The Pakistani Spectator

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

I started my blog back in March 2007 and at the time of this writing we have had 3,100,000 hits. The blog is a chance for fans of cruise vacations around the world to go behind the scenes and see what happens when you walk through the Crew Only Door. It has also become a chance for me to write about life in general as well as a community of people many of which have become friends. I also answer peoples questions and concerns.

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

The blog has changed a lot during the last few months and continues to do so. My writing has changed as well and that’s because I challenge myself each and every time I write to improve. I also have included much more light hearted comedy as well which is important to me as I am a huge believer that life is too short not to look on the bright side.

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

Having just reached 3 million readers there are many highlights. However, the overriding highlight is knowing each and every day that people are still reading. I always worry that suddenly people will find a funnier and more informative blog to read.

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

Bloggers can post daily comments asking questions and agreeing or disagreeing with what I have written. If the comment includes the words “please reply” I will indeed do that. Many of my blogging fans cruise with me. In February we will host our second Bloggers Cruise where hundreds of the fans of the blog will join me on the Carnival Fantasy.

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

I see the world continue to get smaller and, being British, even our own Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Opposition Leader David Cameron have their own blogs. Can you imagine Margaret Thatcher writing a personal blog?

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

 Yes, in business, politics or sport the access all areas that a blog can give is something that is invaluable and encourages honest comment from the public. Knowing that they have a chance to contact their heroes or their villains via the world wide web has changed the way we live.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others? 

 I hope its the honest way I write. If we make a mistake I tell everyone…if things do not go as planned I let everyone know………and I hope a little bit………my writing style helps keep people reading.

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

Fun and cuddly

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life? 

 The happiest was 12 weeks ago finding out my wife Heidi is pregnant.

Gloomiest……….having to tell my wife her father had passed away, suddenly, and unexpectedly while we were 3000 miles away from home.

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? 

Well, a Carnival Cruise is brilliant because you get to see multiple destinations without having to fly and continuously pack and unpack your suitcase.

So, with that in mind:

1.BALTIC CRUISE TO ST.PETERSBURG, FINLAND, HOLLAND, DENMARK, ESTONIA AND BERLIN ONBOARD THE CARNIVAL LIBERTY

2. ALASKA CRUISE ON THE CARNIVAL SPIRIT  - THERE IS NOTHING LIKE “THE LAST FRONTIER”

3.  T HE CARIBBEAN  - ESPECIALLY JAMAICA WHICH IS A PORT OF CALL ON MANY OF OUR ITINERARIES

 What is your favorite book and why? 

I read as much as I can especially before I go to sleep. This way I think of what’s in the book and not about work before I sleep. My favorite author is Andy McNab who writes about his experiences as soldier in the SAS. I enjoy people who write about their true life experiences.

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

If they look me in the eye or not when I speak to them…………that is always a true sign of whether or not they are genuine.

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

Yes, an ex girlfriend called Jennifer who I once wrote a love poem to and she said I was dreadful. She works for a PR firm now and I think she still has a crush on me and reads the blog everyday.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially? 

 I hope that my insights into the world of cruising can help bloggers choose the right vacation and the right ship at the right time. Apart from the that the only financial gain has been mine because I am always blogging and therefore I never have time to go out and spend money.

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

I think the huge bags under my eyes are testament to that statement being very much untrue.

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

Forming a community of friends who share a passion …..in this case cruising……..has proven to be a wonderful way for people of all creeds, color and religion to talk to each other. It’s one of the things that I love most about the blog.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers? 

The last five people who read mine!

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

I guess my memories of the September 11 attack on the U.S. was one of the first blogs that sparked a huge reaction. Since then there have been many but the recent announcement that my wife is pregnant produced a wonderful reaction and hundreds of comments.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people? 

Well, I am from the UK and have many friends from Pakistan. Cricket is a passion I share with all my friends from Pakistan. I also think the country is very much misunderstood and I hope your internal struggles do not take away from the fact that the people are wonderful and your country beautiful and diverse.

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

The fact that so many people take the time during their busy lives to read the blog stuns me. Each one is unique and I continue to be flabbergasted that the blog has become what it is.

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

 I guess it is life expectancy which can fall due to problems like famine, war, disease and poor health. Improvements in health and welfare increase life expectancy. The higher the life expectancy, the better shape a country is in.

What is the future of blogging? 

I think it’s going to get even bigger and now video blogs seem to be the next big thing……….I have begun to shoot video blogs which brings you even closer to the readers.

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

It would be wrong to say that writing a blog has not affected my life. It takes up most of any free time I have and it has also required me to meet more and more people which I enjoy of course. More than anything else it has given me a medium in which to express myself.

What are your future plans? 

I am going on vacation but will keep blogging regardless. I will then return to work in November.

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

Please stop by my blog at www.johnhealdsblog.com if you have time and even if you have never cruised I hope it will give you a chance to see what it’s like. I wish you all peace and best wishes and most of all fun.