While visiting friends and family here in Amman, the subject of my blog came up on quite a number of occasions. I was quiet surprised — and humbled — that a significant number of my friends and relatives follow my on-line scribbles religiously. In the past few days, I’ve received a lot of feedback filled with encouragement, criticism and some suggestions. One common comment I heard from a number of people was the following: "Natasha, enough of those political posts. We want to read more personal pieces!"
As someone who follows the news for a living, it might prove hard for me to separate my personal self from my political self. However, I’m willing to compromise. Here is an open question to anyone that takes the time to read my blog every once in a while: What’s your preference? A) Personal B) Political or C) A mix of both? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send me an e-mail or leave me a comment.
C…..a mix of both…most definitely.
Natasha, I like your blog the way it is, a little of both. As an American, I feel like I’ve learned so much about the Middle East, especially Jordan from reading what you have to say and also from some of the responses.
Hi Natasha, I’m so glad you are enjoying your time in Amman. I like a little of both. Your insight on politics and the world is important and is needed. You have a lot to teach and share with the world. And your random comments on different topics and your day-to-day info is fun to read and is also needed. I enjoy a little of both and think you should continue to do what you are doing. Yallah come back so we can hang out.
Rana.
Natasha, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for several months now and I’m kind of surprised to see this questions for your readers. Separating your personal thoughts from political views is backwards/wrong/catering to the views of those who would repress others.
You should write about whatever is important to you. As an example, I wouldn’t have known 5% as much as I learned from you about your friend Jill because the MSM barely touched on her situation.
I prayed for her safe release as I’m certain thousands of others did because you and others told her story. I’m delighted (and pleasantly surprised) that she is safe and sound. I’m not trying to use your friend’s ordeal to influence your blogging future, but instead to illustrate that you’re one of the few telling an important story.
Have you considered a “newsletter” type email for those that aren’t interested in what you really think?
Natasha its your blog do what you want! But i want more pictures because it hurts my brain when i read 😛
Natasha I don’t think you blog about politics, or maybe you rarely do. You blog about terrorism and Zarqawi and the kidnappings in Iraq and I like to read what you write, but i don’t think the articles you write are very political and that’s not a negative point at all. The comments that readers leave here might be political though.
I like your blog the way it is. I’m not very creative so i don’t have many suggestions…. maybe adding an Arabic section can be cool.
oh no oh no oh no, dont seperate, dont change anything, YOU CANT!
You’re the first blog I ever came across in my life, and I got addicted before I even realized what blogs were and that yours wasn’t the only one. Your blog will no longer be what it is if you begin censoring yourself…aren’t blogs supposed to be our thoughts out loud?
You can’t seperate in your thoughts a connection that, say, a personal book you’re reading or an interesting movie you’re watching might have to a political issue somewhere in the world, so how will you pick and choose your posts? Plus it’s the diversity of this Web site, your ability to comment on a variety of different subjects and keep us, your readers, who don’t even know you, interested enough to come back, that makes this blog so special.
So plz, DONT CHANGE IT! I will continue convincing (brainwashing hehe) you of this tomorrow afternoon over our caffiene fix. Until then, I will be working on my arguments. You have been warned!
I have wondered about the same issue for my blog; I think a mix of both is good 🙂
This is a common controversy among bloggers–should blogging touch upon social/political commentary or stick to personal issues.
The dichotomy is absurd. Blogging is a new form of narrative which straddles the border (if there ever was one) between the personal and public matters.
Natasha, write what you feel like writing.
I like to read both, but since I don’t personally know you, I like to read more about the politics and your views on what’s going on in the world. However, your personal posts are great as well. Reading this blog has really opened my eyes to both the Arab culture as well as current events in the world. I’ve learned a lot. Thanks!