1. So who are you?
I’m an ex-expat.
2. Why do you not have comments enabled on your site?
I don’t believe in them.
3. But they’re fun and they keep the discussion open. People can tell you what they agree and disagree with.
You’re right. But this is where I come to nag about things. If I ever want a discussion, I’ll add a forum.
4. What if I want to write endless diatribes on your site about how you should be a responsible blogger and stick to important issues, like the Israel-Palestinine situation, or human rights in Iran?
Email it. Or better, write it in your own blog and send me the link. I’ll read it.
5. Are you Iranian?
Yes.
6. You should be writing in Farsi.
I do. I just can’t type. The logic of the Farsi keyboard layout escapes me. But I’m done with the first post. The Farsi blog will be out soon.
7. Aren’t you afraid of getting in trouble like so many other Iranian bloggers?
Yes I am. But I’m more afraid of losing it if I don’t have a steam valve.
8. On what grounds do the Iranian authorities arrest bloggers?
On grounds of bad mood, or bad upbringing.
9. What can I do to help in case you get in trouble?
Write a long petition demanding my release and a bagful of cash, and post it on the web. They’ll listen.
10. Can I link to your posts?
Sure you can. In fact I encourage you to do so if you quote this blog or use its images, as I retain copyright to my material. I’ll be doing the same for you. And this is really more for your protection than mine. If question 7 ever happens, your name will be the first I cough up.
11. Are you a Muslim?
I’ll take the fifth on that.
12. What do you mean?
Well, if I am and say no, I’d be a deserter. If I am and say yes, then I’d be lying to you. If I’m not and say yes, I’d be disillusioned. And if I’m not and say no, I’d be an infidel.
13. They say Arab men have big tools. Is that true for Iranians too?
I don’t know. Judging from the amount of spam I get for tool enlargements, I’d say there are a whole lot of people who don’t think so.
14. Can I visit Iran? What is there to see?
I’m the wrong person for answering this. I usually get out whenever I have the chance.
15. Why don’t you say anything nice about Iran?
I have an ocular disease. I can only see the empty half of the glass.
16. Shame on you! You should be proud of your heritage.
I am. I’m just not so proud of what’s left of it. So I don’t stick my head in the sand in celebration of an expired empire, reveling in its beauty and grandeur. For that you need to get a brochure.
17. Who is your audience?
I use the blog to keep in touch with friends outside Iran. Some Iranian, some not. I also use it to overcome occasional feelings of insignificance.
18. Why did you decide to go back and live in Iran?
Temporary insanity.
19. So why don’t you leave?
Masochism.
20. Will you put a link to my blog on your blog?
Hey, I require a period of courtship before I commit.
21. So when will the Farsi blog be out?
I first have to remember how to type the small “y” in Farsi…
Was it ctrl-shift-alt-~-x?
October, 2008