The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

Anniyan is what I call myself in the blog-o-sphere. Anniyan means a stranger. Why I call myself that is because I am just another average guy with an average thinking capacity. But once you frequent my blog, one will never feel that I am a stranger anymore. I am an engineering student in Bangalore, India. I seldom put up with useless criticism. But constructive criticism is more than welcome. My site is something that defines my personality. I write whatever I feel is interesting at that moment. I even share my joys and sorrows through it.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

Yes, I do feel that way sometimes. After all, practice makes you perfect. But pratice of a mistake leads more and more towards imperfection. We must first be sure we are practicing the right thing. Then we must get on with it.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

My whole blogging experience is a memorable one. Each encouragement and comment on my blog on what I post is memorable. I have found a whole new world out here that I didn’t even know a year before.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

I read. Simple. I visit other blogs, read and then comment. I never comment just for the sake of it. I want to make my presence in the blogosphere welcomed and not detested. I am very bad when it comes to maintaining the connection established with other bloggers. One reason for this is my sudden disappearances from the web for durations unknown. Something I want to rectify, but not in a position to.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

One simple answer. I HATE politics. That is because of the corruption that exists. No technology will be benefactory to the society unles and until the corruption level decreases.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

Again, people will be more responsive only when they think their response is of some value. Just think, would you be willing to voice your opinion if I said it didn’t matter even in the least bit?

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I am unique; my blog is unique. No two people in this world can have the exact same thought patterns. Individuality is what sets my blog apart.

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

It would have to be my open-ness. I talk whatever crap that comes to my mind and encourage other people to do so too.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

This is something that I have already shared extensively in my blog. I have a very bad memory. So I don’t usually remember anything bad that happens to me for very long.

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?

The top 3 places would be Mauritius, Switzerland and the Bermuda Triangle. The first for the sun and surf. The second for the spactacle it is. And the third for becoming a part of one of the mysteries of the world.

What is your favorite book and why?

I should say Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. It, according to me is an invaluable piece of work that will stand fast through the storm of time. The diversity of emotions I went through when reading the book cannot be described in words. No other book is worthy enough to be compared with it.

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

His/her handshake. I can safely say that I am pretty much experienced at judging what kind of person anyone is by shaking their hands. It is something that I have learnt over many years.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

Actually no. I even won an essay writing competition when I was in high school.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

According to me, a blog is something that defines who you are. It is the virtual representation of your qualities. Even if you are showing a different face in your blog, a frequent reader can see through it easily. So I don’t think blogs should be thought about from a financial point of view.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

It is partly true. A successful blog is the result of many hours of work and huge amounts of creativity and expression. Without the latter, no blog will be worthy of even a second glance.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

Bloggers play a moderate role in spreading the word of peace. But it is up to the people who disturb this peace to realize what they are doing is wrong and stop their actions.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Every blogger is my favorite as long as they have the quality of accepting constructive criticism.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

Frankly, I don’t remember. I have mentioned earlier in this interview itself how bad my memory is. I apologise for it.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

A very sensitive question. I will be straight forward with you. I don’t believe in region or religion. I view all the people of the world as my friends. Nationality is just a reference of your co-ordinates in this world.

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

Nikhil. I am still stunned by the insanity he puts into his humorous posts.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

Developed country - A country which worries about other countries’ businiesses even if they are of no importance to them.

Developing country - A country which is occupied enough with its own problems that it does not bother who is nosing into their businesses.

What is the future of blogging?

The appropriate implementation of the right to voice your opinion.

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

As I have repeated more than once in this interview, a blog is something that defines your personality. But reading other blogs enhanced my perception towards many things. My journey from an introvert to an extrovert began with my blogging days.

What are your future plans?

Nothing. I don’t plan for the future. It saves getting disappointed if the plan does not work out.

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

Be a good son/daughter to your parents, a good husband/wife to your spouse, a good parent to your kids and a good human being to the world.

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