Interview with Blogger Harpymarx

By The Pakistani Spectator • Aug 18th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

Harpymarx aka Louise Whittle. I live in the metropolis that is known as London, UK. Am a member of the Labour Party, on the editorial board of Labour Briefing and national committee of Labour Representation Committe (LRC) and am active trade unionist in UNITE/T&G.

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

I set up Harpymarx a couple of months ago. I wanted a space to put forward my own socialist feminist ideas and to engage in debate with others. I also have written on other collective blogs and this is my first attempt of writing on a blog set up by myself.

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

Yes, I think it is important as the more you write the more confidence you build up.

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

Probably engaging with others and building up a rapport and comradeship. Also, writing about campaigns and specifically people involved in those campaigns who read your posts and comment. That is pretty memorable and meaningful.

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

Comment mainly on their blogs. Sometimes you can end up being friends with other like minded bloggers.

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

Blogging but also video. Being able to stick videos of activism on the web and being able to share those experiences.

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

Probably.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I dunno really, I write about and focus on issues that don’t always get attention on the left or much of a hearing, such as welfare and prison reform. And overall, socialist feminism.

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

Understanding.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Politically, the many defeats the left have endured during my lifetime, such as the miners’ strike (1984-1985), Wapping/print workers strike (1986-1987), Thatcherism, Blairism and imperialist wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The continued attack on working class people. More gloom than anything positive. Though there have been glimmers of hope with various fight-back campaigns such as the anti-poll tax activism in the early 1990s and the anti-war demo of 2003 in London.

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?

USA, Cuba and New Zealand

What is your favorite book and why?

Not in Our Genes by Steven Rose et al. Because it opened my eyes to left-wing ideas in science.

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

Whether they listen.

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

Yes. And he was very wrong!

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I am not sure as for me it is not about making money more about collective engagement in ideas.

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

Maybe….

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

Engaging ideas by open debate that could build and develop awareness.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Madam Miaow, Splintered Sunrise, Fetch me my axe, Cedar Lounge and Socialist Unity (I sometimes blog there as well).

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

No that I can think of.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

The bravery of the people in standing up against western backed Musharraf.

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

No.

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

By and large, developing countries have had to put up with imperial domination at one time.

What is the future of blogging?

Probably more people will start blogging. A proliferation of ideas and virtual discussions.

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

I spend too much time in front of a computer but it has increased my reading capacity!

What are your future plans?

To blog and to build upon my interest in photography.

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

Workers’ of the world unite!