Why I'm not a SOPO blogger

Chumma Talk: I may look like I have taken my decision based on my judgement on people's characteristics, mannerism and what others' say about them. But, that is not the case - I rather make a decision after having a real chat with them. Some things are better left to take it's own shape over the time. I will wait.

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This is such a commonly asked question whenever I mention that I blog. It's no secret that many non-bloggers in Malaysia perceive that all bloggers write about social and political issues (SOPO bloggers for short), thanks to the wide publicity given to SOPO bloggers like RPK and Kickdafella. Mention photo- or travel blog, they will give you a weird look. I have discussed this issue in MINDSBLOG somewhere around last year.

To say I don't write politics may not be 100% true. I do write about some social and politics issues which bother me from time to time but this is not entirely a SOPO blog. I can't imagine tulipspeaks turning into one. This blog has always been an outlet for me to express myself, let out my anger, cry out my sadness and of course discuss problems that are bugging me. Although lately I have cut down posts that discuss (directly) my personal life, I still blog about my personal stuff in a private blog, away from and unknown to the mass. Some so-called pro-bloggers may argue that this blog doesn't have niche of its own. Simply put in Malaysian style, tulipspeaks is a rojak.

Do I care about it? Obviously no. While Page Rank, number of hits, niche etc matter for some, for most bloggers especially those who have been blogging for a long time, it's all about individuality and expression of ideas. That is one of the reasons why nowadays, I rarely took up tags or meme or whatever you call it unless it's unique. I blog whenever I have something to blabber about.

While my political stand is an open secret, politics can be a funny thing at times. Some many not agree and some may even get angry with me if I say most politicians are into politics to gain something out of it. Gone are the days when politics is seen as a mode to help people. Now it's mostly about money or power. As days pass, I also learned that you need not be in politics in order to help the needy. There will be always some other way of doing things. Besides, nothing is permanent in politics. One day you will see them in opposite camps and the very next day, they might be 'sharing a bed' together. You gain nothing supporting either camps.

Having said that, I still enjoy writing about anything under the Sun as long as it interest me. How about you?

9 Questions You Should NEVER Ask Me

Disclaimer: I'm really angry. Thus the angry and sarcastic tone of this post. I apologise in advance if you are hurt by whatever I am going to mention here. Cheers!

1. How's work?
For God's sake! I am a student now! It's written crystal clear on my FB profile. Are you illiterate? ggrrrr!


2. What is your PhD research on? or What is your PhD research progress? (especially when you know zero about what is research).
I would like to keep my research under the wrap till it got published. It's my Intellectual Property - mind you! Between, asking a grad student hows his/her research is equivalent of asking one's salary. Yes, it's improper.


3. Do you have a boyfriend?
When I have answered no, you ask why.
When I answered 'just like that' or 'it's like that la' which means drop the subject, you continue to poke your nose into my personal space and ask why and why and why again.


4. The classic "When are you getting married?"
Although my head will shout "NONE OF YOUR BIZ!!!", usually I would politely say "after my studies". The immediate 'follow-up' reaction to that answer would be "oh.. you will be too old then". Urgh! Can I just ask them back "Apa lu susah?" ??


5. Do you go clubbing?
When I say no, please just accept that. I can't stand the next probing question "Huh, how come?? You are a KL gal! or Don't lie la.. " I just hate that. Just because your KL granny/mommy/sister/girlfriend go clubbing till wee hours of the morning, it doesn't mean every other girl will do so.


6. "So I cannot date you ah??"
And this is the first time I am hearing you talking about dating me. I don't think this is a proper way to ask me out for a date.


7. After listening to my usually-packed-like-sardine schedule.. "Like this means how can you accommodate time for a bf?"
Seriously, you are expecting me to sit at home wait for a bf to jump from the sky the entire day/week, doing nothing else? See.. my schedule is packed like that because I don't have anyone else to share my precious time with. Not the other way around. Got that?


8. Another classical "Eh.. you eating so much ah? Put on so much of weight edi?"
I have a good reason [medically] why I put on sudden weight. But you are not my doctor for me to discuss it with, and for you to accuse me of eating alot is really rude. Maybe I should assess your 24-hours dietary recall and compare it with mine. Then we can talk..


9. "I just called you, why didn't you pick up?" - while chatting with me in YM/Gtalk
Simply because I am already communicating with you. Why on earth you wanna 'communicate' with me using 2 methods at the same time?? Nutcase!

Happy 2009!