Interview with Blogger Rosalie

By The Pakistani Spectator • Jul 7th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

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

My name is Rosalie. I’m a college student & multilingual first-generation American. I just started my first blog a couple of weeks ago at http://rosalieee.wordpress.com. It’s essentially a collection of coincidences, quirky observations, & my commentary on various aspects of the world. I’m especially interested in exploring the uncanny connections between different groups of people & so-called “humanisms.” We really are more alike than we think!

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

I think I was a decent writer in the first place. But yes, the more I write, the more ideas I seem to get. No room for writer’s block – I literally have a Word doc list full of future blog post suggestions that seems to grow faster than I’m able to spew out more posts. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to see that I’ve written so much in such a short amount of time – & all for fun!

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

Three most memorable experiences so far: (1) When I got my first reflective comment. It made me think, “Hey, this really works! People are actually reading my blog!” (2) When I googled random phrases & saw my blog come up in the search results! & (3) When I first reached the 1000 hits-mark only a couple weeks after I launched my blog (haha, you can tell I’m a rookie)!!

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

Besides doing this interview, not much (yet)! I’m working on it. (I presume “communication” would include leaving comments on other people’s blogs)…

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

The technology of drilling for black gold certainly affects politics…

If, however, by “technology” you mean “the media,” I’d venture to say that the blogosphere is quite exciting. It allows any individual who so chooses to speak their mind [nearly] without censure.

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

Absolutely, especially since the internet & other forms of mass media are more accessible than ever before. Also, since it is possible to voice one’s opinion anonymously (without fear).

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I say exactly what I think. I have a very frank, forthright personality, & I do not simply “imply” things – I say them straight up… but I’m not obnoxious. My goal is to be a conversation-starter. My life experiences inform my writing (for instance, I went from a charge of the foster system to an honors student in college). I post what I find interesting & I offer a variety of content on my site to appeal to many kinds of people.

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

Only one?! I’ll choose three, trinity-style: my stubbornness, my intellectual inclination, & my constant hypomanic energy.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Happiest: When Child Protection took me from my parents. Gloomiest: When Child Protection took me from my parents. In the end, I don’t regret it.

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?

Did I mention that I’m gearing up for a travelling career? At this point I want to go to grad school to study international public health. So: I want to go everywhere. In fact, I want to go to so many places that I think it’ll be easier to list my bottom three choices: (1) Beverly Hills [you’d never think that so many shallow people could fit into such a small area!], (2) Vacation resorts [especially high-class ones in developing countries, even though tourism helps their economies], (3) Cruises [nowhere to run away – only the ocean]! Ugh. Exploring the nitty-gritty is so much more interesting & satisfying.

What is your favorite book and why?

Again, an impossible question – how can you expect me to choose only one?!! I love clever folktales, though.

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

Their good humour`(or lack thereof). I love observing people, & I can’t stand it when people take themselves too seriously.

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

Actually, no. As far as I can remember, I’ve always gotten excellent feedback on what I’ve written. In fact, I had a high school English teacher who advised me to seriously consider a writing career (thanks, Ms. Peterson!). In short, I’m not doing this blogging thing to get back at a third-grade teacher who told me I’d never be a writer or anything. J

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Bloggers can earn money by tagging their posts extensively to increase traffic to their websites! I’m telling you, the more you tag, the more likely someone is to look up something relating to what you’ve written. Of course, in order for this to be relevant, you need some sort of ad sponsorship first. Try Google AdSense.

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

Noooo! I certainly do not have a lot of spare time. But a few minutes here, a few minutes there… it adds up! I work extremely satisfying (but exhausting) ten-hour days at a summer camp for children with special needs (Mon-Fri, 8 am – 6 pm). Yet, I manage to make blogging fit in the cracks between work & sleep. If I can do it, so can you!

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

By being less vehemently judgmental, & by demoting “partisan hackery.” There is a difference between constructive debate & ripping each other to shreds.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Listen, I’ve just started blogging. I haven’t actively started to read other peoples’ blogs yet… but I highly recommend the “NEXT” button in the upper right-hand corner of the Wordpress bar. It takes you to random blogs. It’s nice.

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

Presumably a politically controversial post. Maybe one about Obama or the Middle East… whatever it is, I probably haven’t seen it. See above.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I see Pakistan as a developing nation… “Second World.” A breakaway faction of India. On average, semiliterate… Obviously Muslim… Also, I get this mental image of Indians, Bengalis, & Pakistanis àBritain. Yeah, that’s about it.

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

No, but I HAVE been stunned by the uniqueness of what the “NEXT” button in the top right-hand corner yields (see above!). Dudes, people blog about everything. EVERYTHING. Furry pumpkins. Yellow plastic coat-hangers. Everything.

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

As horrible as this may sound, & although not true for everyone, from my experience in “the system” I say this: poor people in developED nations have themselves to blame. Oftentimes they don’t take advantage of their free educations. Or they get caught up in illegal activities. Or they just don’t care. Poor people in developING countries, on the other hand, simply have no other prospects. Also, rich people in developING nations tend to be more obnoxious (maybe because they’re more defensive or oppressive).

What is the future of blogging?

I am not a psychic. Until something more advanced than the internet comes along, I believe the blogosphere will be alright. Out of self-interest, I hope companies will pay bloggers more to post their ads up. J

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

I budget my time better – I like to have a social life in addition to work & blogging!

What are your future plans?

I’ve got many options – between undergrad & grad schools I could try out Fulbright, Peace Corps, Teach for America, teaching English abroad.… or perhaps I’ll go straight to grad school (for global public health… maybe one of those Peace Corps combined programs?). I’ve still got time.

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

The #1 thing you should get out of your blog is personal fulfilment! Keep up the fun!