The Pakistani Spectator

I am a university student from the State of Florida, USA. My husband belongs to the Air Warfare community of the United States Navy. My blog is concerned with many different topics, mostly controvercial issues. I love discussing controvercy, because I think that everyone should be able to, even though it is clear that many people cannot. I exercise the right to do so, for both myself, and for those who cannot.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
I was born to write. Writing was always my strong suit as a child in school. I wrote for my school newspapers, creative publications, and now I am blogging. I feel that my writing only becomes better with time, as I age and develop more discerning tastes and opinions. It is extremely important to me that I continue to grow as a writer. I fully intend to continue writing into old age, with the hopes of someday becoming published.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
Well, I’m relatively new to the blogging arena. But, there are already many things I love about it. People are so opinionated and free with their thoughts. It truly is an art. I love the wit that I read in other people’s blogs, and I love to see that I am developing a wit of my own.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?
I try to write “to” my readers as much as I can. I want to include them. I have thought about copy and pasting my link all over the internet, to get more visitors. But, I have come to realize that writing about things that interest me, interest many others. I have seen success with simply writing what I think, no holds barred.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
It’s definitely blogging. There is nothing else like it out there. It is an arena where people get to exercise the powers of written word, to whatever extent they are capable. There are some pretty colorful articles and publications out there, which I think may definitely serve to sway people.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
In a way, yes. I think technology is serving, if nothing else, to bring many different people from different backgrounds and ideologies out share their opinions, outlooks, and stories. That is really excellent. Just as well, I think that there are more people, not just responding, but participating as well.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
I am extremely unbridled, unconventional, and terribly opinionated. I tend not to concern myself with what others think, and I never edit my content to suit anybody. I try to keep it fresh, because I think that’s what’s important. I enjoy being the person to say what others are often thinking, but too afraid to put across, themselves.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
My ability to colorfully put myself across in my writing, and my range of interests. I think my readers enjoy hearing about many different aspects of the world. I don’t limit myself to politics, and I have fun while I’m blogging. It’s important to have fun.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
Happiest moment of my life would have to be when I stepped foot off of the plane in a foreign land for the first time. The gloomiest moment of my life was the death of my grandfather.

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?
I would go to Jordan, Russia, and Tibet. All three places and their people absolutely fascinate me.

What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book would have to be “Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse. I read it as a teenager, and it really changed my outlook on the world, as well as how I assessed things. Even though I am not a buddhist, I was very impacted by the philosophy.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
First thing I notice about people is their eyes. You can tell so much about a person from their eyes.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
Yes and no. I’ve been told in the past by teachers and professors that I can be very unfocused. But, by the same token, when I can achieve clarity- these same professors told me that I had talent.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
I don’t, personally. But, there are many ways to do it. Sometimes a blog becomes a full-blown online publication with multiple writers. Bloggers get paid to write for these publications. Others put ads on their pages. The only thing I put up on my blog is a link to my Amazon Wishlist. I’d rather people give me books, than money.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
Haha. Probably. I can see that being very true. When you are bogged down with a lot of things in daily life, it is sometimes difficult to write a piece than somebody who is more relaxed. It’s much easier to get writers block when you are stressed out. And, I feel I’m more productive when I have lots of time to think about what I am writing.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
They can be considerate of others’ opinions. You don’t have to like another person’s views. You can disagree- you can write a rebuttal. But, please, please don’t resort to personal insults. I find that is what some people resort to in an argument, when they get frustrated. It’s not good journalism, and it’s not good for the name of the blogging community.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
Tracie Egan from OneDAtATime.com
All the writers from Jezebel.com
Newsbusters.org
The bloggers from Vice Magazine viceland.com
and
“Things That You Know” at http://mtemples.wordpress.com/

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
Yes, any post where I make the suggestion that Barack Obama has socialist tendancies seems to really bother his supporters. They are very afraid that people might start believing it.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
I think Pakistan is one of the most stable nations in the Middle East. It has it’s own troubles and rivalries, much like every other nation- but, I have never seen it as a threat. Obama has discussed attacking Pakistan. I can’t understand why. It is possible that there are terrorists living in Pakistan, but I do not think the government supports it. I think Pakistan has been quite cooperative with the US, and I have never seen them as an enemy to the US.
It’s people do not seem to have too many problems with America. They seem open to change and versatile. I do not see much of Pakistan as taking an extreme line, but I see them as moderates.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Yes, I was stunned by Tracie Egan. She blogs about feminism and sex, and has a very open and interesting outlook- without all of the rhetoric of most women who feel they are feminists. Her work has made me question some of my views on feminism. She is very unique, and very deserving of her blogger fame.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
Having been to Central America and Cuba recently- I’ve got a good handle on that question. A developed country ceases to have average human concerns, like: water, food, infrastructure, major instability, etc. Developed countries have the luxury of expressing themselves in whatever form they please. I feel that absolute freedom of expression through the medium of various art forms, debate, and writing are the ultimate luxuries of man. For me, the difference there is staggering

What is the future of blogging?
The future of blogging is strong. The internet isn’t going anywhere, and people will not cease to have opinions for as long as they are breathing.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
My personal life is not much affected. My husband and I have different hobbies. One of mine is blogging. Professionally- I make time between work and class to blog, because I care about the issues. I try to update daily. Sometimes I don’t have the gusto to write something spectacular, because I’ve been busy with other things. But, other than that, there are no major interferences with either.

What are your future plans?
I plan to get a degree in Archaeology and Photojournalism, travel the world,  write a book, and move to Europe to complete my Masters while I work in my field. That is all I have planned for now.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
I want to thank the TPS for reading my blog and allowing me to be interviewed. I have had a limited amount of time to read your work, but what I have read is insightful and sensible with regard to your nation’s politics. I feel honoured to be interviewed by you!