The Pakistani Spectator

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

I’m originally from New York City but have called Hong Kong my home for 12 years.  I am someone who has spent most of my career working in the MIS department of large corporations and my work has given me the opportunity to travel extensively and meet people and experience different cultures all over Asia.  I am a firm believer in freedom - freedom of choice, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of opportunity and, as we Americans say, freedom to pursue happiness.  The blog is a chance for me to write about my passions in life - music, food, film, travel, politics, books, etc.  I blog here.

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

I hope that I continue to improve. I always feel that I can do better and keep trying to be the best in those things that are important to me.

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

My most memorable experiences would be those related to meeting other bloggers in Hong Kong and getting feedback from readers all over the world.

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

I attend as many local social networking meetings as possible.  Aside from personal meetings and blog comments, I am also connected to other bloggers via Facebook and Twitter.

If you had to describe life as a blogger in a Twitter message (140 characters) what would you say?

Blogging can be fun and it can be frustrating - sometimes both at the same time!

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

I see that more politicians and elected officials are reaching out to the public using social networking - making it easier for the public to express themselves and making the politicians more responsive to public concerns.

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

Absolutely.  It has been repeatedly proven that those companies and officials that make good use of social networking are the ones that are succeeding now.  People are impressed when companies respond quickly to blog posts or tweets.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I believe I am a better than average writer and photographer.  I write about a large variety of topics, more than most blogs, because I have a wide variety of interests.  I also seem to update my blog more frequently than many other bloggers and I try to answer almost every comment or email received from readers.

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

I have never been satisfied being mediocre or second best.  Failure is never an acceptable option for me and I believe in constant growth and improvement.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I prefer not to answer this.

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?

I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit many of the best locations in Asia.  But I have not spent enough time on other continents.  So my first choice would be to tour through Italy, Spain and France - I love the food, the art and the culture.  My second choice would be to go on a photo safari in Africa, seeing as many animals in the wild and also meeting as many local people and exchanging opinions and ideas so that I could learn more about them and their lives.  My third choice would be to visit the great historic sites in the Middle East - the pyramids, Jerusalem and more.

What is your favorite book and why?

I think that JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy was the first book that I ever read more than once.  I was impressed by his ability to create a very complete and complex imaginary world and the heroics of the characters was inspiring.  But these days I consider Philip K. Dick to be my favorite author and I don’t think I could single out just one of his books though “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” may be a good starting point - people know the story since it was turned into the movie “Blade Runner.”

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

I notice facial expressions - particularly the smile and the eyes - and how that person relates to the things and people around him/her.

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

There are always critics, but I’ve been writing for more than 30 years and most of what I’ve written has been well-received.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I’m no expert on this as I don’t make very much from my blog.  I think those who do well are more focused on building up their readership numbers, working more carefully with Google AdSense (and sometimes with Amazon Associates) and have a better understanding of SEO than I do.

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

That depends on your definition of “awful lot of time.”  I certainly have a life outside of my blog.

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

Bloggers can show that peoples’ interests and desires are universal, that people are essentially the same all around the world despite differences in location, religion, politics, race, gender.  Stories about their home cities and countries, their friends and families and experiences, can make foreign places seem more familiar.   Cultures are different and bloggers can help people to understand their local culture and its origins.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

My favorites change according to my mood.  One local blog that I always enjoy is Big Lychee (biglychee.com/blog) because it has expert analysis of local politics with a large dose of humor.  I also enjoy blogs like TechCrunch, Gizmodo, 1001 Noisy Cameras, Large-hearted Boy - blogs that provide a lot of information relevant to my various hobbies.

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

There isn’t one that comes to mind immediately.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

It’s difficult to put into words because I have never been to Pakistan but of course I read about Pakistan in the news daily and know about many of the problems that the country currently is facing.  I am optimistic that these will be resolved because I have met many people from Pakistan all over the world and find them to be intelligent, open-minded and friendly!

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

No, not really.

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

Oddly enough, it often seems to me that people in developing countries are happier.  I’ve noticed in my travels that very often people who are poor, people who don’t have a lot but also don’t seem to want a lot, seem freer from the cares and pressures that you find in wealthier countries.  My girlfriend’s family is very poor but they are very close and seem to enjoy their lives completely.  On the other hand, I think we need to do more to eradicate poverty, hunger and disease and improve education and opportunity for everyone.

What is the future of blogging?

Blogging will continue to grow in popularity but we will also see the growth of other services like Twitter because not everyone has the time or the talent to keep a blog going.  Perhaps in the next generation, everyone will blog or tweet - but will people be so busy writing that no one has time for reading?

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

I prefer not to answer this one.

What are your future plans?

I’m working on a book based on some topics that I covered in my blog a few years ago.  I’m also trying to gain recognition as a photographer and using the blog to promote my photography and my studio.  But basically I plan to keep doing what I’ve been doing - learning, exploring, experiencing all of the amazing things our world has to offer.

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

Yes.  I wish you all peace and prosperity and happiness.

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