Hi All,

Its been a while since I started Coffee With Experts series. It has undoubtedly become a big hit!

Few people asked me..
“Why not a Coffee With Sundar Rajan!” (Really! I am not joking! :-) )

I told them that I would certainly put an interview with myself after I cross a total of 10k page views.. (Not per day! Total!! :-) ) The day was finally there.. Some 3 weeks back.. Now, the blog has around 12.8k pageviews as on today! But I didnt get a chance to interview myself till today.

The time for the interview has finally arrived..
Whether you like it or not :-) , its Coffee With Sundar Rajan!

Coffee With Sundar Rajan! – A heart to heart talk about CWS!

Me: Sundar Rajan G S (interviewer)
SR: Sundar Rajan G S (interviewee)

Me: Hi Sundar! Can you tell us how CWS was started?
SR: Well, I started this blog in Aug 2007. Basically, I was bored one afternoon. While I was waiting for my code to compile, I started a blog. The whole goal was to copy paste interesting stuff which I read. Thats why, I named it as nicereads.blogspot.com. I was browsing for templates and I fell in love with this Coffee Cup Template. So, I changed the name to Coffee With Sundar!

Me: So, When did you really start writing on own?
SR: Everytime I copy paste new articles, I used to bug people to read it! (Not that I dont bug now! :-) Orkut introduced a feature to ask friends. I sent questions like “Have you seen nicereads.blogspot.com?” to my friends. Alagu, one of my friend & college junior, replied back. He said, “why should I read your blog? It is just copy paste.. I can find the information in the original source..”. That triggered me to write on my own. I got a Blog of the day award for Tsunami, the way we survived it! That triggered me to write well (I think :-) ).

Me: What do you write on? Whom are trying to target your writings to?
SR: Of late I focus on writing “Nostalgia”. Basically on reading my blog, I want people to relate it.. And “relive” those moments again! Apart from this, I give gyaan once in a while. :-) Ofcourse, you all know the Coffee With Expert series. I try to put one interview a week. :-) I am writing it predominantly for youths..

Me: So, what is the story behind Coffee With Expert Series?
SR: Well! Again, this was started because of the template. I try to interview semi popular and talented people.. I think this is a platformto showcase their interest.. Overall, the goal is to show that “there is Life beyond our cubicles”

Me: How do you conduct these interviews?
SR: Trade secret!! Ha Ha! Most of these interviews happen over emails. I send them 5 or 6 questions. They reply back when they are free… I think, this gives them time to think and give honest answers..

Me: What was the post – “Cold Coffee With Bandar.” That looked like a self mockery? How did you agree to that?
SR: Ha Ha!! :-) That was a very hilarious post.. Balaji is an awesome guy to be with.. He keeps cracking jokes always.. He always keeps mocking the blog for fun.. :-) and I really like it! I thought, I would share those lighter moments with my readers also.. That had a great response.. I believe, All good things will be mocked and parodied at some point.. I am happy that CWS has joined that elite list.. :-) You might want to watch out for Bandar Vs Bandar! – A brain to brain talk :-)

Me: What are your top 5 blogposts in your blog?
SR: Howzatt! is my all time best I think.. (so far :-) )
Other than this, NIT Trichy Speaks Up, Life Stops @ Bus Stop, Depart! and The first smoke are very good. In terms of interviews, I like all of them. Coffee With Rashmi Bansal was a dream come true for me..

Me: Finally, working in a place like Google, how do you find time to blog?
SR: Yeah.. I agree with you.. You have to make time for all these.. My journey time to office used to be 1hr.. I used to compose the post during that time.. But after office move.. the journey is hardly 15 mins. I do most of the blogging at home.. At the most, I type introduction for coffee chats.. in office.. However, I market my blog there.. :-) You know, its got to do with passion.. When I have a crazy schedule, I write my blog at odd times when I am free. (I am typing this blogpost at 2AM).. Its like.. when you have an exam and lot to study.. U still sneak in the 15 minutes for a cricket match.. You do things you love!! Its all about passion.. :-)

Me: Why do you ask a question “advice for young and budding people” in all your interviews?
SR: I know it gets boring to see the same thing again and again.. and again.. But you knw, it just takes one such advise to make an everlasting impact in someones life.. Why lose such a wonderful opportuntiy.. Sometimes, you have to give what you feel is right.. Who knows, someone someday might pick up Prems Never Say Die attitude..

Me: Finally, What is your advise for young and budding bloggers :-) ?
SR: I belong to that category of people as well… :-) I think you should love your blog.. Talk your heart out.. Be passionate.. Your passion should be seen in your words.. I am quite sure, you would be come a successful blogger.. :-)

Me: Readers, Leave your questions. Sundar will answer it! :-)
SR: Sure! I will be glad to!

Related Posts

  • The Rejection
  • Happy New Year
  • Depart