“Not one to hanker after the latest handbag from Chanel or the newest lipstick colour from Bobbi Brown, Cheryl Tay instead spends her time checking out the hottest cars and keeping up with motorsports like Formula 1. The best way to express this automotive passion of hers is through words, as seen on www.cheryltay.wordpress.com. Said to ‘have fuel in her blood’ and ‘a mind full of nothing but cars and motorsports’, Cheryl hopes to share this passion with more like-minded people.”
Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
My site is actually primarily a blog that features some of my published writings. I use it to share with readers what I’ve written about and I hope to generate more interest in cars and motorsports amongst my readers.
Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
Yes, the more I write, the more I discover about myself. Sometimes I think I can even express myself better through writing, instead of speaking. I’ve been writing in a diary since I was 7 so writing has been quite a significant part of my life. It is important that I continue to progress and grow in my writing.
I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
The most memorable experiences would be of readers leaving positive comments and their encouragement. It makes me feel good to know that people are responding to my entries and that it benefits them in some way or another.
What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?
Some of my friends who blog regularly have me as a link on their site to my blog.
If you had to describe life as a blogger in a Twitter message (140 characters) what would you say?
Life as a blogger is using the power of words to reach out to a massive audience.
What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
Blogs these days have been strongly associated with politics. For example, former US presidential candidate Howard Dean used blogs to rally supporters.
Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
Yes definitely. Social media like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter tend to develop a community of people who will return regularly and hence create a following. These new technologies make it easier and faster for netizens to make their views known and along with this increase in responsiveness come the power to make a person rise or fall very quickly.
What do you think sets your site apart from others?
My site is primarily a personal blog that reports mostly on motorsports and automotive stuff, which only cater to a select group of enthusiasts. It’s different from other sites in the sense that the content published on my blog (in terms of my published writings) is unique to this group.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
My workaholic nature fuelled strongly by passion – I’ve learnt that it is important to love what you do and do what you love. Because once you achieve that, you will find that life is very meaningful.
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
Each time my byline is published in print is a happy moment for me. The gloomiest would be when I lost my maternal grandmother three years ago.
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?
My top three choices will be Moscow, the Maldives and Santa Claus Island in the North Pole.
What is your favourite book and why?
I don’t particularly have any favourite book, but some of my all-time favourite reads are “The Tao of Pooh” and “The Te of Piglet” by Benjamin Hoff, “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom, “Magic Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton, “Matilda” and “The Twits” by Roald Dahl.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Their body language.
Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
Yes. In fact, I used to fail my General Paper (GCE AO level) compositions during my junior college days and I had to go back for remedial classes! To be honest, I never expected to engage in published writing (ie. Be paid to write).
How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
I’m not benefiting financially from my blog, just in case you are wondering. But I think blogs potentially have that money-making aspect to it, simply because of the traffic it draws. An interesting blog that attracts lots of readers will mean having good advertising space as these people will keep returning to read the blog.
Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
Not necessarily. A successful blog would be one that can consistently increase its readership (for the right reasons of course), which means having valid content that is of use and of interest to readers. Making money out of it is a bonus as a blog is primarily a platform to express one’s thoughts and happenings in life. However, a considerable amount of time and commitment is needed to maintain the blog, ie. Constantly post new entries and photos.
What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
One of the greatest things about the Worldwide Web is its ability to transcend geographical barriers and connect people from all over the world instantly. Bloggers of the world can make this world friendlier and less hostile by creating genuine friendships and overcoming all differences.
Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
(in no particular order)
· http://www.jamesallenonf1.com
· http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sporteditors
· http://girlwithaonetrackmind.blogspot.com
· http://www.mrbrown.com
· http://www.chubbyhubby.net/blog
Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
There have been posts where some readers leave negative comments and remarks. I feel sad when I come across such things because it means that I wasn’t able to reach out to these readers through my writing. Some of them misunderstood the context of my story and took actual offence, leaving me feeling miserable, but I guess you can’t please everybody right?
What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
I believe Pakistan is a country of modest and sensible people. I don’t know of any Pakistanis personally, but I would like to think that the people of Pakistan do not want their country to be as such. I would like to think that the people of Pakistan are just like anyone of us, wishing for peace, harmony and tranquillity.
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
I must say that I have been surprised at the boldness of some bloggers. I think the beauty of blogs is how you can choose to remain anonymous yet create an identity for yourself. But of course, one has to work hard at remaining anonymous because the curiosity of some people will stop at nothing to reveal that identity.
What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
The most striking difference is the level of affluence. A developed country is typically defined as one with a high per capita income and has technological advancements and good infrastructure in place. Healthcare, education and other basic needs of the citizens are fulfilled too. On the other hand, a developing country is typically defined as one with low per capita income and is still in the process of achieving that of a developed country.
What is the future of blogging?
The growth rate of blogs has been very impressive. Blogs are essentially online diaries, but have since evolved into a method of sharing ideas and disseminating information fast. Blogs have become a marketing strategy for companies and bloggers are making money from just posting up their thoughts.
I would also like to think that blogs can never replace traditional media but instead support and substantiate traditional media. Most people still prefer to pick up the papers to read. But blogs will continue to be popular as we see many sites start to incorporate blogging features and all. I think blogs will continue to evolve and the future for blogging is huge.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
It doesn’t affect my personal or professional life, it instead complements.
What are your future plans?
I hope to develop my blog further – instead of just putting up my published writings, I have started to put up press releases and news updates. My aim is to create a one-stop comprehensive and informative website about cars and motorsports where readers can just come and visit for the latest news. I also want to start incorporating videos too. On a separate note, I hope to be able to publish a book to my name one day.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
The pen is always mightier than the sword.
This article can be found at http://www.pakspectator.com/interview-with-blogger-cheryl-tay/.













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