An Interview with Ruhi (havetoremember.wordpress.com)
December 6, 2007 by Poonam Sharma
Today’s guest on BaB is Ruhi. Her blog Time and Again has more than 2 lakh hits. Ruhi, very graciously, shares her picture for the first time on Web. This girl also has one of the most updated sidebars in her blog. Here in the interview, she provides 5 sidebar ideas to BaB readers along with some other valuable blogging tips and tools. (she seems to be a tools freak.)
Hi Ruhi, Welcome to Being A Blogger!
Thank you Poonam! The pleasure’s mine. 
Tell us about yourself. What made you choose this name, Time and Again for your blog?
I’m an MBA student set to graduate next week. But I’m not really sure whether I’m ready for the corporate life.
This blog is a medium to connect with people having similar choices. Also, I like reading about people’s view points on the current happenings of the world. I have made some very good friends through this blog.
I wanted to chronicle my thoughts so as to be able to come back to it later and reminisce it. That’s how this blog got its name “Time and Again”. Even the URL “havetoremember…” has to do with my initial motive.
How did you start blogging?
I started blogging sometime in July 2006 at Blogger. I didn’t like it much and then I shifted to WordPress. I’m sure you’ve heard other bloggers telling you about how they saw other people blogging and decided to give it a try. So that is what happened with me too. J A couple of weeks down the line, I started blogging about general stuff and that is when people started visiting my blog. And that’s the way it’s been since almost a year…I just blog about whatever interests me. (More about this can be found in the Evolutionary Meme that I’d posted on my blog)
My blog is more of an outlet for me to write about stuff that occupy some part of my brain. But I do like the fact that I have some loyal readers who read every post of mine. There was a time when I used to care a lot about hits, but now all I care about is quality discussion.
How has your blogging journey been for you?
So far, so good. One of the best time was in July 2007 when JK Rowling’s last book was about to be released. I’m an ardent fan of hers and was writing a lot of posts on Harry Potter. I made a lot of friends during that time.
What are the things you commonly blog about?
I don’t really have a common subject for this blog. But I do blog a lot about the movies that I like and technology stuff. I also enjoy writing posts on current issues of the world.
What was the turning point in you blog when it started getting hits?
Frankly speaking, getting hits has never really been a problem for me. Right from the start, I’ve had lots of blog traffic. J I had almost stopped blogging in the first half of 2007 because of my studies and work load. Still, like you can see, I am at 260,000 plus.
What gave you wonderful idea to put “One Crouton at a Time” in your blog sidebar? (That is quite innovative)
Well…this is a very recent addition to my sidebar. There are issues that I might feel very deeply about, yet don’t really have enough material to write a blog post on it. Such topics appear in the tab “One Crouton at a Time”. It hasn’t really attracted much attention even though it’s right at the top of my sidebar. So, thank you for noticing it.
Exclusively for BaB readers, provide 5 innovative sidebar ideas?
We can do a lot of things with the text and RSS widgets provided by WordPress.
- Use the text widget to add pictures, links of articles or just about anything else that catches your attention.
- Use the RSS widget to display your comments on other people’s websites (I use a service called co.mments for that).
- You can also display your Google Reader shared Items.
- I like the service provided by Vodpod and use it to collect interesting videos from around the internet.
- Most importantly, include graphics of social causes that you support.
You are one of those bloggers who post what they read, what movies and videos they watch in the sidebar. Do you think it matters to your readers?
Many times, I don’t write a post and just update what I’ve been watching or what book I’ve been reading. Some of my readers probably come back to check that. It also helps people determine whether we have common interests. Plus, I really like watching good movies and am proud of my movie taste. So, I like to flaunt it.
How important do you think themes are for blog?
It is very important to have a theme that’s not too harsh on the eyes. I know for myself that I don’t read blogs if the themes make it difficult for me to read the posts. I take care to always use light themes because the writing is easier to read. I prefer themes that have lots of space for writing. The Journalist theme is my current favorite. I also like themes done by Chris Pearson.
5 things you do to make your blog look attractive?
This is a little restricted right now because I don’t have a CSS upgrade, else I would have done lots of things.
- Add lots of pictures. Everyone loves to look at pictures instead of lines and lines of boring writing.
- Keep the sidebar organized as much as I can.
- Adding a header image if the theme allows it is a wonderful idea. If the picture is yours, then that’s an added bonus.
- Use an external blogging tool like Windows Live Writer, or Scribe Fire to organize your writing.
I really can’t think of anything else.
Are you part of any blogging groups and communities? How do blog communities help?
Technically, I’m a part of two communities- Anti Socials and Thoughts and Opinions. But I don’t remember writing even a single post for either of them. I find it difficult to say no if someone asks me to join them. I got really busy during the first half of this year and this was the time I joined these blogs.
Blog communities help if your blog is not that popular. It helps the blogger get more traffic. But you need to have the time.
Were there any embarrassing or sad moments during your blogging journey?
During my Harry Potter madness period, I had written several posts criticizing the 7th book because I was quite disappointed because of the leak. I’d expected much more out of the book. Some of my posts drove many people mad and they started leaving very rude comments. I had around 121,000 hits in just two weeks. I had to temporarily close the comments section of this post. Someone else who’s on my Blogroll also wrote a couple of posts and comments on his blog poking fun at me. So, that was not funny.
How do you handle when you have comments that completely dismiss your opinion and oppose your writing?
Till date, I have edited only one comment, that too very recently. I had to delete the last two statements because they were quite rude.
People are welcome to dismiss my opinion. There have been lots of instances, in fact. It depends who the person is. If I know him/her, then I really don’t mind. If it’s someone whom I don’t know, then I do sit up and take notice. Maybe be a little stricter. But I don’t believing in deleting comments just because I don’t agree with the person’s view point. If we have a public blog, then we should be ready to face some flack.
What do you do to keep up traffic of your blog? Do you want to shoulder any responsibility, using your high readability?
Like I said, I don’t really DO anything. Yes, it definitely helps when I post regularly. So, I try to update my blog several times a week, if not every day and I try to be myself.
I don’t want to shoulder the responsibility because I can not still handle it. I’m too possessive of this blog. But yes, I would love to have some guest posts done.
Most bloggers face writer’s block. What keeps you motivated to keep on blogging?
Oh yes. I’ve faced writer’s block many times. My motivation generally comes from issues that catch my attention. Nothing special Plus, I really don’t want to stop blogging. So, sometimes, I do surf around trying to find interesting.
You maintain four active blogs. Any time management tip you may want to share with our readers?
I maintain 4 active blogs- Time and Again, CFA blog, job blog and a personal blog. I try to restrict my blogging time, though it almost never works. 
Time and Again is the only blog which requires a lot of time though. CFA blog is easy work because I just write about the syllabus that I’ve covered for the say.
Ever thought of making blogging making money through your blog?
No, not really. But if WordPress were to allow us to post ads, then I might put a small strip. I don’t know. If I earn a very small amount, then I think it’s not worth it.
Do you read other blogs? What interests you in other blogs?
Oh yes. I read LOTS of blogs. Probably 40+ I like reading blogs that talk about movies, technology, current issues, finance…pretty much whatever I blog about. I don’t like reading personal blogs that discuss every day mundane tasks. Their business is not my business.
What are the things that may cause you to delete a blog from your reader?
I seldom delete a blog from my reader…that’s because I don’t easily add a blog to my reader. I have deleted some blogs in the past when I felt that the blogger has stopped updating it. Also, I don’t like blogs that start talking about Bollywood all the time.
What are your top 5 blogging tools?
- Windows Live Writer
- Google Reader
- Social Bookmarking
- WordPress Ninja Comment Add-on
- WordPress!! Yay!
You can read more about these tools in my blog post.
Any blogging tips you have that you want to share with newbie bloggers?
It’s important to blog regularly and make your presence felt. Also, people will come to your blog only if you show to them that you care about their comments. SO, PLEASE REPLY to the comments on your blog. And if possible, spend some time commenting on other people’s blogs too. For example, I spend more than half my time commenting on other people’s blogs and responding to the comments on my blog.
Do not try too hard to please your readers. We need to be honest about our view points and blog about issues that really interest us. This helps in attracting people with similar interests. People who have a common theme for their blogs attract readers and so do people (like me) who don’t have a common theme for their blogs.
Sometimes, utilizing social bookmarking helps too.
What are your 5 take aways from your blogging experience?
- You definitely learn how to organize your thoughts and become a better writer
- It helps you form a circle of friends with common interests
- It’s fun!
- Makes you more aware of what others are thinking about
- Keeps you updated on the latest happenings across the globe
Any favorite blogs? (You can not name yours)
All the blogs listed on my Blogroll are my favorites.
Some of them in random order are- Babayaga, Ish, Prestidigitator, Baphomet, Nikhil, Your blog, Nita, Indisch, Patrick, Ashish, Swen, Ankur and Amit. Apart from them, there are some others that are in my Blog Surfer. I would like to mention them so that they know that I follow their blogs. BongoP’o’ndit, Amreekandesi, Amrita, Shefaly, Bharath, Neha, and Dakota. I haven’t been able to mention all the blogs because of time and space constraints.
Links elsewhere:
Studying for 642-523 as well as 642-812 is fairly simple. All one needs to do is go through the old preparation material for 70-270. That alone would be enough to attempt even 642-453. Pros who have done 1Y0-259 are well aware of this. In fact that is how they have 640-801 as well as 640-863 on their credit.
Ruhi: Thanks for the hat tip! Now I have a face to the name
Add lots of pictures. Everyone loves to look at pictures instead of lines and lines of boring writing.
Hey come on, I’m excused from that ain’t I?
What are your 5 take aways from your blogging experience?
You forgot to mention meeting the [future] EoW!
Okay, I guess I should show more integrity as a BAB interviewee…….. Nah!
Good interview btw!
@Ashish: You self-confessed future Emperor, you are excused from so-called faults..I am sure there were some readers wondering about your introduction in the interview.
And your integrity as BaB is quite ok. so far.
Thanks for appreciating the interview. It is a motivation.
Chaloo ladki! She knows that we guys will just hog the post if there’s just a picture of one chick! Bahut manipulative cheez hai Ruhi
Anyway, I looved the interview, especially your blogging tips. And the things that happened between you and the person were sad. I thought you people were really good friends you know. Thanks for having me as the first person on the blogs you read list, I love you for that!
Ashish, I beat you..hoo hoo haha haha hoo haa. OK, I know, lame.
Btw, Poonam..you’ve got the link to her blog wrong in the first paragraph.
@Ish: Be fair to her, I asked for her pic. So she gave me! She was afraid of guys though.
(I did not ask you because you did not want your real friends to know about your blog.)
Seems like you know about the person in question. I am curious, will ask Ruhi.
And thanks for pointing out the link mistake. Out of 150 views today for this post, you are the only person who pointed this out.
About the link mistake, I’m always glad to help.
And I was just joking yaar, but that’s really brave of her to have given the pic. Even if you had asked me, I would probably have not given. Meh is scared as shit.
[...] sweet of Poonam to interview me for her cool blog, “Being a Blogger“. You may want to take a look. Tagged with: Blogging, General ramblings, Interview, Life, [...]
@Poonam, Thank you so much for this feature
My first interview in the blogosphere. Heh. Definitely feels nice!! I love the way you managed to take out that “punch line”. You have the eyes of a hawk.
@Shefaly, Thanks
I’m having second thoughts about the pic though 
Ok, just kidding. But Poonam is too soft on you.
@Ashish, Yes you’re excused from adding pics. The funny thing is that when I was writing that line, I thought that you would say this to me
Yes, please have some more integrity
@Ish, Chaloo ladki? Ji nahi! What will i get impressing 18 yr olds like you and Ashish??
Regarding what happened betn. me and him- I’ll e-mail you
Else there is a high chance that he will be reading the comments section and might just get flared up! You never know.
I’m really scared about the pic in the sense that someone from a porn site might use it
(Weird, isn’t it?). I’m not scared of people in the real world coming here though.
@Poonam, Thank you for your support regarding the pic. I don’t feel so sure now
Maybe you should replace it with my avatar? Pls. let me know. About that person in my blogroll, I’ll email you too.
Forgot to add- Ish, no need to jump and declare that you won over Ashish. That list of bloggers is RANDOM. I need to ask Poonam to add that word.
Boo, couldn’t you just let me be happy eh? But wait, I’m sure it’s not random. You just listed them as they came to your mind and that means I came to your mind first. In simple words, I’m the best!
And impressing 18 year olds helps you know. Can’t you see Demi Moore going around with Ashton Kutcher? You could do something like that too
Just kidding lol, and don’t worry, porn site waale nahi chori karenge, karenge bhi to make a post about it, all the more hits for you 
Pic mein I like the sofa you know. You are toh waise hi
i did not knew that u write in 4 blogs….
how can one have the time and energy for that
@Ish: I knew you were joking! but had to be fair to ruhi
I added the word as Ruhi requested to. I had to. I could not say no to her, she has been this sweet interviewee.
@Ruhi: Don’t be scared, nothing will happen. But should you want to remove, I will oblige gladly. I understand.
You are welcome for the interview. It helped that you had already given crisp answer, had some very minor edits.
@ish, If you’re so convinced of your popularity, then you don’t really need my approval, do ya?
Sorry, you’ll be seeing this green smiley in all my comments now. I was always jealous of people who knew how to use it.
Poonam doesn’t know what she’s taught me!
I don’t think ANY guy is worth THAT!
About Demi Moore, she’s mad! Keeping that 28 yr old happy requires her to have 220,000 pounds worth of plastic surgery.
Pic mein you like the sofa? Beta let me meet you some day. I’ll take out my choicest sandel to do the honors.
@Ankur, Yeah, 4 blogs. I’m a full time blogger and part time everything else
How do you tolerate us, esp. Ish?
@Poonam, Thank you for the edits. I have a feeling that all of us trouble you so much, including me
@
this symbol means being jealous. But most people use it because it has bog grin. 
I don’t have to tolerate you guys, you are sweet. In fact, Ish is special. His was the first blog I found when was searching some tv show. reader than i am, i started reading and commenting in his blog. then found myself on his blogroll, then ashish found me, I went on to find others and vice versa. It was with Ish, with whom my idea of interviewing on blogging started…I am sure Ish will jump when he reads this.
good one… hmmm and saw Ruhi’s photo for the first time..thanks Poonam
Ahem, Poonam even your blog’s url is wrong - its alchemistpoonam.wordpress not visceralobservations.wordpress.
In fact even my URL was wrong. It’s geekwrestler not geeekwrestler. I commented yesterday but Akismet was in Geek Wrestler hate mode and was spamming all my comments wordpress.com wide…. 
And heck ish isn’t 18! [yet] Torture him while you can, you’ve got till the 20th. 
Ok, just kidding. But Poonam is too soft on you.
Everyone can be partial can’t they?
What will i get impressing 18 yr olds like you and Ashish??
You just pissed the [future] Emperor of the World and his poultry minister off.
Btw, anybody desperate on seeing ish’s pics should add him on Facebook.
[He looks like a commando, I swear] *runs away fast*
Ruhi’s blog is one of my favorite blogs. I like the way she writes, and I specially like her tech posts. They are written in a way that non techy people can understand. Also, Ruhi is a very helpful and responsive person. And her choice of subjects is very good.
Ruhi it’s nice to see you in the pic. Now I can say HI!
@Dinsan: Typical of a guy! Thanking me for the pic than the interview.
My mistake. And will check out Ish on facebook. 
@Ashish: Thanks, Ashsih for pointing out. I did not check any URLs.
@Nita: I agree Ruhi is very helpful and responsive. Here warmth exudes even online. I read so many posts but comment only on few friend’s blogs. It was her responsiveness and warmth, I regularly comment on her blog. I am hooked!
@Ruhi: Aila, sandal. Bachao bachao!
@Poonam: Hee hee, I’m jumping with joy!
@Ash: Dude. Anyway I don’t have words to say to you. Anybody who wants to see Ash can go to Dabido’s blog through his blogroll and Ash is there as one of the people in his blogroll. And he looks like a ..err..dunno..go watch yourself
@Poonam Ooh! I didn’t know that
means being jealous. Now I need to be careful.
Ish is indeed special to all girls. You can almost see him glowing
@Ash, Didn’t know that someone’s bday is coming up on 20th. Hmm! I only have two more weeks to annoy him.
Saw your pic! Saw your pic
I know what Ish looks like. He was in my old Orkut friend list. Deleted my Orkut account now.
@Nita, You’re so sweet
Thank you for dropping by.
@Ish, You better update your blog. You haven’t done a post since ages. I know you must be really busy with your exams and all…your hits are getting affected
You don’t want to fall too far me 
hey..thats was wonderfull..
cheers..
first time i have read some interview full.. not because i know u but because it was really interesting..
you are a celebrity now..i dont know but i too feel happy as i have a fellow blogger who is a celebrity..
keep it up..
and yeah thanks for all ur tips…
@Ruhi: Ah, go ahead, torture me. I’m game for it. Ah, you girls are making me jump so high that I might hit the moon sometime soon! But wait, it isn’t even out yet so maybe I’ll hit something else
And a new post is not looking like coming just yet. Most probably something will come after the 15th of December when the exams get over. But I don’t really know, might make a useless post before that. I know my hits are on the lows these days. I’ve sunk below 500 for the first time in 4 months. And you’re way too ahead of me anyway.
@Ruhi: Now I am sure it is too much for Ish. He is already at Moon.
And be on earth, it will be hard to bring you back from moon. 
@Arvind: Glad to find another one who found the interview useful. Keep visiting!
@Ish: Chal, pad le. Do well in your exams. Blogging later.
@ poonam ::
u are doing a great work by interveiwing some of the best bloggers around ..it helps novice bloggers like me a lot..
cheers…
@Arvind, No I’m not a celebrity. I just have connections that landed me this interview
But thank you for reading it. This blog should help you become a better blogger. You should thank Poonam.
@Ish, Oh yes! Please study!!! You never go below 500? Man, even I go below 500 many times
I need to write some popular posts, I think.
@Poonam, Soon Ish will be out of the Solar System, don’t worry,
@Ruhi: Nope, I don’t really go below 500. It sticks to 500-600. I’ve had better days but then it’s because of me this is happening. I haven’t made even one post in December yet. And talk about popular posts, I think you’ve made one that is going to be super popular, the ban Blogger one.
Ruhi: Saw your pic! Saw your pic
And you’re still alive? Go nominate yourself in Guinness!
Awrite!
Madame Ruhi on BaB! … Naaaiiice!
Good work Ruhi.. and ABSOLUTELY brilliant job by the team at BaB.. You guys rock!
By the way, just a small observation..
Poonam, you might want to add the link to the 4 blogs Ruhi operates where they are mentioned in the interview..
“I maintain 4 active blogs- Time and Again, CFA blog, job blog and a personal blog.”
@Ish, yes the blogger post is getting some hits….around 150 so far. hopefully, more people will start showing their support
Sure I will.
@Ash:
@Amyth, I have trouble typing your nick.
Umm..I don’t want to provide the links for the last two blogs 
Job blog has too much of personal information. Personal blog is…well…personal. 
CFA blog link is on my blogroll, if you’re interested.
@Ruhi: Thanks for being responsive here. It helped as I was on weekend hiatus.
@Ish, Ash: They are several Ishmeet Singh on Facebook. Could not find his pics. If you guys are there, add me. Though I hardly visit it.
@Arvind: Glad you liked the interviews. You gonna get more tips from pros soon.
@Amyth: Thanks, you liked the interview. I did not add links because Ruhi did not provide. I did not insist because her privacy is respected.
@ ruhi…
@ poonam
who says u r not a celibrety..
it isn’t easy to establish a connection these days..
would be looking forward for more interviews from you..
@ Poonam n Ruhi
Gotcha women!
Poonam: Search for Ashish C. There will be many but the dude with the coolest logo is yours truly. You can then add ish via me. I live in denial that Facebook exists so you might have to wait ages for me to add you.
@Poonam: There are way too many Poonam Sharma’s in there too. But I think I found you so I sent that particular Poonam Sharma a friend request. Accept if it’s you
It was a nice read… Even Ruhi’s blog is blocked in my office!
@Ashish: Ish found me. So I added a Ashish C from his friend’s list. I hardly go to Facebook and Orkut unless I have an invitation. I accept the invitation and forget about it.
@Ish: Yes, Ish you found me alright. But I can’t see your pics.
@Nova: yaar, surf each site now judiciously. I think they track your browsing history and block it.
try to surf anonymously
Poonam: I liked this one very much because of the clarity with which Ruhi has made her points very clear to the readers.She is amazing and I am sure she will become more n more strong in her views. Though I have not visited her blog I can guess the quality of posts there. cinema is one which does not interest me much except occasionally I can enjoy reading but not on regular basis. Other things yes I would like to read when I find time. Reason for not reading two only two recent interviews is I was too busy with work at both the places.
Ru;hi you have a got a great future ahead and sprouting shows that you will grow into a very good writer in the time to come. I wholeheartedly wish you all success in your future endeavors. keep up the good work take up some social awareness issues which will come to your notice and spread them so that it will serve a public cause.
@praneshachar: Glad you liked this interview! Hope you have less work and get more time to read and comment! We don’t wanna lose our readers
Ruhi will be grinning ear to ear with this well-deserved praise.
@Praneshachar, Thank you for your kind words.
Anybody loves compliments and I’m no exception. Very glad to know that you enjoyed my interview. Do you blog anywhere?
@Poonam, F L O O R E D.. Yes!
Ruhi: I read few blogs and comment almost regularly as referred below
* A Back Benchers forgettable corner
* Bangalore Blues
* Daily photoblog
* MukthaBalaga
* Optimist Mysorean
* Rambling With Bellur
* Vanis Musings
# Common man Sanjay
# Hallucinations nychthemeron by Shruthi
I am not a techie and not young like all of you I am 52 and find interesting these things and treasure of information and the knowledge of young lot and so I have made quite a no. of young freinds and I have met almost all the bloggers refered in person
wish you once again all the best.
poonam thanks for getting me to know no of interesting persons who are vivid bloggers
@praneshachar: Glad you liked, your feedback is much appreciated. I like the spirit you have at your age. I would say it is commendable.
Pleasantly surprised to see my name featured here. Thanks Ruhi…feels nice to get some recognition from fellow bloggers!!
thanks for the mention ruhi