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.
Hi Natasha,
Just to add my voice to the overwhelming vote: I like the mix, partly because we have met and so I think of you as a “real” person as well as as professional journalist; but also because I think that the “newsy” stuff needs a personal perspective to back it up. As someone who teaches on the Middle East in the US, I have my students read the standard dry analytical and historical texts, but also watch interviews and read more personal stories. We’re always complaining that we don’t understand the ME, and I think that if all we do is get the standard diet of political/military/diplomatic news, then Americans will never see the Middle East as a land of real people rather than stereotypes.
Gotta go teach about Khomeini…unfortunately no “real” voices in today’s class!
none of those 3 choices. I’d prefer tech stuff if possible !!
Thanx !
Thanks David.
A mix is best, just like it is now.
Skye,
It was a joke for Natasha since she lives in the States. A common steriotype is that most Americans (or people living there) get there news from one of two sources: CNN or Fox News.
David, was it my post you were responding to re: being an American? If so, it’s kind of weird of you to assume that I watch fox news just because I said I’ve learned lot about the middle east from Natasha’s blog.
A mix of both while keeping personal safety in mind. Too much personal info. can lead to some undesirable results.
as is
is good
but do not stagnate, explore!
in a dehumanized world
view points from excellent blogs such as yours
helps remove “us and them” divides
Since you’re “American”, I guess it depends on whether you are getting your news from CNN or from Fox News.
Definately C- a mix of both…If anything I’d like to see more ‘photo albums’