Interview with Blogger Kelci Block

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

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

I am a college student at a public college in Florida. I’m pretty new at blogging, but certainly not at writing as it’s been a big pastime of mine. This is the first time I’ve had anybody read what I’ve wrote, though. I blog here.

Basically, I write about things that are important to me. This mainly includes politics and the environment, but occasionally I’ll take a break from those to write about music and movies.

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

I definitely feel that I grow as a writer the longer I write. I get a better idea of what works and what doesn’t the more I play around with it. It’s important to me because I do love to write and I’m planning to go into a field where writing well is important.

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

The most memorable experience I’ve had blogging is when I had a commenter who basically told me that I was either cruel or stupid to be writing what I had. It made me feel special that someone had felt so strongly about my writing that they had decided to insult me.

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

There’s a lot of blogs on wordpress that I subscribe to and try to make a point to check them every day, or at least when I update my own blog. I also try to comment on them as often as possible. I also try to respond to each of the commenters on my blog.

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

I’m particularly fond of the use of YouTube in politics and use it a lot on my blog. On YouTube, voters are allowed to look back on what politicians have said or done, and video is irrefutable. Also, a lot of non-profit organizations like Brave New Films who don’t have the millions of dollars it takes to get television spots, can put their videos on YouTube in order to get the word out.

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

I do. On YouTube, people can view and comment on those videos, as well as making their own videos in response. You can also share them with other people in order to get the word out. I think it makes people feel more connected and involved in politics or at the very least like they can make a difference. I also think it makes people more informed about their choices.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I’d say the only thing that sets it apart is that I’m on mine and no one else’s. I don’t write about original content very often since I tend to stick with current events, which a lot of other bloggers write about. The most original things I do are probably my music reviews, just because haven’t seen anyone else do them in the same way.

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

Probably the fact that I can bounce back from a bad moment pretty fast. I try not to dwell on mistakes I’ve made or negative moments in my life, just learn from them and move on.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

My happiest was probably when I got my second horse and my gloomiest was when my grandmother died.

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?

My interests are the environment, so the place I want to go have to do with trekking around in the wilderness. For interest, I would love to go to the Australian outback, which has a huge diversity of animals, or Brazil to travel in the rainforest. Africa would probably be my third choice, also because of the amazing animals and environments they have there.

What is your favorite book and why?

This one is tough, because I have a lot of books I love. I’m a fan of fantasy novels, so my favorite fictional book would probably be The Sun Sword by Michelle West. It has amazing characters a really in-depth world.

My favorite non-fiction book is War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges. It’s an amazing account of what war is actually like and why people tend to react to it in the way they do.

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

Probably their expression. I like to know how people are feeling before I talk to them or how their reacting to me while I’m talking to them.

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

Not that I can recall.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

While I haven’t managed to do this myself, I’ve heard that advertisements and donations from loyal readers can work for this. However, it’s gotta take a long time to establish such a readership that are willing to give you money for your writing.

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

I would strongly disagree with this. As a college student with a full load of classes, president of a club, working on a thesis, and trying to keep my grades up, I have a very busy schedule. However, if I had some more free time, my blog would probably be more successful then it is.

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

I don’t know if there’s anything you can do to that end as far as blogging is concerned. Of course, there’s a lot of other things you can do to this end, like volunteering with different organizations striving for peace.

However, bloggers can make the internet a nicer place by not responding to comments with personal attacks and no facts. That’s probably my biggest pet peeve as far as writing on the internet is concerned.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Jon Taplin, Arianna Huffington, and Akmuckraker right now. I don’t have any more currently.

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

Definitely the “Why Palin is the Best VP Pick Ever” post. That one got the most views and comments, all positive.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Just like everyone else in the world, there are some awesome people, some average people, and some bad people. The trick is keeping an open mind and not judging immediately so you can find out who’s who.

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

Not yet, though I hope to be one day.

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

To simplify to a great deal, I’d say access to services and the prevalence of a consumer-driven society. Developing countries struggle more with accessing what we might call basic necessities, but developed countries have a lot more frivolousness.

What is the future of blogging?

Video blogging. People are getting farther away from reading on the internet, and just want to watch someone talk. It’s sad for someone who loves the written word, but probably an inevitable change.

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

Not really at all. The only difference is that now I have something to put in my signature on message boards and profiles.

What are your future plans?

Eventually I’d like to get my law degree and become an environmental lawyer and activist. I’d also like to save to the world, but that might require a little more work.

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

Strive for peace and never give up. You have a lot of people who are on your side.