Interview with Blogger Umema A. Siddiqi
By The Pakistani Spectator • Aug 25th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • 14 Comments •My name is Umema A. Siddiqi, currently doing my BBA from Bahria University. I blog at http://www.umem.blogspot.com
Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it? I started blogging in the end of 1993. The idea of a web diary fascinated me a lot. It was actually my uncle who introduced me to blogs.
What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs? There’s nothing particular. I write what I feel. Plus, I try not to post anything related to sadness. I want readers to have a good time when they’re reading my blog.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be? Patience and honesty are those characterists, but I’m not that an honest person, so I think patience has brought success in my life (+ perseverence in many cases).
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life? For me, every day is a happy day. In the near past, my happiest day was when I secured a GPA of 3.75! I get gloomy when I think of poor people, especially the kids begging for money and all. It pains me a lot.
Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan? It’s really hard to say anything in this regard, because there are many people who are comfortable writing/reading english posts rather than the urdu ones.
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? Switzerland, Mauritius, and Peru!
What is your favorite book and why? It’s “The Five People You Meet In Heaven” by Mitch Albom. It has taught me a lot about life. There’s “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman, too.
What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport? favourite meal is anything which has to do with potatoes. I’m a big fan of lays. Plus I like Subway’s sandwiches a lot. Favourite dress is pajama, T-shirt; the most comfortable one. And favorite sport …ummm…to play I like table tennis, and to watch I like Tennis.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)? Their dress and shoes.
Whose Future is more bright in Pakistan; English blogs or Urdu Blogs? Equally both. But I personally believe Urdu blogs are more fun to read (if they’re hjumorous)
How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially? There’s this Google Adsense, plus Chitika… Though I haven’t benefited much from Adsense.
Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don’t go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it? Self-centered? I don’t think so. I’ve seen so many bloggers who are really famous just because they read many blogs and as a result other people read their blogs too.
What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now? It’s in its development stage. Although many people have joined blogsphere, there are few who really update regularly.
Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan? They are (without any sequence)
Asma (asma.eomag.com)
UTP (umarpirzada.com)
Saadat (ultaseedha.com.pk)
Abez (abezsez.com)
And Teeth Blog (teeth.com.pk)
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere? There’s nothing that unique, but the way Dr. Awab Alwi writes and the frequency with which he updates his blog amazes me 
[The Teeth blog]
What is the future of blogging in Pakistan? As I said earlier, many people are joining blogistan. If they update regularly and post useful and informative stuff and stories, the future is surely bright.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life? I have become more confident . I have made many new friends. And these contacts have also helped me in many situations. Starting a blog has given me a good life
What are your future plans? Regarding blogging? I want to continue blogging for the years to come, so when I grow old, I could read all about my past life Plus, I’m also trying my best to add new features to my blog and make it more interesting.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator? Be happy and share your happiness with all. This will help in improving their lives too
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Nice and simple. Good interview.
(And I am flattered as well!)
By the way, you started blogging in 1993?
Very nice and candid interview, she really have nice blog…keep up the good work.
Best Regards,
Zee Waqar
Started blogging in the end of 1993….How????
I think it is written mistake. It would be 2003..
We must give credit to TPS team for taking so many bloggers interviews from all around the world and facilitating us to know about other bloggers.
Well done dears. Your handwork and dedication is unmatchable in blog world. very honestly speaking, I have never seen such activities on any blog. So many writers, so many news, so many interviews and so many comments too, and above all, 24-7-365 service from TPS team. They always responds on queries and concerns of readers.
Keep it up.
Aye oye…I meant 2003 :$
I always make mistakes with numbers :$
Read it 2003 please
What a name….
It is ok because it is very clear for those who knows blogs and read your interview, it cant be as old as 1993. Your blog seems nice.
Can you reply my one query. On one side you said that I don’t want to keep Sad things on my blog but the blog name “The Fragile Girl” means some thing else.
Is this just fear that you want to keep away from sad and painful things or it is just, you are living in a shell by showing that I’m fun loving but the blog name suggest some thing else.
It just came in my mind so asked you. otherwise, every body has right to live as he likes. So don’t take it seriously. thanks.
@ Saleem Khan: I don’t why I kept that name. When I started blogging, I was really that type. But now I’ve changed. I’ve become more friendly and confident
Hehehe. That’s purely my point of view. You may contradict 
@ Zee Waqar & Saadat: Thanks for liking it and pointing out Dinky Mind’s silly mistake
Ohh … my oldy goldy buddy bahna =))
Stay happy .. and im so flattered. I believe you are lying and the list is preferred
:P
@ Asma: Logoan ko qadar he nahi
You want me to delete your name kia? 
That’s nice, if you are confident now. yes, with the passage of time, a person becomes more confident. This life teaches us so many lessons that we can’t learn in any college or university.
Why should I contradict. it is your very own blog and you have right to write as you like. The name is not bad at all. A question came in my mind and I got answer from your side. Thanks for replying immediately. You must join TPS because their team also replies in time.
I can see that. The TPS team was quite quick in replying my emails
I’d surely join soon
oay hoay :p mashoor log :p
I was quite shocked to read that you started blogging in 1993 .. :p khair
“I’m also trying my best to add new features to my blog and make it more interesting.” lol… aur populate na karna :p
@ Harris: Mashhoor kahan se?
Waisay is my blog populated? 
It’s missing all the essential features 