Saturday, September 29, 2012

The man behind the "REAL TALK BLOG"

From quirky comments to describing strange and hilarious day to day scenarios, to tackling hard hitting employment, law, job market, passport and other issues, Desert Moon brings to you the man behind the "REAL TALK BLOG". This blog is definitely  one of my favourite blogs within the Saudi blogosphere. I am always taken aback by the wisdom and message that each article conveys to the reader. Such wisdom and depth can only be generated from an individual who has a pure heart with noble intentions. Read on to find out more about the blog in his own words.



Nationality:
Citizen of Earth

Education background:
Bachelors in Business, a waste of time!

Drink I always order at a coffee shop:
Coffee

Pet Peeve:
Nails on blackboard

1. Firstly, thank you very much for agreeing to be interviewed despite your very hectic lifestyle.So tell me, who is the man behind the 'Real Talk Blog'? Tell me a little bit about your background. Where were you born? Basically a brief synopsis of your  life from childhood up until university.

I was born in Karachi in Oct of 69. I was raised in Riyadh because my father came here 4 years before I was born. I am from the  Hashemite lineage , 40th generation direct decendent of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
My whole life, from early childhood has been spent in understanding the word of God and I feel I will be complete the day I know myself totally. All other aspects of my life revolve around this goal. I own my business so that I burden no one with my views and can exercise my policy, my way. Thus, I have never  worked for anyone. I went to Manarat Al Riyadh school here and graduated from Cyprus College.

2. Why did you decide to start writing a blog? How did it come about?

I have been writing for as far as I can remember. Expression of thought is growth of mind and thus the development of man. I write my blog to gain knowledge and share views. Human interaction can unite people and through each other we learn.

3. How many hours a week do you spend blogging?

No timing. I write anytime and as a thought insists on being expressed through words:)

4. Has the Saudi government ever clamped down on some of the sensitive issues you have written about?

Never. I don't write about sensitive issues because I don't know what sensitive issues are. I have a policy to deter any attack on any government or national security.

5. What do you think is the secret to success? Define success. What does success mean to you?

Honesty and Courage. Success means being granted Jannah on the Last day. Because success should be final and eternal otherwise it is not success, just a temporary condition.

6. Have you ever lost friends or have you ever been threatened due to a viewpoint you expressed on your blog?

No. Never.

7. In your opinion, what are the positives or negatives of blogging?

Adds to information available. Negatives can range from hurting oneself to causing chaos depending on popularity.

8. What topics and subjects are you the most passionate about?

People and all that concerns them.

9. If someone could grant you one wish and you could choose to have one skill or talent in the world, what would it be?

To be able to unite all humans and achieve world peace.

10. What are your favourite websites?

www.booking.com looool

11. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Who or what inspires you to write?

My heart which is inspired by Quran.

12. Do you consider yourself to be a spiritual person? What are your thoughts on religion and faith?

Faith and religion is the essence of all life. We are born to understand our existence through worship of our creator.

13. Some time back, an article I read mentioned that  the Saudi government wanted all blogs to be registered and licensed. What are your thoughts on this?

No problems with that as there are many anti Islam and anti Ksa bloggers on Earth.

14. Should bloggers within the Kingdom be allowed total freedom of expression or do you think the government has a right to arrest and clamp down on bloggers whose opinions are incongruent to government policy?

Freedom of speech should not cross the limit and become abuse.  If you do not agree with KSA policies, leave. Every country has a right to decide what to allow and what not. If you write a blog praising saddam hussain, osama and hitler in the west, you Would get areested!

15. What advise would you give to people out there who are thinking about starting up their own blog?

Go right ahead folks. Write what you feel. A blog is about you, not others.

16. What makes a blog successful? What are some of the qualities or features that a blog requires in order for it to become successful?

Sincerity, originality.

17. Are there any other internet websites or publications that you write for?

Saudi life, Riyadh Connect, Chowk

18. Can you provide the readers with a few blogging tips?

If you are not good at expressing yourself through writing, find the medium that does justice to your heart and express through it. Never do what others do.

19. Are there any additional comments you'd like to add for the blog readers?

I love all of you and am grateful you read my blogs. God bless you all.

Once again, thank you very much Sir, for taking the time to answer these questions. Desert Moon wishes you the very best in your career and beyond!!!! I strongly recommend all my fans, friends and family to please visit  the "REAL TALK BLOG". Kindly provide me with feedback and your thoughts regarding the blog.