The Pakistani Spectator

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

I am Veda VN a final year undergrad student. I call myself Mon Espace in blogville, which is French for My Space. Like I have mentioned in the blog, my page which is called, Eternal Sunshine *In* the Spotless Mind, is where I rant, I rave and I rhyme. The posts I write are not genre-specific, everything from personal anecdotes, fictional stories, current affairs, things I’ve observed, learnt etc are keyed down.

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

I began writing at a very young age, my first ever poem was scribbled down when I was in upper kindergarten. Blogging began after I graduated from school, and a simple comparison of my earlier posts to the present ones will reveal that as a writer, I have matured.

It is important because my writing in each stage of my life, has reflected my line of thought during that period and hence growth as a writer would mean your growth as an individual.

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

The fact that men are from mars and that women are definitely not from there was concreted when I wrote a post about my take on men. (http://vedasown.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-girl-wants.html) The comments section witnessed quite an entertaining war of words and completely different points of view between the sexes!

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

I read almost all the updates of the blogs I follow and make it a point to leave a comment. There’re virtual platforms such as twitter and other social networking sites that keep us all connected. And in rare cases some of the blog buddies have turned out into real life friends as well..

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

The most exciting would be web casting channels such as you tube, that has brought politicians closer to the young generation. Online channels are a great way for them to get their message across millions. The best example of that would be of President Obama’s own youtube channel or Rahul Gandhi’s tweets whereby they manage to directly communicate to millions of people around the world. In which other generation has a person of that stature been accessible to the common man?

This is not only refreshing, it adds a whole new dimension to politics, unlike never before.

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

Without a doubt, yes! People who were oblivious of the affairs of their state or for whom politicians were just symbols of democracy have taken an active interest in various political campaigns. It has put the invincible political heads into direct scrutiny.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

What I say, When I say it, the way I say it.

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

My willingness to learn. Not knowing something does not intimidate, rather it interests me. People who are more aware, or more informed than I am are always a delight to meet and converse with.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

When my brother walked into an examination room and held a completely shocked me to let me know that he had gotten into med school, his dream since he had an open heart surgery at 5. Hugging him right then, was the proudest, happiest moment so far.

Each time I have to leave my parents house, at the end of a holiday is gloomy, to say the least.

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?

- Africa

- Venice

- Kashmir

What is your favorite book and why?

In recent times, it would have to be Love in the time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the poetry of this writing and the finesse of his words was beautiful and I’ve re-read the book several times.

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

If they’re smiling. Stuck up folks aren’t too heartwarming are they?

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

No.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I’ve known bloggers who make steady income from applications such as Google AdSnese. But then again, using such applications would mean slotting your blog into a genre (eg. Technology) and writing for a particular audience, something I cannot do. But the idea of being paid, for your writing, what ever it may be, is always welcome.

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

I think it would be the other way around. Blogging is not just about writing posts and walking away. Driving traffic into the blog is quite a daunting task. Finding like minded bloggers is even harder. Plus, one has to make sure that the blog does not become mundane and has to come up with exciting ways to keep it interesting.

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

Words have a substantial impact on the reader. Bloggers are artists who play with words while making their ideas appealing. People who read good posts which manage to do both of the above may be influenced by what they read and build on the new line of thought. In this context, I think its safe to say that the keys are undeniably mightier than the sword.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

I’ve met a whole array of talented writers on blog ville, and cannot possibly choose five. Each blog has a lot of effort and time invested in it, and hence I respect each one.

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

(http://vedasown.blogspot.com/2009/05/sharing-my-space.html) This was a story about how I bonded with a little girl, who I had nothing in common with, not even the language and who I almost disliked at first…

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

The people of Pakistan are renowned for their hospitality and warmth. Pakistan as our twin country, has a long way to go, in terms of tolerance.

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

I’ve been impressed several times by the brilliant use of words or electrifying narration by several different bloggers. But Stunned? I don’t think so.

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

The opportunities available to its citizens. For eg, the number of options that students in a developed nation have in comparison to students in a developing nation is overwhelming.

What is the future of blogging?

As long as the internet exists & creative people exist blogging would have a life. Push button publishing, as it was called earlier, provides a certain freedom to writers, that wasn’t there before but was much needed.

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

It only makes me more observant of events, as anything remotely interesting is unconsciously viewed as a blogging topic.

What are your future plans?

Well that depends on if your talking short term or long term…Either way, the blog is still very much in the picture.

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

The idea and vision of TPS is admirable. I acknowledge their efforts and lets all play our part in spreading the love. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, lets ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’…

Thank you for your patience in reading this. I wish you all the very best.

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