are far more silent readers than those who participate in blogs. Do comment on blogs and participate in healthy discussions.