The Pakistani Spectator

SAM Mirza is a Barrister at Law and works  in a private company. Amongst community and social welfare work, she also writes two blogs, namely : Safire Meanderings and Embrace Life with a Lopsided Smile.

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

What made me decide to blog was the desire to write and be read.  The desire to speak out and the desire to reach out to likeminded individuals in the world. That’s as obvious as it gets.

I would not say I was inspired.  I was in fact motivated by the many interesting blogs I stumbled upon while browsing or rather googling, and in the end it all came down to this: if they can do it , why can’t I and why shouldn’t I, especially when blogging is all about the, “I”.

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

Nothing. No false praises or stories here. My blog contains my words, my thoughts, my wise cracks, my creativity and my folly and if someone finds it unique, (which I think it isn’t to be honest ) all the more good for me. I am sure that what I write and convey, surely must have been felt and thought of by someone else. I offer nothing different.  But in all the predictability and blandness, there is reality and the comforting feeling that you are not alone.

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

I am afraid I have not decided to be a ‘twit’ as yet despite the manifold opportunities and advantages social media has to offer. I am a very private person, even though I blog, and I won’t be tweeting about my twittness any time soon. However, being a gracious soul, I can’t refuse a sweet request, so I would say:  “Blogging is all about blatant self promotion. So, if you want to strut your stuff, go for it. People are dying to read you. Maybe.”

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

The ability to stand up after a fall. I am a, ‘comeback’ person through and through. I embrace failure as a learning experience and I find it to be a great motivator to finding success.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I don’t have a happiest moment. I have several small happy moments though for e.g. when I want to hear a song, and it plays on the radio, when it rains, or when I want to have an ice cream and somebody gets it for me and especially when I get to help another soul in need  and all I can say is: Thank You Allah.  I love you so much.

If gloom translates to sadness, then it was when my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer and witnessing all the pain he went through, and when I learned of his demise…. Please recite a small prayer for his soul.

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

In all honesty, they will take on the horizon when people are able to write Urdu blogs. By writing I do not mean the ability to frame thoughts and views into words, but the ability to type in Urdu impeccably as opposed to roman urdu. Marketing Urdu blogs extensively will also help in putting Urdu blogs on the fore front.

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?

- Euro Trip

-         Istanbul

-         Maldives

What is your favorite book and why?

It’s difficult picking one book. Every book has a particular paragraph or situation which touches my heart. I enjoy reading Khalid Hussaini and Paolo Coelho especially.

What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?

Food: I love food especially well seasoned and flavoured pasta. I like steak as well with lots and lots of vegetables on the side. The perfect English style Fish and Chips is also a sure treat.

Dress: Skirts or a well fitted but comfortable pair of jeans.

Sport: Swimming all the way.

Which are the top 3 places in Pakistan for honeymoon?

Oh God. I would probably research on this when i am contemplating a honeymoon. I Suppose, Skardu, Gilgit and adjoining areas and Bhurban.

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

I never consciously pick one thing out. I look at the overall personality. A genuine smile lowers my guard usually.

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

English for now.

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I think workshops should be held where bloggers can learn how to make money from their blogs. For an amateur blogger like me who is just taking baby steps for now, i would like to know how and who do i contact for placement of advertisements on my online space. I think if a blog is really popular and gets massive hits on a daily basis, then they could even contact companies and enter into agreements where the company would give them a certain fee, for writing about their products or covering a corporate event on their blog.

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?

They are still definitely unsure about it, and for those who are sure, they have no idea how to use SEO’S or undertake SEM. Even i don’t, but i think it is because i don’t think of blogging as serious business as yet. Another issue is shyness which is an inherent part of our culture and society. Some bloggers may just feel that they’re not at the same level as the others in the blogosphere. Although support systems exist through blogging groups and the like, but there are usually two or three top bloggers who feel confident to express their opinions on everything under the sun, and new bloggers fear being judged by these very pioneers.

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

It’s at a very interesting juncture. Blogging fever is catching Pakistan off guard. It’s taking baby steps towards being recognized globally.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?

1- A Reluctant Mind- Tazeen is brilliant and quirky. I love the way she writes.

2- The Wrong Zone- There is nothing wrong about it. It’s right in a lot of ways.

3- Naveen Naqvi- The name says it all.

4- Teeth Maestro - The name says it ALL yet again.

5- Changing up Pakistan – They state the facts the way they are.

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

I think all are unique in their own ways. Maybe i am just easily impressed. My blogroll increases in numbers every single day.

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?

Bright. There are many young bloggers who are making their mark in the blogging scene. Dedicated and popular bloggers are being called to corporate events, and are active citizens of the country working for social change. Blogging in Pakistan is officially contagious and that too in a very vibrant and positive way.

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

It hasn’t and i don’t want it to as yet. If i decide to write a legal blog (Blawg), then that could mean a lot for my career, but for the moment i am not motivated enough. I am sure i get judged personally a lot because of my blog but that is a reality which all bloggers face and can’t escape from.
What are your future plans?

With respect to blogging? [Smiles] I am trying to get my blog noticed and increase the number of people who follow it. Unfortunately, like i said, i am as mundane as it comes, so this is going to be a real fight.

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

Wow. A message from me? That makes me feel like a celebrity. The message is simple, “Give Back”. Give back to your community and to your country. Walk the talk and take active steps to create a positive change in society. It can be something as little as planting trees, talking an elder for the walk in the park to setting up a school for underprivileged children, raising funds for hospitals and credible NGO’s, or rallying to ensure that disabled people can travel and move freely in your city. Give back. Give Back. Give Back. Two words with a lot of meaning.

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