Interview with Blogger Joseph Cannon

By The Pakistani Spectator • Jul 13th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
I am a failed artist. In 2004, before the failure had well and truly set in, I started Cannonfire to help John Kerry to get elected. I am not sure why the thing continues – blind habit, perhaps. Writing distracts me from facing up to my inability to draw as well as I once did.

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

The blog has taught me to write competent copy rapidly. Before 2004, I lingered for days over every paragraph. As a result, I never finished any projects. The ability to write fast is an important skill, but the results are not always happy. Inevitably, one settles for prose marred by clichés, unimaginative verbs, overabundant adverbs, disconnected ideas and poor structure.

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

After the 2004 presidential debate, I published the first widely-read article pointing out the bulge beneath George Bush’s jacket. Many theorized that he wore a device which allowed him to receive secret audio transmissions from an offstage aide.

The resultant controversy gave Cannonfire brief national fame. Comedian across the country had a fine time poking fun at what became known as “bulge-gate.”

The whole controversy was, in the end, silly and unimportant. But the experience provided enormous fun.

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

I prefer not to communicate with other bloggers except when necessary.

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

Blogging.

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

Yes. For example: At present, there is an anti-Obama movement within the Democratic party. This movement would never have come into existence without blogs.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

My personality and experiences. What else does a writer have to offer?

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

I am not successful.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

When I was six years old, my father – a brilliant scientist who worked on the space program – took me to see Walt Disney’s Fantasia, a film which sparked my life-long love of great music. That evening remains my happiest memory.

My father’s death a year later remains the unhappiest time within my memory. He was only 36.
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 have never managed to lose my old conviction that travel narrows the mind.” – G.K. Chesterton.

At one time, I would have mentioned the Louvre, the Prado, and the Hermitage. But now great art mocks me and I don’t care to look at it.

What is your favorite book and why?

The concept of a “favorite” book is silly. Art is not a sporting event. There need not be a single “winner.”

Of the books I have read recently, the ones that made the best impression were Alan Moore’s Promothea and the Gnostic Gospel of Philip.

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

If the person is female: Breasts. I’m ashamed of that answer, but I cannot honestly say otherwise.

If the person is male: Any hint of menace.

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

Never.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

They cannot. Not these days. (By the way, the verb in your question should precede the object.)

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

Define “success.” In America, success is defined by money. Personal political blogs, such as mine, do not make money – not enough to live on, at any rate – therefore, success is not possible. Bloggers choose to do what they do for non-monetary reasons. Art for art’s sake justifies the time spent in creation.

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

None. Political blogs have increased rancor.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

You ask this question at the wrong time. Barack Obama has split the Democratic party, and I stand with the minority of Democrats mistrustful of and opposed to the presumptive nominee. As a result of this rift, bloggers whom I once respected, such as Josh Marshall and Larisa Alexandrovna, now seem unreadable.

A year from now, I may be in a better position to answer this question.

(A non-political blogger who calls himself Professor X always provides amusement.)

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

I received death threats from supporters of Barack Obama after I wrote articles against him. A death threat must always be considered a powerful reaction.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Every Pakistani I have ever met has always seemed very friendly.

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

Yes.

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

Money.

What is the future of blogging?

The larger, well-established blogs will have a growing influence over America’s political debate. Consequently, those sites will eventually become subsumed into the corporate media. For everyone else: Declining revenues and declining readership.

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

Anyone who runs a blog spends a lot of time getting angry at strangers. Consequently, the blog-owner has less time to get angry at family members and friends.

What are your future plans?

I plan to oppose Barack Obama.

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

Politically aware Americans all fear that the world’s first nuclear exchange could involve Pakistan and India. The result would be an unimaginable catastrophe. George Bush led America into a foolish war. Do not make that mistake. Embrace peace.