Interview with Blogger Jordan Alcock

By The Pakistani Spectator • Sep 3rd, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

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

Certainly, I am a young Canadian living in our capital city, Ottawa. I’ve been involved in politics for most of my life, raised primarily around adults. I’ve had a passion for it, even participated in my mother’s campaign in a municipal race when I was young. Since becoming an adult and moving to Ottawa, that passion has been united with an ability to speak out through my blog. Today I maintain that blog between work and school. I blog here.

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

I do feel as if my writing evolves. Sometimes I look at my earlier work and compare it to my newer work, and I see a lot of changes. I think that is important because it is paramount to keep things fresh. Droning on in the same old tone and same old way can get pretty stuffy. It’s also affirmation that I am progressing and not staying at a stand-still.

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

Blogging really gave me a way to express my political thoughts and feelings with those who shared(and many who didn’t) my viewpoint. Until I started blogging I had to take my chances in social situations where I would often find myself outnumbered by those who hold opposing views. I still find those groups, but I am much more confident and prepared to win those arguments than previously.

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

I try to read other bloggers’ works a good deal. The Blogging Tories, of which I have been a member for some time now, is a pretty close group of bloggers. We like to leave comments with each other, many of us also participate in forums provided by the site. Some bloggers I keep in touch with social networking sites like facebook, or over MSN. Although it has been some time, a group of local political bloggers including myself, would meet up and discuss the issues of the day at local venues.

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

I think the use of the internet; be it the rise of the political blogs as real news-makers, campaigns utilizing social networking sites and youtube, or the ability to instantaneously get updates on what is happening on campaign trails.

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

I think that these new technologies can have both good and bad effects; on one hand, some people may indeed become more responsive. On the other hand, some may find themselves increasingly cynical about politics; the spitting fury of partisan politics online can sometimes be a bit much for some people.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I think we all have something to offer that is somewhat different from everyone else. I think I bring a unique viewpoint to my readers. I think that many of my readers can appreciate my mixture of fiscal conservatism and moral centrism. I strive to be even handed, and I don’t like to take cheap shots. I offer a perspective that is not locked down by partisan politics; friend or foe, my criticism will be fair.

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

Nothing has helped me achieve my goals more than my dedication to always being the best at everything I do. It’s all about working hard and working smart.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I think that the happiest moment of my life was the day I finally moved into my first apartment, and realized that I was starting my adult life.

Gloomiest was the day I realized I couldn’t go back to being a kid again.

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?

Scotland, Japan, Australia

What is your favorite book and why?

My favourite book is the wealth of nations, by Adam Smith. I appreciate the historical relevance, but also find it to be incredibly profound in its wisdom. It really is one of the main influences of modern capitalism.

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

The first thing I notice is how somebody carries themself. I notice attitude towards themselves and others.

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

I had mixed signals throughout school; some teachers told me that I was an excellent writer, and a couple told me I was horrible. I’m still not certain who was right, but I’ve stopped caring.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Some do; it’s not easy to do. Personally, I have dabbled in advertising. My policy is to return that money made to conservative movements, or use it on improving the blog. So far I really haven’t made anything though.

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

I think having time on your hands is advantageous. If you’re on top of stories, or have more time to research them it makes it a lot easier to write. I noticed it was difficult to maintain blogging while I was busy with work and school for most of my days.

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

Well, I don’t think that bloggers can really do that; I think that is beyond any one medium. Many of us do not have that goal in mind; instead we seek to express our feelings to whoever out there might be listening and should they take heed of what we’ve said then even better.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Stephen Taylor - http://www.stephentaylor.ca/

A Step to the Right - http://www.splatto.net/blog/

OfficiallyScrewed - http://www.officiallyscrewed.com/blog/

Adam Daifallah - http://www.daifallah.com/blog.htm

Daimnation! - http://www.damianpenny.com/

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

Two stick out in my mind; One post I made that I got a lot of response from was my “Just say NO to Anti-Scab legislation” post where I advocated that other bloggers join me in expressing our distaste for proposed legislation by adding a small icon to their site. The other that I got quite a response from was my piece on the stifling of free speech on local university campus. This resonated later as well when I participated in setting up a conservative group on that same campus.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Pakistan seems to me to be a state in conflict with itself. The government can hardly be trusted, but at times it seems that the alternative is not any better either. I see Pakistan as being a central battleground between moderate islam and radical islam. I think Pakistan has a lot of promise to become a great nation, but so long as it continues struggling with itself it will not achieve that greatness.

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

Almost daily - There is so much talent out there.

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

I think the most striking difference is listening to the problems people have. Our problems in developed countries seem so trivial when you compare them to those of developing countries. Many developing countries lack stable governments, and they are struggling with many of the same issues that our ancestors in developed nations dealt with. I think that many in developed nations take a lot for granted.

What is the future of blogging?

Blogging has an almost uncertain future. As a blogger, I want to say that it will become the dominant news media; but I don’t think that is reasonable, nor preferable. The “Blogosphere” is a place where emotions often fly in the way of reason. Impartiality is very difficult to obtain, likely moreso than mainstream media outlets. I think that blogging will continue to be a force in news and commentary, but never a replacement. One thing is for certain; it’s going to continue to keep the mainstream media on their toes.

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

My blogging life has only entered into my personal life on a couple occassions. I have gained personal friends from my blog, and I have brought upon anger from friends as well. Professionally, I have had clients comment on my work; often surprising me with support.

What are your future plans?

I plan on continuing my blog for some time. I am in the process of completing a degree, so I would like to finish that, and perhaps start working my way into Canada’s political scene.

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

You have quite the site here - a lot of good content, hope you enjoyed what I had to say and feel free to come check out my blog, maybe share some thoughts!