The Pakistani Spectator

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

Hello! My blog is called The Bead Den. It started out being a site about a passion of mine, making beaded ornaments and jewelry. It evolved into something else entirely. While I still talk about my hobby, I found it hard to write about beads everyday. Now I write about other interests that include politics, beliefs or anything else running through my mind.

I live in Ontario, Canada. I’m just an average person, with an average job and an average life. I’m afraid it doesn’t get any more interesting than that.

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

No. I’m sorry to say writing and punctuation is not my strong suit. I keep hoping that all the blogs I read will rub off on me one day. I know that it is an important part of blogging and I should take the time to edit myself.

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

Years ago, I used to do quite a bit of research, political blogging and plenty of commenting! I met some wonderful people. I talked with politicians, scholars, authors and activists of all sorts on a daily basis. Idea people. It was the most interesting thing I had ever been involved in.

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

I always respond to comments on my site and make sure that I visit their site as well. I’m afraid I don’t comment at many of the blogs I read.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
I think the internet as a whole has made an impact. The ease of being able to communicate with people. I was never interested in politics before the internet. Now I have them e-mailing me. Another exciting thing is that the grassroots parties can have an audience. The regular media can’t decide who gets to be heard anymore.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
Yes. Because you can interact in a way you never could before. And communication is instant.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I don’t think I stand out in anyway. I’m just a tiny speck in the world wide web. I was stunned when I noticed people were actually reading my blog.

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

I’m adaptable. I think being able to go with whatever life throws at you is important.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I think it was the same moment. Caring for a family member who wanted to die at home and being there when she passed. It was a life changing experience for me.

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?

Russia, Germany and Egypt.

What is your favorite book and why?
“Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown. It was the first book I read that took an honest look at how we treated the Native Indians. 

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

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

No. Maybe someone should have.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Advertising or having someone notice them. They could get a writing, radio or television deal.

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

It depends how one views success. I don’t think that has to be the case but I am sure it would help.

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

I think that communicating with people from other countries and not relying on the media for what is happening in the world can have an impact. Many people are shocked to realize how alike we all are. That we are one people: we are all human. We are less likely to blindly accept war and injustice when we feel a connection with people from other countries. When we realize they have families, jobs and are just trying to get through life the same way we are. That bombs kill babies and children not just terrorists. If we write about these things that are opposite to what other media reports we can have an impact. The more people we can educate, the more people will speak out.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
I wish I didn’t have to answer this. I enjoy so many blogs. Two you have interviewed:
http://willrhodesportmanteau.com/ for his political writing, his style and his views.
http://museditions.wordpress.com/ because she is smart, interesting, a wonderful person, writer and she makes me think outside the box.
Three others:
http://stonehead.wordpress.com/ I am in awe of this family. They are inspiring, hardworking and the site is educational as well.
http://joanharvest.wordpress.com/ Joan is an amazing woman who tells it like it is and her life is an open book. She can make you laugh and cry at the same time. I think she was meant to be famous!
http://moonbeammcqueen.wordpress.com/ Moonbeam is a wonderful writer and pulls on you heart strings. I have a huge soft spot in my heart for her. She has such a touching blog.

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

Not really. I guess I should work on that.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I’m afraid that I don’t know very much about Pakistan or it’s people. But it is something I will now look to educate myself on.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Not really.

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

What a loaded question! The developing country is about to learn about corruption, the World Bank and the IMF. They are about to learn that they have to give up control of nearly everything to appease a higher power. Then they can be just like us. I don’t know whether that is a good or bad thing. It depends on how big your blindfold is.

What is the future of blogging?

I think it is becoming more stifled. Free Speech is not what it used to be.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
On a personal level. I really do feel a bond of sorts with some bloggers. It has changed my view on many things in this world.

What are your future plans?
I’m not sure yet.

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

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