The Pakistani Spectator

My name is John Sargeant, 30 years old from England. I am a graduate from the University of Exeter, having a first degree in Economics and Politics. I am a volunteer for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science and apart from my blog I write for Ask The Atheists.

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

I go by the pseudo name Homo economicus (a homage to economics and biology). My blog covers religion, politics, science and secularism. For me the ideas we have about the world we live in matter because our assumptions affect our behaviour.

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

You become more aware of what people are interested in reading; and what hot topics bring people to your site. That is important because while you may have your own style of writing and focus,  a blog is not a diary. You do want readers. I always want to find ways to improve.

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

Keeping in touch with people that you know and people finding your blog, or wanting to comment. That you have provoked a reaction, and that people want to read what you have written gives a tremendous buzz.

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

As well as posting on a forum, the wordpress blog allows you to “Tag surf” - find blogs written using a key word. That way you can follow blogs on the issues that you have an interest in and communicate by commenting. I also use Skye to keep in touch with bloggers that I have met at Conferences, as well as subscribing to those that I enjoy.

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

Communication - the ability to organise and get your message across. World governments wonder how they can control such a medium - this is an issue that democracies as well as dictatorships have a vested interest in controlling. E mail and the internet offer new opportunities for citizens.

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

Typing at a keyboard is easy unless your every word could be used to threaten your liberty; people have a new medium to respond with. It does make the claim to be ignorant of what is going on much more difficult in the global communication age. But we must bare in mind that in 2008 only 22% of the world have internet access. If information is vital to citizenship and a growing economy then that is a figure that needs improving with unfettered access.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

A real desire to debate on the issues that affect us. But having been, as a child, a part of a very religious upbringing I appreciate why people think they are right when all the available evidence would suggest they are wrong. That certainty goes for ideology as well as religion - that mindset needs challenging.

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

Listening to what people are saying and to what they actually mean.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

My younger brother pulling through in hospital having said a final goodbye the night before.

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?

Washington DC - my first time in the US and my favourite city at the moment.
China - to see what life is like in a modern communist state (and see the Olympics)
Pakistan - to see what is happening politically and what the culture is really like (and have a decent curry)

What is your favorite book and why?

Dune by Frank Herbert. A book that not only has an epic story, but covers ecology, religion, political intrigue with  characters and a narrative that has you hooked.

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

Whether they smile when you make eye contact.

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

There was a headteacher at infant school that would talk to parents about their child’s prospects. He reckoned I would never graduate from school. In many ways he gave me the desire to prove him wrong.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

While it may be possible, there usually needs to be something else giving a  livelihood. Most of the big bloggers are so because of their existing jobs (as journalists or public figures). But it is a cheap way to introduce yourself to the world.

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

It certainly helps - but quality counts for a blog to grow. Also blogging at least once a day for fresh content so people have something to come back too. Doing that on your own can seem daunting - but it should be fun when you consider you are not being paid for it!

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

Communicating about the world we live in, honestly and with integrity. We should never be afraid to voice an opinion that seems contrary to perceived wisdom. But that can be done while being civil.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/ - PZ Myers (scientist and defender of reason)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7573567.stm - Matt Frei’s WASHINGTON DIARY
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/ - Nick Robinson BBC politics editor
http://friendlyatheist.com/ - the bench mark for an atheist blog
http://splendidelles.wordpress.com/ - a kid who pulls no punches

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

The one I did on Jose Mestre http://homoeconomicusnet.wordpress.com/2007/12/05/jose-mestre-the-living-impact-of-refusing-blood-transfusions/ who has a tumour that has grown to cover his face due to the Jehovah’s Witnesses forbidding a blood transfusion during an operation.  It provokes different emotions from people.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

People are friendly and hospitable. The country has been failed by its politicians and the hubris of Musharraf - their failure to show that terrorism is a threat to Pakistan and its people, rather than caused by helping out an ally, could have serious ramifications. People want a way of life of their own choosing free from intimidation whether by the state or religious fanatics.

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

I could not bring myself to talk to PZ Myers when I first met him, so talked to his wife.

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

The struggle for daily existence.

What is the future of blogging?

It will continue to grow. It is a great platform for communication, information, writing and dissent. As such it will be a challenge to both traditional media, and governments.

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

In many ways the blogging was a reflection of my life when pressed by others to write about my activism and views on the world. As such it always allows for conversation starters with friends. It also allows me to be more in touch with what is going on which helps my activism.

What are your future plans?

I hope that it may be possible to become professionally involved in activism and writing

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

All the best. Keep on being actively informed about what is happening and holding those that have power over you to account. And if you really want to do something find out how you can do it - don’t just imagine it.

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