Comments - Latest Popular Stories, Instablogs Community by Mikool

Oscar

Oscar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Things are going haywire.. Seems unfair that suce a great platform is becoming a hate plateform.. It amazes me that so many people who write post about the woes of intolerance and discrimination are some of the biggest discriminatory biggots around, but I guess that’s life..These type of people are a dime a dozen.

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Yeah, I know.

Things are going a little haywire, as you say Oscar. There seems to have been a surge upwards of virulent writing here recently and less unbiased analysis of things.

I really have the impression that some people here want to use the site as an Anti-Western platform.

I’m sure that the people who run the site don’t like it either and I really do laud all their efforts to keep this site going despite some extremely negative vibes right now.

This site represents an effort to draw people together from all over the world. It’s just a shame that some elements, noticeably from the Indian sub Continent, seem more interested in maintaining the Great Divide.......

I wish they could see that all they are succeeding in doing is reinforcing the (false of course) idea of Islam as being intolerant and dogmatic.

They are doing more harm than good to the cause of Moderate people all over the world, (unless that’s their intention).

Too bad.

Vikas Shekhawat

Vikas Shekhawat — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This is a major problem with any site today. However, it doesn’t mean that any member of the Community can’t come and feel like voting or commenting on any piece of information available. Even I don’t get much time to write original articles, but I try to comment sometimes, vote and submit newslinks of my interest which I want to share with the world here.

Users, including but not limited to, pure commentators, pure voters, pure sharers, pure readers, or pure all-rounders, make the whole Instablogs Community. As the driving forces behind the whole show, we should respect every bit of time spent by each and every member; whether it’s just a single comment or a vote.

I’m a regular reader of Michael and Shahwar. Many a times, I’m too engrossed with their out of the blue viewpoints in articles and poems that I even forget to vote and come back later to do so. The magic starts from the headlines itself and goes on and on. Forget about commenting, as the pieces are so full that you feel like not to disturb the rhythm. Still I have my say sometimes. This all should not deter us from sharing our viewpoint with the world. It’s really sad that both have taken their articles off the site.

As a citizen journalist, one should always be ready to face criticism, as you take the appreciation. People are the real News. The world will react. This is how we share ‘my world’ with ‘their world’ and play our role. Instablogs has always tried to give more power to its users. The tools/features like the trash and negative buttons on the comments are part of that effort. If any user finds that there are hate comments, they can use their power in a truly democratic manner.

I hope that both would continue acting as invaluable driving forces behind the community with your viewpoints, as mentioned here and here and we all cherish it.

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you for this comment. Pertinent and informative, as you always are.

You are right about sharing. My way of sharing involves trying to be as informative as possible, whilst at the same time expressing my opinions.

That doesn’t include the deliberate denigration of ideas and cultures. That goes against the very idea of journalism and is called propaganda.

That’s becoming a problem on many sites, as you say. I just hope it doesn’t infect Instablogs to the point where Westerners begin to see it as being a place where their opinions are not welcome.

Thanks.

Shahwar K

Shahwar K — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hello Michael!

I see you have poured your angst and heart out here...creative ventilation...!

I appreciate it!

And thus it calls one last comment from me here!

I was here to share the joys of intellectual creativity, to discuss the joys of thinking...

...but it’s too dark here.

I am a poet...and there’s a lot of stuff around which is detrimental to a sane mind!

I can’t take all this hatred, jealousy and inhuman behaviour...!

The real world is bad enough...we artists don’t need a virtual world to make things more miserable!

There are although some very decent people here as well, but on a whole, (a subjective perception) it all boils down to sensual and personal criticism!

An artist can take infinite blows on his/her art, to make it better...but not a caustic, personal, impusive attack...or fanciful allegations!

Some people are doing good work here...and I WISH THEM ALL THE BEST...!

goodbye!

REGARDS TO YOU SIR!

GOD BLESS...!

Oscar

Oscar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I wish you’d both reconsider..

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, you’re right. There are some wonderful people here. I have received mail from some of them who are just as worried about the polarisation of attitudes and intentions here as are you and I.......

Maya

Maya — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I 100% agree with Vikas..

Michael its part of the game...some people are just plain jealous of others popularity in such site...

As you mentioned , a person who don’t have anything to post or comment...found time to bash you...its really fishy... she/he must be an active user who don’t have the courage to

Say that with her real username..

You being such a wonderful writer and a matured guy ..Should not take such things seriously...I am sure there are many others including me who love to read your posts..

Considering your serious posts and other articles of social relevance...there is perfectly no harm in posting not-so-serious posts once in a while..

I would like to see more articles from you and Shahwar.

Sukhmani

Sukhmani — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

i absolutely agree with Maya Shaji. There are all kinds of people around you. Those who truly appreciate your work,others who have genuine grounds to disagree and still others who never spare a chance to spit venomous comments.

I think Michael should not pay an iota of attention to it. He should just ignore and keep up with his excellent work.

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Vikas is right Maya, as you say.

This has all been very tiring though. Trying to talk with some people just earns you vituperation and condescension. Unfortunately, because I’m only human too, I have gooten more than exasperated by some of the ignorant bigotry I read and.....and I didn’t come here for slanging matches.

Several of the people I know have seen their pages infected with propaganda and aggression from people who are not even interested in what the writers are writing about!!!

Seeya!

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Sukhmani,

I have tried, believe me. And it’s been so difficult because these people are people I really believe want no good.

And that is very hard to stomach.....for a man of my strong convictions and firm beliefs.

Thanks.....

Leena

Leena — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Michael, I agree with you so much. This is a place where people are supposed to hold friendly discussions and exchange viewpoints.But things are not straight. I am just surprised at the behavior of some people out here. One moment they behave like the closest of friends and the next momment they behave like complete strangers. Disgusting indeed!

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hello Leena!!

Yes, I KNOW you know what kind of people are messing up the vibe here as you have seen it for yourself...

Awful. Just awful.

Wa'd

Wa'd — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Michael... do you remember when we were arguing about something the other day and my last comment was:”all I can say now is that I still have faith that I, as well as people I know think like me, can, and will change misinterpretations of Islam” ...as silly as this may sound, but I truly believe that I can make a change in the world, and I shall not quit trying because some people are simply ”LOOSERS”... And I am not talking about Islam here, I’m talking about everything... We all can make a change...

so, I am asking you and Shahwar, please guys... reconsider...

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, Wa’d, I remember that very well. It was written on an article that we both commented; an article that was a good example of what I appreciate least here.

The world certainly needs to change, and let’s hope it’s for the better, if not it’s back to the middle-age Obscurantism that I thought over. It’s incredible to think that there are people out there who are so twisted that they risk taking us back there.....

Vikas Shekhawat

Vikas Shekhawat — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

We are the Change!

Wa'd

Wa'd — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Amen to that Vikas :)

Pooja

Pooja — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Michael and everybody else on this thread.

We all are here to share our viewpoints and meet new cultures and people (virtually) but over this short period of time we have developed a relationship that shakes the worldly abhorrence at the very first site of it. There are and there will always be people who would mind, suspect or hate our relationship which is no way less than a family. However, in this family we are always open for new members and like any other family there are arguments but this never means one has to leave the family.

I am very much concerned about how you can even think of leaving Instablogs. Michael and Shahwar, please reconsider your decision.

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you for your message Pooja.

”share our viewpoints and meet new cultures and people”

That’s exactly what I came here for. Unfortunately though, as in any family, or culture, there are those who turn out bad. Those are some of the people I have met here.

I am interested in geo-politics and this awful East/West clash. And I am very sorry (and obliged to say) that some of what’s being written on this issue is no more than hatred towards the West. The examples quoted above exist on the site (I’ll send you more details if you like) and are quite simply driving me away from the whole thing. It’s such a shame. These people don’t share viewpoints, they don’t dialogue.

And THAT’S the problem........

Shiv

Shiv — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

there is a custom in bengal not to say good bye but to say i will be back

i do hope that both of you will be back sooner rather than later but i believe that every thing has an end if parting with you folks is destined than so be it

pl do not blame the poor soul for she may be a doll in the hands of destiny let us part with positive vibes

amen

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I have no particular rancourous feelings towards this ”person”. She is just one more in a long line, unfortunately......

You are someone I appreciate very much Shiv. Your voice deserves to be heard. By everyone..........

Michael C

Michael C — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hello everyone, and thank you for your kind comments. Please excuse me for answering with this quick comment, but I have to go to work now, (earth-shattering news!).

I shall answer every individual comment later today.

Thanks again.

Shiv

Shiv — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Last night I was on a steamer in a river party

Lovely tunes & eye catching ladies had set the dance floor on fire

Liquor was competing with the flow of the river

The weather was just right

But despite being there I was else where

I cared for no one

To me nothing mattered

For i was mourning our miserable parting

I do not know why life is so unkind to me

Whenever I start loving some one

It moves away as if it is a dictate of divine

This is a small desire of my innocent heart

You may take it as our earnest request

Please do not leave us so abruptly

Ignoring our earnest pleas & bottom less love& affection for you

So what you some unknown person broke your heart

After all you have mended so many broken hearts

Have brought cheer in our lives

Where existed none

From the winter of despair you have entered our lives

Like on set of spring

On a hot summer day

You are a cool gust of wind

Or a fresh water spring

An oasis in dessert

Why our happiness is always a mirage

Nature takes away from one hand what it gives from another

Feelings & sentiments

Dreams & aspirations are slave to none

Heart can not be ruled by any one except love

No permission is required, no permit is needed

To love some one from the core of heart

After all we do not plan to love some one

It is an instant chemical reaction

The language of love follows no grammar

The song of love has no symphony

Can dark night ever prevent the lovely sunrise

harshest snow melts with a sunny smile

your heart appears to be solid as rock

as nothing can move it

All we get a high voltage shock

But the labor of love can never get lost

you may leave us in the lurch

but we will continue with our search

we will look for you in the very nook & corner of the earth

on a full moon night we will look for you in the soft glow of the night

when sun will sheepishly peep from a hill far away

when it arises from the depth of the ocean

it will remind us of your innocent banter

we will keep praying for your safety & well being

whenever birds will sing & a butterfly will flutter

whenever we will have strawberry & cream

English tea , cookies & biscuit

We will look for you o dear

May be our paths will cross again

After all we are travelers to the same destination

So what you have chosen to taken a detour

We are sure to catch up with you

Till than good bye my friend

For get us not ,for we remain your soul mates

All of us are children of destiny

Hamare nanhe se dil ki ek choti si khwahish hai

Apke chahne walon ki farmiaish hai

Humain is tarah chor kar na chale jaiye

Hamari masum mohabbat ko na thukraiye

Kya hua agar kisi ne apka dil toda

Apne to lakhonke dilon ko hai joda

Jajbaat aur armaan kisi farmaan ke gulam nahin

Kisi taj ya thakt ki meharbani ke mohtaj nahin

Mohabbat ka daman hamesha saaf hai

Akhir ashik ko ashiki main sau khoon maaaf hain

Hum jab chand sitaron ko dekha karenge

Aapke kadmon main sijda karenge

Aap jahan rahe salamat rahain

khuda se bas yahi dua karenga

Aaapka daman khushiyon se bhara rahe

Yah hamari tamanna rakhaingerahegi

Aapke intjaar main ye aankhain tadpa karengi

Jindgi ke har mod per jab aap piche mud kar dekhainge

Humain apne intjaar main khada payenge

Aap beshak is hamari dunia se ja sakte hain

humare dil se aap rukhsat na ho payenge

Aapse milna hamare liye jaroori hai

Jinda rahne ke liye ummid bahut jaroori hai

Warna jina jindagi ki majboori hai

Khuda hafiz

Dear madam

I do not know or care what you think of me

But I must say you have no idea what a casual & mindless act of yours has done to our my lives

It will be our earnest request to please give us back our soul

Please cloth our poem with words

And our song with symphony

We will be for ever grateful to you

This is our promise

Maya

Maya — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Shiv....wow…..awesome poem!

Words right from your heart... you summed up your emotions so beautifully..

I am sure Michael and Shahwar will reconsider their decision after reading this.

Shiv

Shiv — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

provided they read it ? this is a big if mam, pl do pray that they read it

amen

Reshmi

Reshmi — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hello Michael, sorry I dropped by late...but my words will echo the thoughts of Vikas, Pooja, Shiv and others; who want you and Shahwar to reconsider your decision. When I joined Instablogs even I was pleasantly surprised to sense the positive vibes and camaraderie amongst the contributors, and reading some articles or posts of Grace, Shahwar, Deepa, Madhuri, Jaiyant, Nishi, Aneez, Pooja...and a few others( I am sorry I cannot name everybody whose arite ups I love to read) really made me secretly proud to be part of such a wonderful and vibrant community. But slowly, I could see a marked change in the outlook as well as the type of articles which got prominance and made it to the home page. Then there was open pleading and requests in my mail box to read some articles and leave my comments on them. Still, I kept quiet. Then, all of a sudden, I found open crass remarks and derogatory comments regarding my posts which I could not fathom at all. So, even I was feeling very dejected and thinking of leaving Instablogs, but then I thought why should I quit? It will give these people a reason to celebrate and rejoice. So Michael, may I humbly request you to not to leave Insta. Your write ups brighten up even a very gloomy day...the same holds true for Shahwar! S.K.- are you listening??

Reshmi

Reshmi — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

OOPS...sorry quite a few spelling mistakes and typo error...hopefully you will pardom me :-P)! Got carried away... emotionally...:P!

Shiv

Shiv — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

i second but it is your choice after all which we will respect

bad people dominate politics because good people do not go there

i have never cared what people say ,so long i am convinced about my actions i am answerable only to my conscience

which is god for me

Michael C

Michael C — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I almost envy you Shiv, and, believe me there are times when I wish I were like you.

I would, however, like to hope that some good people go there, because if they do not, all is lost. I am trying to be one of them. In fact I have no choice. I’n just made that way.

And, of course, others, those like yourself, do not go there, because god is their conscience. As I say, there are moments........

Michael C

Michael C — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

”Smooth roads never make good drivers”.

Vikas just wrote that to me in a very kind message; just one very kind message of many. You know, I like to consider my self a good driver in real life, so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be one here either. Thank you all for every word. I am extremely surprised and touched by this unexpected show of fraternity. Which is why I wrote to say I would not leave.

I am not the only one who is touched by your words. Many of you would like Shahwar back here. She just asked me to post this for her..

”I WOULD LIKE YOU TO THANK AND CONVEY MY HUMBLEST WISHES TO ALL WHO GENUINELY CONVEYED THEIRS TO ME...I AM REALLY GRATEFUL...

I CAN’T GO TO WAR

I CAN’T WIELD A KNIFE

BUT I CAN USE MY PEN

TO RIVAL ALL SWORDS...”

I will be posting monday, around 11am my time.

I will be posting thanks to, and for, you all.

Michael

Maya

Maya — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you Michael and SK..

H.A Aioub

H.A Aioub — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I totally agree with you Michael. I know some members who register as many to give their primary account more stars. this is ridiculous, and it has nothing to do with freedom, it has many things to do with some mental disorder.

I cannot but to remember one of Molière’s famous quotes: ”Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for love, and then for a few close friends, and then for money.”

Michael C

Michael C — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Ok, guys, if you don’t know H.A Aioub, here he is.

One cool guy with off-the-wall posts about weird stuff that only off-the-wall people will love and many will read in order to ask themselves ”Who IS this guy???!!!”

Yip! I honestly, and really, think that some people here are either completely nuts, heavy drinkers, or heavy drug takers!!!

One of them is ok (no-one’s perfect) two can be handled by the big boys, BUT BEING ALL THREE MEANS YOU ARE JUST WEIRDED OUT.

And one or two people here manage to be all TEN!!!.............

Seeya!

Hassan Rizvi

Hassan Rizvi — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Michael,

I admire what you write -even when and where I disagree.But I feel this post is not justified,because it is doing some of what you claim others must not do.

In other words over here you have the right to project your views;but you have no right what so ever to slur the views or writings of others no matter how much they differ from you.If you disagree the comments place is available for a dialogue not a duel.

Here only those will stay who

learn not only to accept criticism but also to rationally and coolly discuss the disagreements.those who expect everyone here to be singing the same tune cant be much fun anyway.

Having said that I am sorry to see Shahwar leave,and will really miss her if she chooses not to return.She was such a lively,spirited,innocently witty girl and poet having fun with the English language.I wish she returns.My genuine regret is that I failed to warn her in an email that on an eastern forum such comments would be liable to misinterpretation.

But she is a girl and like Farihia may have decided she’s had enough.As I said for Farihia it’s her choice-I hope she changes it.But for a man to leave on such grounds would be silly!

P.S. sorry just saw this and my email today.Was away to the village planting wheat crop.Spent 48 hours since glued to TV watching the ghastly tragedy at Bombay.too sleepy now ,will post a blog tomorrow. :)

Michael C

Michael C — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Hassan!!

Thanks. Yes, I too have been following the ghastly events in Mumbai.

I’ll be writing about it all on monday.

As for Shahwar, yes, it is a shame (although in my part of the world LOL you would be massacred for saying ”But she is a girl”!!! :-P).

Concerning slurs, I think if there is any slurring going on, it’s contained in the words I quoted. They are scurrilous. I am sorry you don’t appreciate my posting them.

They are not words, they are hatred.

And if I’m slurring people by putting them up, fine. I am guilty as charged, and I shall be a repeat offender.

Seeya!!

In fact, I’m gonna put them up again, just in case someone missed the message.

”But not our minds to be fed on (western) filth. But these westerners have (no faith). We make peace with our own. With others we avoid contact. (A Muslim writer). But just for all bad things they give value (westerners). West has no culture per say .... Not only that west thinks in such a strange fashion that they are against anything which is good. 90% of west are bad. (Western) churches For Satan. Christianity is no religion at all. Islam is far superior.”

Hassan Rizvi

Hassan Rizvi — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Michael’

”But not our minds to be fed on (western) filth. But these westerners have (no faith). We make peace with our own. With others we avoid contact. (A Muslim writer). But just for all bad things they give value (westerners). West has no culture per say .... Not only that west thinks in such a strange fashion that they are against anything which is good. 90% of west are bad. (Western) churches For Satan. Christianity is no religion at all. Islam is far superior.”

Of course the above is trash-and does not deserve to be paid any notice,let alone be responded to.Such wordings may perhaps be justified only -and even then barely- in response to equally idiotic remarks in the first place.

Michael C

Michael C — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

No.

Those words are NEVER justifiable.

Not even barely.

Saying they can be is just semantic justification for what is impardonable.

They are Word games.

They are Head-fucking.

When people say things, they should be able to defend them afterwards, on their OWN meanings, and not because of what made them write them.

If those who wrote them can do so, then let them do so.

I just don’t want to be a part of it any more. People who hate the west, the east, muslims, christians, people who are too lazy to want to understand, they can all go play elsewhere.

I’ll just stay in my little corner and write my ”inconsequential” posts and I shall let others on IB give the lesson to us fascists and Hitlerians.

ps. I have not seen the ”politics and society” page in two weeks, and I feel all the better for it.....

Seeya!!