Interview with Blogger Graeme Anfinson

By The Pakistani Spectator • Sep 5th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

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

I was born in north central North Dakota to a Norwegian American father and Scottish Canadian mother. As of now, I live in Fargo, North Dakota, and am an active member of the Industrial Workers of the World. My website consists of me writing whatever is on my mind. Usually, that happens to be politics.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
I’ve been blogging for a little over three years and am amazed at how different my early writings are from the ones now. I suppose I could call that “growing.” I mainly put my thoughts on the internet so I don’t have to bore people I talk to in real life by bringing up global justice and other unsexy issues. American football just started you know.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
I’ve participated in some interesting debates. I can think of a few times I’ve changed a position as a result of a discussion.

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

I have a few blogs I check out daily. Most of the blogs I link to I check out pretty regularly.

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

Obviously the internet is having a huge effect on the political process. Whether that effect is positive or negative I think is yet to be seen.

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

I want to say yes, but I think today’s activists would have been “responding” before the internet came about. I don’t know if giving 20 dollars to a candidate on a website is really being that responsive (certainly not on the same level as joining, or starting, a picket line or something like that). Campaign managers would no doubt disagree with me.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
Is my site set apart from others? My wry sense of humor perhaps? At least I’d like to think so.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
I guess that depends what “success” means. If it means buying a home, starting a family, and making a decent amount of money- I’ve been an absolute failure. But I don’t really view success in those terms. I have a deep-rooted belief in humans. Sometimes I get frustrated with people, it’s true, but I am convinced we are capable of better. That underlying optimism, even if it’s sometimes barely visible buried underneath layers of cynicism, is a positive characteristic.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

There are many. My main goal in life is to have more happy moments than gloomy ones. So far I’m doing pretty good.

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?

1) Beirut
2) Addis Ababa
3) Berlin (I’ve been there before, but I’m dying to go back)

What is your favorite book and why?

Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell. A great example of what was to be called gonzo journalism (I don’t use that as a pejorative term). I have respect for journalists, whether I agree with their interpretations or not, that don’t sacrifice the truth for so-called “objectivity.” Nir Rosen and Dahr Jamail are two journalists that have been doing a great job covering the mess in Iraq.

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

Their swagger.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
I don’t have a “I’m going to show them” type story. People send me emails and leave comments telling me that I suck every once in a while. I get over it.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
I’m not interested in that. I hate to sound so principled, but money perverts things.

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

Again, this depends of how you define “successful.” I don’t advertise on my site, I don’t go out of my way to try and get new readers, I basically just write whenever I feel like it. I don’t spend too much time on it, to be honest. I probably should get out more often, however, if that is what you mean.

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

They can do the same things other people can do. Pick something you think is wrong with the world and try and fix it. There are a bunch of issues to choose from.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

I have many. The links section on my blog is full of good bloggers.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
I have probably had the most heated debates about the idea that everything we do is right because we’re the United States of America. Many people seem to be unable to think in other terms.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

The same as my perception of the US and its people. Sure, the specific details are different, but there is a ruling class and a working class, those on top and those on bottom. Generally, those on top tend to use their resources to continue their dominance.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Mr. IOZ. In a just world, this dude would be a pundit on CNN. (Actually, in a just world, CNN wouldn’t exisit, but now I’m getting ahead of myself.)

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
Developing countries are forced to “develop” based on the terms of the developed countries. They are made to “open their markets,” which essentially means allow rich countries to loot their resources. Meanwhile, the developed countries have no problem protecting their industries. In fact, that is how they became developed in the first place. Cambridge economist Ha-Joon Chang wrote a good book about it called Kicking Away the Ladder.

What is the future of blogging?
It will be co-opted even more by those who control the different industries we deal with on a daily basis. “Independent” blogs will be produced like “independent” movies. They will be owned and operated by corporations, but the subject matter will be a bit more quirky and eccentric than other, more “mainstream,” blogs. In short, it’s going to suck.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
I’ve met a few fellow bloggers in real life. Each time it was a very enjoyable experience.

What are your future plans?
I’m moving to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota.

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

I send my best wishes.