The Pakistani Spectator

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

An Indo-Sri Lankan by birth, I am a Physiotherapist by profession,and writing is my favorite hobby.

As for my site,Sameera’s Haven was inaugurated on a midsummer evening of May 2007, when I was sitting alone surrounded by my thoughts as usual. I just wanted my own space on the net and did it, inspired by Kabir. It was actually Sam’s World initially, which I changed later when I found there were already many blogs by that name. As is evident from the archives, the writing was very irregular till mid September, when I had this sudden urge to put down my thoughts, mainly born of being in a new place, away from loved ones and of uncertainty about life.

Gradually I found it a great feeling to put my thoughts into words, while at the same time not getting all up-close-and-personal, something I would never do in a place so public. The joy of playing with words I have always cherished, but only after starting to blog did I realize my potential to weave my way in and out of them. Gradually a budding readership ensued, followed by some surprising accolades, all in all inspiring The Haven to grow with every passing day. People have asked where I get the words and ideas for my posts, though I have told they are inspired from my life, some still find it hard to believe. Each and every piece has an element from my life, which I present wrapped in the folds of the posts.

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

Yes I do. I have come quite a long way and the increasing maturity in writing is evident and that has come with practice. It is important as I plan to publish some of my work in the near future.

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

Apart from my posts, each of which I treasure,the most memorable thing is having made some really good friends, some of who have apart  from becoming my regular readers, become very close friends on a personal basis.

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

It is very important. The whole idea of writing on an open platform like a blog is to gain perspectives of others. And this communication in turn leads to establishment of healthy relationships, not to mention a good readership.

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

I have never been roused by politics any day, only know that technology has made conducting polls much easier.

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

Maybe.

7.What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I believe in quality rather than quantity, so maybe might be a reason.

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

My sincerity.

9.What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Difficult to single out cause there have been many of both.

10.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?

Venice, Paris and Disneyland,Florida.

11.What is your favorite book and why?

The Harry Potter series. I  have re-read them so many times and can never be bored of them.

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

Warmth or the lack of it.

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

I don’t recall anyone having said that.

14.How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Maybe by advertising and putting up paid-for posts on their sites.

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

Time is an important factor, but it’s all about how you manage it. Everyone has the same 24 hours after all.

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

By inspiring their readers with posts about the good side of life,and keeping negative vibes out of their sites by reducing hype on mundane day-to-day misgivings.

17.Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Difficult to answer cause there are many bloggers whom I admire for some reason or the other.I cannot downsize them to five,would be unfair on the others.

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

There are quite a few in fact of late.

19.What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I have never been there,can only say that it is a good neighbor to India,and a fast developing nation. I have Pakistani friends and colleagues,and they are really nice people.Boundaries don’t matter,only we humans make them.

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

Not really.

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

It’s mostly the infrastructure.

22.What is the future of blogging?

It  is growing by leaps and bounds and more people are choosing this platform to voice their thoughts. However,the incidence of impersonators is on the rise and I feel blogs need to be regulated more strictly.

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

It has made me more confident and interactive,which is an asset both personally and professionally.

24.What are your future plans?

I hope to become a novelist someday.

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

Keep reading and keep writing.Read a lot but believe only in the truth.

Last 5 posts by The Pakistani Spectator

• Interview with Blogger Tikun Olam - November 30th, 2008
• Interview with Blogger EngSpeak - November 29th, 2008
• Interview with Blogger Jeff Noble - November 26th, 2008
• Interview with Blogger Jan Marshall - November 24th, 2008
• Asif Zardari: ‘India & Pakistan Share Blood Ties’ - November 24th, 2008

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