The Pakistani Spectator

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

I’m a young atheist and libertarian rapper/student journalist living in Omaha, Nebraska. My site is an extension of my mind, a way to put my thoughts out into the world. It’s like writing notes, putting them in a bottle, and throwing the bottle out to sea, to be discovered and examined by the world. I mostly write on hip-hop, and occasionally politics or religion. I throw a little of my sense of humor into the mix, to try and make my views a little more enjoyable and easy to swallow.

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

I don’t feel that my writing itself has improved much in, say, the last year or two. I think my mindset and views are constantly changing, but I’ve always been pretty good at expressing myself.

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

The most memorable was probably when I blogged about the finale of ego trip’s Miss Rap Supreme TV show – I woke up the day after to find out it got something like a thousand views overnight. That was probably the turning point in my blog, after which I started getting read a lot more. That post got me on Wordpress’s list for fasted growing blogs and for top posts, which is something I’ve never managed in other blogs I’ve done throughout my life (I’ve had a few others).

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

I read and comment on blogs that interest when I can. I’ve gotten probably 200 hits from people who saw my comments and decided to come check out my blog.

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

Probably YouTube. That debate where YouTube users got to submit video questions to the (American) presidential candidates was crazy.

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

It’s making the campaign staffs more responsive. lol Candidates never seem to be really involved with the technology, their staffs just pick up on them and exploit them as much as possible. As for the general population, the (American) people, I think we’re mostly too lazy and filled with apathy to take advantage of these kinds of things, so only a few select people express themselves through newer technology.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Probably my loyalty to and respect for old school music and my atheism, which stands out in hip-hop and music in general, which is pretty much dominated by Christians and Muslims.

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

I wouldn’t call myself a success, at least not yet. lol But I’d say loyalty. Know where you stand and hold it down.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I could never decide that. I’ve had lots of ups and downs.

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?

LondonNew York City

Amsterdam                         

What is your favorite book and why?

Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger because my personality and struggle mirrored Holden’s when I first read it. As far as non-fiction, I’ll have to say Steal This Book by Abbie Hoffman.

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

Looks. Then how they talk.      

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

Don’t think so.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Advertising. And bribes.

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

No, you just need to be entertaining and blog about things relevant to your readers. Know your audience! It only takes 15 minutes tops to write a new blog post, and your readers take it from there.

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

That’s kind of funny – in my experience it can be pretty divisive. People get offended easily when you talk smack about someone or something they care about or respect, and blog readers don’t have to tip toe with their comments. They can flame and rant and curse and threaten with no accountability.

I suppose it can get people reading and spread more knowledge and ideas, but knowledge can incite violence and hostility.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

I like Byron Crawford (byroncrawford.com & http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?cat=28) and what’s his name… the guy that runs illdoctrine.com. Oh, and Pat Condell of course (youtube.com/user/patcondell). Dude is hilarious. I’m a big Penn Jillette fan, too, but I don’t watch his video blog (crackle.com/c/pennsays) much.

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

Nah, in music blogging, everything gets a reaction. People get really defensive when their favorite rapper’s head is on the chopping block.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Well, I mean, what can an atheist like me say about a country with “Islamic” in its name (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)? I’m an anti-theist, as Christopher Hitchens terms it, and I think Islam’s grip on the country is very dangerous and will be its undoing beyond any doubt.

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

Pat Condell’s best stuff is pretty powerful.

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

I think the biggest difference is that when a country becomes developed, it tries to take its own principles and power and use them to control developing countries. Developed countries can’t keep to themselves.

What is the future of blogging?

Corporate advertising, like how Stuff White People Like just got bought out by Target. It’s gonna be compromised eventually and be used exclusively by savvy publicists.

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

Professionally, it can get people interested in hearing my music, and personally, its therapeutic, lets me go off on anything I want.

What are your future plans?

Get a little money, eventually get a nice apartment downtown and just relax, enjoy life.

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

Live your life the best you can. You only get one

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