Interview with Blogger Ernesto Haibi

By The Pakistani Spectator • Jan 15th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
It began while in Iraq. I started it because of the vacuum within the mainstream media as far as coverage of events outside of Baghdad. I blog here.

The object behind every blog is the attainment of a state of being. Do you agree with this statement?
That seems unusually pretentious given that most blogs are so one-sided and strongly opinionated towards the negative. They mostly cement their beliefs so I guess…yes.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
Interviews like this one that allow me to communicate with those who would never get a chance to hear from another so vastly different opinion.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
Sadly the overuse and over-dependence of these innovative technologies have tainted the process with ill-informed opinions and ranting demagogues. The technology has become a substitute for inquiry and skepticism. We follow those on both the left and the right who give us the best internet show or You Tube video as opposed to reading up on their beliefs and following their voting record.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
Yes but not in the best way. Planted bloggers and set up video questioning has given a myriad a voice that is accessed by thousands if not millions. The response we should have is to use these technologies to find truly informed opinions and the facts of a candidates record not what some cheerleader for the cause says is right.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
I try to be as objective as possible. I never speak for another. Once near the beginning I was an apologist for many ideas and policies but today I only present what I can prove or I state that it is an opinion. I have always tried to reach out to the religious though I am an atheist and receive few friendly responses. My site tries to remain neutral in that I only present the best facts I can find before I form any judgment.

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

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?
No, politicos will always use what gets them votes. It is no more getting on the bandwagon than when Roosevelt used radios.

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?
Havana (after communism)
Paris
Nairobi, Kenya

What is your favorite book and why?
The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan. It is a wonderful view of how superstition in mankind’s beliefs has led to many misconceptions about science and culture. Also, how we can use critical thinking and reason to better ourselves and the world.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
The way they speak, not the voice or the accent but the level of intelligence or ignorance they posses.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
Everyone who ever read my writing, but none of them were readers much less writers.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Everyone who can make a legal buck off what they do well should be allowed to. It is no more unethical than the minister who has his church buy him a new car.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
The most important part of blogging is to think through what you will write before you write it. The worst thing you can do is sit and begin ranting. I’ve done that sadly.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
Corporate or media blogs make as much sense as saying millionaire Communist. The power of the good blog is the power of the diligent individual who uses his intellect to edify those who would otherwise have no access to those opinions. Corporate blogs just forward an agenda. Like the old Nat Geo ads that showed oil being drilled next to feeding caribou.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
Communicate with each other then send those opinions up. This doesn’t mean I want Bin Laden as a pen pal but normal citizens should always seek out others in the world to find common ground with.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
I don’t read blogs anymore…can you believe that.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
Two actually, my post for National Public Radio’s “This I Believe” and the day I quit.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
Sadly the same as many Americans. It is a country that is under the control of everyone but the citizens and we have to intervene however possible (short of militarily) to keep it stable as you are in the nuclear club now.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Again no since, as I said before, most bloggers are uninformed ranting opinion monkeys who just want everyone to think like they do. Those bloggers who I have read that have impressed me have been snatched up by publishers or now write professionally for a media outlet.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
Political leadership. Ours is prone to corruption as well but it seems developing nations get raped by theirs even worse than we do.

What is the future of blogging?
It will continue as today. Some will astound, some will confound. Most will fall by the wayside. Those of merit though, will be noticed and will be credited for the education of those who otherwise would never have learned that small piece of information that changed their opinion.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Funny it hasn’t really touched either one. The Army seems to find me innocuous and my wife gives me the time to write as I need to.

What are your future plans?
Write more.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Please don’t judge a people by the extreme beliefs and rhetoric that come out in times of crisis.