The Pakistani Spectator

Salman Siddiqui is a professional blogger and freelance writer for multiple websites. He started blogging in October 2006 on a freely hosted blogspot blog and today runs professional blogs like CompuWorld, DVD Ripper and many more. Get to know more about him at LinkedIn.

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

Well, to be frank it was my ego! My dad had paid for broadband Internet connection, which was fantasy for most of the Internet users in India some 4 years back, and used to bug me regularly with typical sentences like “stop wasting time on Internet” etc. I had to do something and hence I started a blog. It was out of shear ego but today it is my passion.

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

Anybody who follows my blogs will easily learn how to progress in this complex virtual world called Internet. I started as nobody and today I can rate myself as an experienced blogger and freelance writer. Secondly, I write tips for the problems that I face daily with my computer. These are general problems that almost every computer/Internet user faces.

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

Ah, I am not successful yet! But I consider three basic characteristics that can bring success to anybody. They are lots of hardwork, goodness to all, and little bit of patience.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Happiest was when I had my first hard earned money in my hands. Gloomiest? I guess I have been little lucky in that case. Still waiting for the worst day of my life to hit me! Or, maybe I am overly positive?

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

When I was in 8^th standard then I remember listening to a news channel which was reporting that Internet cafes in Pakistan charge Rs 5 per hour for Internet usage. At that time Internet cafes in India used to charge Rs 60 per hour! I guess this is enough to prove that Pakistan has huge potential when it comes to Internet and Urdu being the major language; it is just the matter of chance when Urdu Blogs face the real growth in its homeland.

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?

Wow, a paid holiday? New Zealand will surely top the list for me. South Africa will be second and Paris the third. <dreaming>

What is your favorite book and why?

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is something that took hardly two nights to wrap up and the reason was I just couldn’t stop midway. It was addictive.

What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?

Chicken can melt me like anything.  Nothing fancy when it comes to clothing and cricket (like other Indians) is what I keep track of though am not addicted to it.

Which are the top 3 places in Pakistan for honeymoon?

I have heard a lot about Skardu. Mureee near Islamabad and Lahore (of course) are part of the list too. I have lately been writing for a travel website and it was then when I read a lot about Pakistani cities.

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

The way he looks at me. That is enough to reveal a lot about him.

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

Globalization has gripped this planet and henceforth I guess English blogs will dominate though Urdu blogs will always have their fans backing them up.

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Follow the basic rules of blogging and remember to market your blog seriously. With so much happening in Pakistan these days, a blog that tries to unite the locals of Pakistan will truly be appreciated by the locals.

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?

To an extent yes, though I know many Pakistani bloggers who have a collection of 50+ blogs that are being continuously updated. It depends on how to take blogging. If you consider blogging to be a source of income then you need to go International and if you blog just for passion (similar to writing an online diary which has only one dedicated reader namely the author) then it is better if you remain self-centered. They need to understand why they are blogging?

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

Not in their infancy though they still need to touch those heights of professionalism that many others have already touched.

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

I have been in touch with Futuristic Artists for last few months and I can assure you that these people are highly professional and great friends too. Not just as a blogger but as a company they are truly lovable.

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?

Like it applies to every country, future of blogging in Pakistan is very bright if bloggers work hard.

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

My blogs eat up an important chunk of my life but I don’t think it has affected my professional and personal life by any means. Whenever my personal or my professional life needs me then I give up blogging (time stamp articles if necessary) for the time being. This is the unique advantage of blogging. You can blog when you feel like.

What are your future plans?

As the URL of my major blog CompuWorld reflects (No Full Stop), I won’t let my blogging life come to halt in any case. In blogging, long term plans prove beneficial and I am not looking for early gains.

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

Pakistani Spectator is truly performing an awesome job of bringing together various bloggers and of course represents Pakistan on the International front. Stick with TPS and I am sure you will have your true virtual leader in the time to come. Alexa already ranks TPS at 30,000^th spot (approx.) internationally.