My interview with TPS

http://www.pakspectator.com/
http://www.pakspectator.com/interview-with-blogger-ahmad-babar/

Interview with Blogger Ahmad Babar

Could you tell us what made you decide to blog?
It just happened. I used to post my works on orkut and then someone suggested that I should maintain a blog, so I did.

What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
Probably its simplicity. I just publish what I feel. Plus, I am not much of a blog reader so can’t really say how different it is from others’ blogs.

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

That’s seriously flattering. Still, if I have to pick one thing, it would be poetry.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

They both were probably the same moment when I finally realized that it wasn’t worth running after “something”.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it'spaid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

1. Northern Areas of Pakistan: Memories of my visits there in early childhood are still fresh in my mind, especially of the trip to Shangarilla.
2. Switzerland: Love that place and it’s chocolates.
3. Manchester: Would love to see Manchester United beat Arsenal 7-0 at Old Trafford.

What is your favorite book and why?
Really hard to answer this one.

What's the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Their eyes. For me, the eyes always give the person away.

Do you think Pakistani politicians could benefit from the social networks and things like twitter?
Being a slave of such networks myself, I would have to say, Yes, Pakistani politicians can certainly benefit from such social networks as it would give them an insight to what the youth want and feel.

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Honestly, for me writing and blogging has nothing to do with finances. Yes, if doing what you love gets you a few bucks through sales and sponsorships, well and good but it shouldn’t be done for finances to begin with.

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?
As I usually don’t get to visit blogs, can’t say much but blogging is meant to be about the blogger and his/her feelings as far as I am concerned.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
I beg to differ. A successful blog is one that is read by a lot of people and you don’t have to be sitting in front of your PC all day long for that to happen. All you need to do is just post quality stuff.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
Can’t really say much.

Does it pain you or proud you that we have made a history by electing a uniform general as our president?
“Electing”?? That’s a good one. More like planted or thrust upon. And yes, it indeed pains me that our so-called representatives have probably made the biggest blunder of Pakistan’s history. And remember, making history isn’t always a good thing to do.

Do you think this whole emphasis on blogs and whatever online is a significant indicator to show that the web, the social web, is becoming a very important social force?
I would say that it’s not becoming but already is a strong social force. I have seen online relationships develop into real prosperous relationships. Also, I have seen the web play an important role in other aspects of life.

What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
It is still in it’s early days and will probably take a little while to go somewhere.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakisan?
No one in particular.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
No.

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
Prosperous.

In political respect, can we say blogging a 'democracy of message'?
Indeed we can.

Can Pakistani blogosphere play any notable role in the forthcoming elections, if they happen at all?
I certainly pray that they do. As for the question, yes, it really can especially targeting the voting population of age groups 18 to 35.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Positively. Can’t really say more than that.

What are your future plans?
InshAllah to follow up on a few goals I have set for myself.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Pray for your country. Pray for your people.