The Pakistani Spectator

I blog at:
http://farrukh.says.it/
http://bytesizer.com
http://politicsforlayman.blogspot.com
http://karachi.metblogs.com

Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?

*I started blogging much like most of the bloggers do, as a means of recording personal experiences and daily diary. However, I soon realized the power of blogging in expressing personal opinions on just about anything you experience. As a result, my blog gradually turned into a mixture of areas which forced me to isolate some topics into separate blogs.
Eversince then, blogging has become an addiction for me.

*I blog at several different places, ranging from community to specialized blogs. Generally my blog posts are universal in their approach which makes it easier for the readers to connect with them. Blogs are supposed to be opinionated and the way you present your opinions determine your readership portfolio.

*That one characteristic would be absolute passion in whatever I do. If I’m not passionate, I can’t pursue!

*Happiest moment: when I became a father for the first time. Gloomiest: Thank God life’s been very kind till now

*Urdu blogs have tremendous potential and will certainly become popular. The only handicap I think urdu blogs have is the lack of inherent script & fonts on computers. Readers generally don’t go in the hassle of downloading and installing a font file before being able to read the blog.

*I’m not a travel freak. I find man made structures more fascinating than nature as they are better proof of God’s best creation - the brain! a major requirement is the availability of internet of course

*I don’t read much as far as books are concerned. My information appetite is fulfilled by twitter, google reader, and of course other blogs. I’m not interested in reading novels at all.

*Nothing specific but I love meat. I’m most comfortable in a pair of jeans and a Tshirt. My favorite sport is motorsports (all types).

*The intellect of the person is what determines whether I want to know them better or not.

*As I said earlier, urdu blogs have a tremendous potential. However, since engllish blogs attract a much larger readership from all over the globe, they will always have an edge. Nonetheless, the important thing is that blogging itself has only just begun in Pakistan.

*Many bloggers use different services to benefit financially from blogging. I don’t see anything wrong with it as blogging requires dedication and time and is also an art that takes time to learn. However, the true essence of blogging should not be compromised for financial gains. I believe if your content is good and original, your readers will have confidence even in your endorsements and that’s how you make money!

*Blogging in Pakistan is in infancy stage. Blogging is usually confused with publicizing your personal diary in the beginning. Its something all of us have been through. As more and more people get aware of the power of blogging, this will change. Also, while some bloggers go all out in expressing their perspective on issues liike politcs, most tend to play it safe.

*In infancy.

Who are your top five favorite bloggers in Pakistan?

*1. Teeth Maestro (Awab Alvi)
2. Adil Najam
3. Sabizak (Sabahat Zakaria)
4. Zakintosh (Zahir Kidwai)
5. Jehan Ara

In no particular order.

*Many times. Just like in real life, blogs are filled with uniqueness in one way or other. Some like to be controversial, others are diplomatic. In particular, I find Awab to be truly unique in his blog. He has made a tremendous name for himself during a short time and has even won accolades for his blogging. You will have to visit to agree with me.

*Blogging has just started in this part of the world. Even though new and new bloggers join the bandwagon everyday, mainly due to efforts by existing bloggers by organizing seminars / meetup events to encourage new comers and to help them out with any problems they face, blogging is yet to mature as compared to other countries. We have some really good bloggers in Pakistan who blog for the love of it, not as a means of just another social networking tool.

*Well like everything else, there has to be priorities. I blog on the go. If I get an idea to blog about, I just write about it on my PDA and save it for publishing later. Generally, it hasn’t had a major effect on either yet.

*I have recently started my technology blog at http://www.bytesizer.com. I intend to give it more time and hopefully turn it into an internationally followed tech blog from Pakistan.

*Never underestimate the power of the internet! TPS is doing an excellent job in blogging about social issues. Its a highly recommended addition to your RSS reader!