Q&A with ranoadidas
Making it on Emma Good Egg's list of 2006's Movers and Shakers, being a featured blog on Simpur's Blogging Nation and lastly speaking as a panelist at the recent Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) organized 'Think Big' forum are just a few of the many accolades he has achieved. It is easy to see why Rano's rise to success has made him the quintessential example of business blogging with a personal touch. But I bet you're all wondering how it all happened - exactly who is the man behind the blog?
What inspired you to start Ranoadidas.com?
Actually it was more of a trademark or an identity given to me a few years back. I didn't plan it to turn out this way. Back then, I used to share my pictures on the defunct "ecirlces" and "community zero" though the latter is still available but at a cost. Since then, I just decided to start my own domain so it's accessible to the rest.
When did your website evolve from a personal blog into a social news website?
My personal blog started back in 2002. It's more like a journal and only in 2005, I changed my direction in making it a social news.
Initially, how did you promote your site?
It was promoting by itself. Well, you know how Brunei is, they spread the news especially overseas because students overseas would like to know what's going on back in Brunei. Another reason is the rise of bloggers. Back then, there were only a handful of bloggers around. So I didn't get linked as much before as compared to now. The present case shows that I even get linked by bloggers who are strangers to me. Usually nowadays, it's through word-of-mouth and recommendation by others.
Hmmm.. interesting question. To tell you the truth, I don't keep track of my earnings through advertising. Maybe I should. I can say what I'm earning now is enough to keep me on my toes. And for me, I'm more than content with running my blog full-time than taking any permanent job even if the pay is good. That's how passionate I am about my website.
Few years ago, no... I didn't feel any pressure. Now with thousands of readers, you can say that that the pressure's on me. But I have to say that my old readers were not pleased with my new direction and some even complained that they missed the old "me". But I have to sacrifice my old version for the sake of new readership which has paid off immensely.
Yes, it has basically affected my social life. My Sundays are always non-existent because I'll be covering events from morning to evening. I haven't spent a lot of time with my friends and I also have other things to do as well. I'm a freelance sportswriter for Brunei Times so I do cover sports from time to time. Lately I've been hanging out with the local photog bloggers once a week and we have this ritual Jing Chew outing every Sunday morning.
How do you find the time to juggle being both a business man and a blogger?
Not many people are aware of what I do full time. They think that my website is more of a hobby. But indirectly it's also giving me revenue. I do have other businesses where I make side income but that's more to do with having experience. As for my website, blogging is my form of business - to inform, to educate, to bring awareness. Those are my strengths.
It has been quoted that "one unfortunate consequence of blogging is the possibility of attacks or threats against the blogger, sometimes without apparent reason. A blog is, after all, open to the public to read and respond to. Internet trolls who would attack a blogger with threats or insults can be emboldened by anonymity."
As your website started to take off, did you receive any negative remarks from the public? If so, how did you deal with them?
I remember a few years back, anonymous taggers kept flooding my tagboard with nasty comments about my friends and even me. So I normally screened my tagboard and deleted any hateful comments. But when it comes to bad remarks regarding myself, I hardly delete them. Perhaps I'm already immune to it. When it comes to my friends, then yes, I would take quick action by deleting them off. It's a hassle to do so.
Do you feel it necessary for both Bruneian bloggers and blog readers to follow a code of conduct when commenting or 'tagging' so as to ensure a responsible and appropriate forum for discussion?
It's only necessary when it's being enforced. I decided not start a forum because it might generate a lot of personal attacks which can be hard to monitor if it multiplies at a gradual rate. It's pretty difficult should you ask bloggers to follow a code of conduct. I guess they are sensible enough to distinguish what's right or wrong.
What is your take on issues regarding legal liabilities and defamation with regards to blogging? With many cases of civil litigation brought on bloggers in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore do you feel the need to restrict the topics and issues that you discuss?
Restrictions are good especially for our country. You have to draw a line on what topics to talk about. I've always advised my readers or fellow bloggers never to talk about politics, sex and religion. As for defamation, you will always be accountable for whatever you post or blog so it's better to think twice before you get in trouble with the law.
And lastly, what can we expect in the future for Ranoadidas.com? Have you ever thought of diversifying into the publishing industry? Your own social news magazine perhaps?
The future?? To increase more awareness of ranoadidas.com as an alternative means of information. I've thought of running a lifestyle magazine but because of the high cost involved and needing to employ people, it's kinda difficult. But now with the success of my website, you will never know but perhaps with a different name. It's better to brand the person behind the website and that could be the pulling factor.
A big thank you to Rano for making time out of his hectic schedule to do this Q&A, it's been a pleasure. Hats off to 'Brunei's No. 1 Social News Website' from Roxie, Billy and Stewart!
