Interview with Blogger Dave Maijala

By The Pakistani Spectator • Oct 12th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

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

I’m a man who lives in Los Angeles, California, USA. I enjoy writing humor, especially political satire, and my site is dedicated to exposing the mental heath problems suffered by millions of American political conservatives (that’s a joke). I blog here.

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

Yes, I think the more I write, the better at it I become. It’s like playing a musical instrument: you need to know the notes, but after that, it’s practice, practice, practice.

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

Every time someone comments “LOL!” or “Thanks for the laugh, I needed it!” to something I’ve blogged, I feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that someone I don’t know, perhaps 10,000 miles away, understood my humor and the point I was making. It’s pure ego gratification.

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

I really don’t communicate with other bloggers except to comment on their posts when I read something they’ve written I think is clever.

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

Well, in America, we have an organization called MoveOn.org (I happen to be a member). This politically progressive organization was founded by two ‘Silicon Valley’ entrepreneurs 10 years ago and now has over 4 million members across America. Since its inception, it has used many technologically innovative methods to help shape the political landscape of America. Just recently, they held virtual ‘town hall meetings’ where people could ask political candidates questions on-line. Some day, this kind of innovation should lead to greater participation of people in their local and national politics all over the world, which should help promote freedom and justice.

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

Definitely. As an example, easy, on-line voter registration has helped to significantly raise the number of Americans registered to vote this year, and this has translated into record numbers of Americans participating in the presidential elections.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Well, I may be biased, but I think it’s my sense of humor and sometimes ‘cutting satire’. Some people have actually required first aid after reading my posts.

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

Brains…mine, not others’…

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I really can’t answer that right now. I’m still hoping the happiest moment is yet to come. Ask me when I’m 90 years old.

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?

Tahiti, Japan, Spain.

What is your favorite book and why?

Fiction: LOLITA by Vladimir Nabokov; it’s so well written. Nonfiction: IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote; same reason – plus, it was the first ‘non-fiction novel’ and the first ‘true-crime novel’.

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

Their attitude – it’s the most visible thing on a person if you know what to look for.

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

Not in so many words, but my current boss edits my work documents and HE can’t write. The most irritating aspect of this is his removal of commas that are grammatically correct.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

By having paid advertising, I suppose.

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

Well, we all are given the same amount of time, more or less; what we must do or choose to do with it varies from person to person. I think a successful blog is like anything other successful venture – it takes a lot of work. That’s why mine isn’t successful. I’m a lazy person.

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

That’s an interesting question. I think people who blog tend to be good people, on the whole. And I think their communication of the truth of the world – what is happening both good and bad – helps connect us and allows us realize we are all the same people.

Did that answer qualify me to be Miss Universe? (I hope not.)

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Don’t have any at the moment. Me?

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

Yes, I was threatened by someone for a fake news story that they found politically offensive. So I told them to… well, I can’t repeat that here.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

That they are largely like any other people. Often polite. That there are some extremists, but I know America has some of their own too.

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

Yes, some very racist things have shocked me. Some of my fellow country-persons are as imbecilic as the current American president. I know that sounds improbable, but it’s true.

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

In America’s case, for me it is the lack of a sense of historical perspective many Americans have in terms of where America is as a ‘developed’ country and countries that are ‘less developed’. What I mean is that Americans tend to ignore the fact that the United States was not always as ‘developed’ as it is today and so many Americans look at developing nations as ‘backwards’ even though America had similar situations just a generation or two before. And the current financial crisis is beginning to shake up the assumptions that too many Americans have had about America’s development. For example, for years, America has told developing nations that they need to get their government out of the way of their development. And now, at this very moment, the American government is considering nationalizing the banking system. Many Americans are against ‘socialism’ and yet here is President Bush, a Republican, who’s administration is conducting what could be easily argued as the most socialistic steps the American government has taken in 75 years. Say, that reminds me of a joke: What’s the difference between Capitalism and Socialism?

In a Capitalistic system, man exploits man.

In a Socialistic system, it’s the other way around.

What is the future of blogging?

I think it is becoming over-saturated. It is definitely an ego-driven pastime / hobby. At some point, perhaps through other technologies, many people will shift to something else. Perhaps sex.

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

It hasn’t really affected my life at all.

What are your future plans?

To not let the current potential economic crisis looming and circling over my head like a vulture just waiting for me to reveal a sign of weakness so it can swoop down and beginning tearing the flesh from my bones to affect my thoughts. Oops.

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

Peace and Love to all.