The Pakistani Spectator

Tim Weaver is a freelance sportswriter, political commentator, and novelist from Chicago, Illinois. He runs the political blog, Not so Subtle.

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

I am a recent graduate of a creative writing program in the States, so this wonderful economy is giving me ample opportunities to read and write as much as I want, which is nice. I started blogging about 5 years ago, politically about 2. My site Not so Subtle is about promoting comprehensive change to U.S. foreign policy, and other issues as well.

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

Absolutely. I look back and see things that I’ve written just a few months ago and I don’t see it as living up to my standards of excellence now. For a writer, constantly growing and challenging yourself is the best way to improve.

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

This past summer I wrote a review of the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight and the New York Times featured my article when they examined the political themes in the film. That was a big thrill. Also the venerable journalist Dan Rather send me a congratulations on my site shortly after he spoke at my graduation ceremony.

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

I try to stay actively involved in the political blogging community. That means commenting on others articles and continuing important discussions over long periods of time. For about a year I have been a part of Brazen Careerist, a collection of the finest Generation Y bloggers the net has to offer: it’s a great place to interact with other bloggers.

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

Maybe I’m being selfish in saying this, but I think the political blogosphere is changing the face of politics as we know it. Barack Obama made great use of social media and text messaging during the campaign, but the millions of young writers who got actively engaged in writing about politics recently are going to be around for a much longer time. Decentralization in the media is one of the most important factors in effecting change.

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

Certainly. I feel like people are much more aware of what’s going on in the news and politics, and that’s a very good thing.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Well I can’t say that I’m uniquely candid, because there are a hundred thousand other opinionated people out there telling it like it is. I think what sets my site apart is the even-handed way I approach the political parties. During the campaign I was one of a very small minority of liberal bloggers who was willing to critisize Barack Obama. That dissent is essential. You have to call out both sides when they are wrong.

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

I’m always willing to consider other peoples’ circumstances. Empathy for the plight of other people, even on the other side of the world is a characteristic that has brought me a great deal of joy and friendships.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

The happiest moment in my life, so far, I’d have to say is when I met my girlfriend Amy last year on Halloween. She’s the most unselfish, kind-hearted person I’ve ever met and she’s changed my life.

The gloomiest was probably a medical emergency I had around 2 years ago. I had an appendectomy that went bad: a surgeon cut my artery and didn’t notice it. A couple days later I had another surgery to correct it. During my recovery a bunch of nurses and doctors told me they were surprised that I survived losing that much blood. It was terrifying but it also made me realize a few things, like how screwed up our healthcare system is, and how precious life really is.

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?

Italy, Australia, and Egypt

What is your favorite book and why?

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. It’s a dark comedy set in World War 2 and it really shows the true nature of war and human nature.

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

Their eyes: I feel like you learn so much about a person by just looking in their eyes. You can get a feel if they are honest or not, selfish or not, and so on.

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

If there was someone who said that, they’re not important enough for me to remember. Pretty much everyone I’ve known has been very supportive of my choice to pursue the life of a writer.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Well I haven’t made money directly from my blog yet, but that’s because my hosting service won’t allow ads. But blogging has opened up great networking opportunities, and a couple of writing jobs. So even if you don’t directly profit from blogging, you can get a lot out of it.

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

Not at all, I only udpate my blog 3 times a week or so, but running a successful blog is a huge commitment and requires a great deal of hard work.

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

I think we need to have more discussions on a global level of what kind of world we want to see. If we all hold our leaders accountable and let them know that we won’t accept political violence as a means to an end, then we can have an impact on history.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

I would say all of them would come from Brazen Careerist- even if I disagree with some of them, there’s a lot of talent there and it’s very exciting to be involved in debates with them.

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

I think that my article examining the possibility that Barack Obama is the Antichrist has generated the most attention. I’m a Christian, and as such I’m shocked at the number of Christians who actually believe this. There are a lot of very worried, ignorant people out there whose beliefs are being manipulated by the political class. I tried to calm their fears, but I ended up generating a bizzarre discussion.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

From what I’ve heard and read, Pakistan is a very turbulent nation. Even before the dumping of Musharaff there was a lot of political dissension and popular discontent. I think that the Pakistani people are just like any other people in the world, they want peace and prosperity in their country and they want it on their own terms. The country has a great uniting force in Islam and it’s probably the best way right now to achieve those goals. Secular leadership and puppet regimes are not going to help the Pakistani people. Even though I have a different faith, I know that if the nation followed the core principles of Islam, it would lead to a more prosperous, orderly society.

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

I stun myself all the time. (laughs) I write things that later I regret because I make personal accusations based on political differences, but I am trying to calm down and be civil in my discourse. But seriously, I am out there condemning very wealthy and powerful people all the time and sometimes I get worried about repercussions. But that goes with the territory.

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

Oh boy. That’s really a tough one because of the language involved. By developed country most people mean industrially and economically. But with the financial crisis and the environmental damage these “developed” nations are responsible for, I think that calling them more advanced than a 3rd world country is absurd. Developing countries like China and Brazil are only becoming more and more dangerous for the planet and for the working poor.

What is the future of blogging?

Hopefully, it’s the future of journalism and an outlet for political discussion. I see a day when every single person can know what is going on in the world and be able to add their voice to the discussion of where we want to go.

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

I have made some wonderful friends through blogging, and it has become a great tool for career and networking opportunities.

What are your future plans?

I am very close to finishing my first fictional novel and I would love to see it published one day. I don’t have any real grand notions about becoming the great American writer or anything. If I can make a living through writing while raising a family, that would be all I could ask for.

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

I think it’s wonderful that we have the technology to reach each other even though we live thousands of miles away. I hope that in the future we will see more cooperation and understanding between our nations and societies. If you stay true to your mission of promoting peace in your corner of the world, and over here we work to dismantle this bloody mess of a military empire, maybe one day we can see a world that values human life more than money or politics or ideology. Good luck to you!

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