The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
As salaam alaikum Everyone,
Well, I am Maryam and a Teacher-to-be inshallah. Shifting to Canada was a difficult move for me, having to deal with missing my country and people. Among the ways to divert my mind off that feelings, Blogging was the best option which was equally scary too. But My readers loved what i had to write and encouraged to keep on going.
My blog is a place where a person can totally enjoy with a wide variety of areas to explore. Been born as Muslim all over again with every Islamic post of mine, understanding me through my personal musing and venting and updating their To-read list with the reviews of books by me is what my blog provides you with.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
Absolutely. Looking back I see many changes in me, The changes which were instilled in me through my writings. Writing helped me understand myself and my thoughts in a better fashion.
Writing to me is vey important, It can be very therapeutic as well. As long as i write, give my emotions a voice I assume I could keep on growing. As soon as I write about a certain aspect of my life, no matter whether a happy or a sad one, i feel a sense of fulfillment prevailing inside me. And that is very dear to me ..

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
The Minute changes that the readers notice in your blog, and the feedback I get from them is something that I would never forget. Like, for once I wasn’t in my best health and wasn’t blogging for a month. The amount of emails i received by the time I came back was very heartfelt to me. It took me by surprise, as to I dint knew anyone other than my Family would ever miss me. I was wrong …
It is a very wonderful feeling when People come back to you and say that My particular post awakened them and allowed them to see things though a different perspective. Like once I wrote a post about Reading Quran with Transliteration, I got many emails after that thanking me for writing such a post, stating that I, through that post made them read Quran by understanding what it means. That was then I instantly knew I achieved something greater than Life.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?
I have a page dedicated for that purpose on my blog, where I urge people to write to me if there is anything they want to talk to me about. And I think its my responsibility to get back to them as soon as I can.
I even have a healthy friendship with many bloggers outside this blogging world, where we share our happiness, sorrows and look out for each other.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
Ahem .. I am probably the worst person to answer this question … I so do not know ANYTHING about politics …

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
My blog is a beautiful fusion of various things. Along with writing my personal musings and My passion i.e. Books and Novels I write about Islam too, making everyone aware of what our religion actually teaches us, and encourage them to ponder over things rather than mere blind faith.
People visiting my blog gets a quality mix, and the need to know what’s next is what brings the readers back to my blog.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
I don’t say i am successful yet, But I think the best thing in me is I am a very dedicated and happy-go-lucky human being with Immense faith in Allah. I assume it works to my benefit. Everyone in this world faces difficulties and hardships, Surviving without your heart loosing hope and faith in Allah is something which guarantee’s me and everyone Success in Life.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
I would say that the Happiest moment of my Life is yet to come, But by far alhamdulillah I have lived many happy moments. Nonetheless, I hope for more of them …
Having said that, Ihave had my share of gloomy days too, But I wish I wouldnt have to see them anymore EVER.

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?
Yes I do. But we cant really blame then, Can we ? They have to reach out to masses, What better than a Social networking tool ??

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?
WOW !!! Love this question….
I must say my Three choices will be
1. Haram (Mecca) of course
2. Dubai. I love Dubai, though i have never visited it, but would love to sometime inshallah and
3. Paris. for the same reason as above

What is your favourite book and why?
My Favourite Book would be ‘The Thousand Splendid Suns’, Because Its a story by which every Woman can relate herself with. The unique and sensitive topic of ‘Status of woman in today’s world’ is so beautifully woven by Khaled that one cannot help but flow with it.
My Favourite Islamic book would be ‘Tafsir by Ibn Kathir’, for learning and understanding what Allah said us through Quran is what every Muslim needs. And it written in an easy way for everyone to understand supported by various Hadiths.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
It would be the person’s apparel and his/her sense of Humor. I do not want to be judgemental but I often form my first opinion about a person on the above grounds. The saying - The one who isnt humorous is half-dead, is what i firmly believe in.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
No, I was at the opposite side actually. My Dad always believed that One day I shall write, on which I used to be like ‘Yeah! Why not … ‘ Little did i know he was right then …

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Agree or not, Many of the bloggers start a blog with the greed of making money. Though I have no clue whatsoever in this area, I think there are many such ways of making money. Like selling things and Writing for money, specially corporate blogs where a certain amount is set per article, advertising their products.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
I have to disagree on this. A successful blogger is one who knows the right chord to string and the right tune to hum, keeping in mind his reader’s and their tastes. In Today’s world Its hard to say that someone has got an awful lot of time to spare, Isnt it ? And even if one has an awful time to spare, He wouldnt spend his time blogging; Thats for sure …

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
Corporate blogs are a risky business for me. I mean Sure they have their advantages like Its a good way to earn money and getting recognized as a writer, But often We stare at the word ‘Money’ far too much that the words nearby shouting at you to look at becomes blurry, spelling Danger.
I would never enter into the world of Corporate Blogging, for its far too complicated and dilusional for me.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
Bloggers can serve as the mediators between different sects of people. As a wise man once said - ‘Pen is mightier than Sword’ , It surely is. Understanding their responsibility, Bloggers should write with respect towards every religion and belief which can instil many changes rather than thrashing ones belief’s and disturbing people’s perspective.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
That would be me, Maryam first and then
Sara A sweetheart,
Amal A dear Friend and a Great Writer,
Shahrzad A writing Genius and
Zaiqa A treasure for Indian cooking.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
Yes, It was 6 months back that I wrote a post on Surah Al-Baqarah. It has the record of most number of visits. I wrote that post from my heart and it gives me pleasure to see that particular post gaining fame … . The feedback I got was something which still makes me Happy that I decided to blog about it.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
I love the way Pakistani people talk, their grammar and humor. I would someday love to talk as them …
I consider Pakistan just as an other state, with no Bad feeling inside me. As an Indian, I would love to witness the day when Pakistan and India wouldnt be seen as rivals and would be considered as friendly neighbouring countries. My Love and salaams to Pakistan ..

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Yes, Though I don’t remember its web address anymore, but I remember reading a blog long back which was too unique to be true. It was an absolute treat. I wish i wouldnt have lost its address …

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
I suppose there is a wide difference between a Developed and a Developing country. But what actually differentiates them is Developing countries are generally poorer and have more people making less then minimum wage. Developed countries are richer, have relief programs for the poor and less poverty.

What is the future of blogging?
Oh! Its here to stay ! I wouldn’t doubt if someone would say to me that within 4-5 years the Blogging world will rule the Web. Everyday I see more and more people lured by its charm, It isnt much time before we find every other person hosting their flags in the Blogging World. But I deeply fear that It would be easily transformed as an addiction, which isn’t good for anyone.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
It does affect one’s personal and professional lives. But it turned out as good for me, With my Husband always busy in his work this platform gave me friends and contacts where I can relax and enjoy rather than feeling gloom missing my Husband. Its a breath of fresh air for me from my regular chores and unnecessary tensions.
Getting addicted is a whole lot different topic though, which gladly I am not, nor do i ever want to. I just am happy by keeping Blogging as my passion.

What are your future plans?
Future Plans .. I don’t know. Maybe I want to be a better person than I am today and hope that Life would be easy ahead for me and my loved ones … . I would wanna see myself Happy, Contet and satisfied in my future, no matter where or what I will be. Doesnt everyone …!!!

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
I would urge everyone to consider and make the relation between India and Pakistan a friendlier and peaceful one. And Through this medium I would ask each one of you never to forget that We will be facing our Lord one day. So, be prepared to do so.
At the same time I thank you ‘The Pak Spectator’ for this talk between us, I really appreciate that.

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• Interview with Blogger Lottie - August 18th, 2008