Interview with Blogger The Web Laureate

By The Pakistani Spectator • Jul 13th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

I write and post poetry about web 2.0 on the blog. I am a writer of poetry embodying the web experience. I seek to absorb all that there is online or related to it and express it through my unique blog.

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

Yes. I am always seeking new and innovative experiences and methods of expressing those web experiences.

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

I do not know that any particular experience stands out. You might say I get very excited about the poem that get a lot of readers. In that sense, those posts are memorable. Those posts are…

‘Now, Kirtsy’ (http://webpoet.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/now-kirtsy/) about how sk-rt was forced to change their name.

‘Oh Twitter’ (http://webpoet.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/oh-twitter/) about the perfect twitter tweet, 140 characters. This was challenging and fun to write; and lots of people loved it too – also great.

‘Google in Error’ (http://webpoet.wordpress.com/2008/07/09/google-in-error/) about the nervousness I have in storing important documents on web services, like Google Docs.

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

I actively stay engaged with people through the social websites, like facebook, mixx, stumbleupon. And, I reply to all emails and comments that people send to me.

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

I don’t follow politics too much; my thing is the web where I try out EVERYTHING, where I experience EVERYTHING. Especially since I can’t vote (yet). But, I like when I see the mashups of things like twitter and google maps where the content is limited to political jabber. This is fun and makes politics feel much more engaging.

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

For politics, yes, they make people more responsive. But, responsive does not mean engaged nor active nor intelligent nor constructive.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Instead of writing boring reviews of stuff and experiences found on the web, I write POETRY to EXPRESS and CAPTURE and web experience for everyone to enjoy in and share.

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

Creativity. Hey, a blog for poetry about web apps and experiences is awesomely unique.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Happiest = (1) being asked for an interview for my work on the web laureate

(2) getting an email from Leo Laporte to keep doing the good work I am doing

Gloomiest = (1) having people write and do nasty things about my blog on Digg L

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?

San Francisco

Paris

Hong Kong

What is your favorite book and why?

I don’t think I ever picked a favorite book. But, I really enjoyed a recent book that I read (about poetry, of course), called Three-Character Canon. It is a series of poems translated from Chinese. I am always seeking on new ideas for more creativity within my writings on The Web Laureate.

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

How friendly and social a person seems.

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

Nope. My teachers always encouraged me to write, especially to Major in literature in college.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

May have ads and get donations. That is not my focus. I want to share may web experiences with as many people I can.

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

No. I think I am pretty successful, and I don’t have a lot of time on my hands. I just know how to manage my time optimally so that I can fit it into my busy schedule.

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

More poetry, creativity, and fun!

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

I like Mashable, CenterNetworks, Gizmodo, The Product Guy and ReadWriteWeb.

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

See my answer to my ‘most memorable experience.’

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I don’t have any specific opinions or perceptions. I love meeting and talking to new people, wherever!

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

No. That is partially why I started The Web Laureate.

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

Don’t know.