merkal2005: John, please tell us something about your background. Which projects are you involved in? What is the main target of your blog ? Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time in this business?

Jyhrus: Describing my background is a little difficult for me. I've never had one job or career that I've stuck to my whole life. I tend to have done different things as I have gone along. That's also partially because I've never exactly known my purpose in life, which I guess is another story.

I actually have three blogs (at the moment) that are all different, and all targeting different readers! This ranges from all sorts of stuff on my personal blog, to the work of Australian creatives on another, to career change matters on yet another!

Funny you mention the five year thing as I've never had "five year plans"! I didn't know five years ago I'd be doing what I am now, so I really don't know what I'll be doing five years from now. Having said that I have been blogging in one form or another for five years, and I like it, so hopefully I'll be doing something closely related in five years time.


merkal2005: I found your blog very informative. It is nice to blogs which are adding value to other's life. Contentwise your articles are great. Do you like writing? Is it the best way of expressing yourself (like me!)?

Jyhrus: Thank you for the compliment - I appreciate it! Of all the things I have done work wise in the past, I've always found anything that involves writing to be the most satisfying. It also seemed what I was best at back at school. Yes, writing is probably the best way I find of expressing myself.


merkal2005: My mom is from Gallipoli. In the 1st World War there was a big fight against Turkey and Australia in Gallipoli, many soldiers died from both sides, but after that war two countries and their citizens become friends with each other. What is the role of bloggers in world peace ? Is there something we can do for world peace?

Jyhrus: I've never forgotten the words of Kamal Ataturk on the war memorial at ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli. "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now living in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace."

Today the world needs more friendly countries.

The wish for world peace almost seems futile when you look at some of the events taking place at the moment. As bloggers though we can promote peace through understanding and communication.

It's interesting because in a way blogging is creating a single global community, not an entirely harmonious community mind you, but it's a step in the right direction.


merkal2005: Have you ever been to Istanbul and Turkey before ? What are your impressions? Would you be interested in a blogger's meeting in Istanbul?

Jyhrus: Yes I have been to Istanbul and Turkey. I spent a month travelling around Turkey seeing Ankara, Sinop, Trabzon, Kars, Van, Konya, Antalya, Marmaris, Gallipoli, and Izmir to name just a few places.

It was great to be in place that was so different to any I had been in before. I found Turkey to be a very inviting and friendly place. For instance we stopped to buy some postcards near Kars and the shop keeper made us chai and sat us down for a chat. We must have only spent five cents but that didn't seem to worry him. That to me seemed to be very indicative of Turkish hospitality. :)

And sure I'd be up for a bloggers meetup in Istanbul (if I could make the trip) so long as there was plenty of baklava and apple chai!