The Pakistani Spectator

Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Ans: My blog is my air vent. I need it to provide an escape for all the emotions clogging up my system. Kinda like a diary for me except not too personal because I rarely get all worked up on personal issues, it’s the national and international problems that bug me. Writing is for me a way to clear my head. Blogging allows me clear my thoughts by providing me a vent for my anger and makes my messages accessible to the world in general. After all, I am just a normal teen, and what I think SHOULD matter.

What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
Ans: In that that it’s me. No one blog is the same for each blog is a thought process and as such original in all its seams and stitches. No one can reproduce a blog in any other words than those of the original author and as such are unique in their identity. What makes my blog special is that it is me, it a representation of me and each line is a distinct emotion and thought unto itself. Also because I haven’t seen many teen Pakistani bloggers. Most are inactive or unresponsive but that might just be their own mojo, their own thing. I am an active teen blogger, a rare breed in a plethora of 22+ year old professional and recreational bloggers.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Ans: Belief in my own ability.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
Ans: happiest: when I got 8 Az. Gloomiest: when I didn’t get 8 Az   : P

Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?
Ans: Tricky question. I’m assuming many internet literate people would prefer to use Urdu in their internet lives. In such a scenario a gentle push is all that is required and urdu blogging WILL flourish. But I personally dun think that’s gonna happen any time soon. Simply because not many people WANT to use Urdu when English is so much more expressive and understood by so many more (ahem, the whole world?) bloggers.

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.       Japan
2.       Jerusalem
3.       Yorkshire

What is your favorite book and why?
Ans: The Source by James Michener. It’s an epic novel, one that defines and follows the story of a generation through history. It opened my eyes to many historical facts and really strengthened my faith in humanity.

What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?
Ans: Meal: Karhai
Dress: Jeans and a nice T-Shirt
Sport: Basket ball

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Ans: Their body language. The first thing I notice is how they move their hands, fold their feet or tilt their head. It really helps when you want to know what the person in front of you is really thinking about.

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

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Ans: Advertisements of course remain the prime source of income for bloggers world wide. Other than that, sponsorships, online competitions on blogs, and newer venues like company blog support are some of the many ways of benefiting financially from blogs.

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?
Ans: I really dun believe that self-centered blogging is the oriental and predominant style of blogging for Pakistani bloggers. Pakistani blogging is still political and issue fueled, not personal and follow ups of the real meaning of blogging (writing what one thinks). Bloggers are probably still unsure about blogging, especially those who do not benefit financially from it.

What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
Ans: In its infancy.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?
1.       Raising Yousuf and Noor: diary of a Palestinian mother
2.       5 Rupees
3.       Palestinian Blogs
4.       I Speakth
5.       Dash of Spice

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
Ans: Yep. Check out myevildomain.blogspot.com. ….. ul c what I mean.

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
Ans: Depends on what you want from Pakistani bloggers. I think Pakistani bloggers are diverse and original and as such have enough juice in them to take on the world. :]

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Ans: Id say it has added a dash of spice in both! :P  lolz  Blogging has given my ideas more clarity and definition. In my life in general, I guess I feel more content now than I was before :]

What are your future plans?
Ans: Apply abroad. Study to become a mechanical or architectural engineer. Then join some pro bono work for volunteer orgs and travel the world (who doesn’t :P)

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Ans: The biggest power we have is our individuality, our originality. Don’t loose it…..