Michael Ouma a would-be DJ also wears the hat of journalist and public relations executive with blogging being another feather in his cap. He tells us of his journey
- Give us a brief profile of yourself.
I’m Michael Ouma Omondi, a writer at aptantech.com, a blog which focuses on the coverage of Technology, Business, Lifestyle issues and trends. The blog has been active from 2011.
- Share something interesting about yourself
I used to do Shotokan (a style within Karate) and played rugby in high school. At some point after high school, I toyed with the idea of joining the military though I never went for recruitment. Nowadays, I wonder whether I’d have managed to survive in the military though.
- What attracted/inspired you into blogging?
I was encouraged by other pioneer bloggers, especially Kennedy Kachwanya and later James Wamathai. I was a freelance contributor at the Standard newspaper and later, The EastAfrican, but the blog provided me with an avenue and outlet for publishing some of the articles which never made it to print.
4.What is the name of your blog and what is it about?
The name of the blog is aptantech.com, and it focuses on the coverage of Technology, Business Lifestyle issues, and trends.
- You could have written about anything, why this niche specifically?
I chose Technology and Business because that’s what I used to cover as a freelance journalist, so it was an area I was most comfortable in (or with).
- What accomplishments are you proud of most?
This would undoubtedly be when the blog was shortlisted among the Best Technology Blogs during the 2011 Bake Bloggers’ Awards. Even though we never won the eventual Prize, it’s a key milestone for the site.
- If you could sit down with your 13-year-old self, what would you tell him?
Be courageous and stand your ground, even when you’re in the minority. More so when faced with seemingly unsurmountable hurdles and challenges. Secondly, appreciate those around you when you still can, for they always won’t be there.
- If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Lucky. Blessed. Introverted.
- If you could time travel, where would you go?
Travel back to about 15 years ago when my mother was still alive and spend more time with her in our home upcountry.
10. What is the weirdest food combination you have ever tried?
As a kid, there’s a time I fed on ugali and uji because there was nothing else in the house to eat.
11.If you were not a blogger, what would you be instead? Do you have a day job?
Apart from being a blogger, and freelance journalist, I’d try my hands at playing music or being a DJ. I like listening to music; it helps me to concentrate when I’m working on a task. I don’t have a day job, and from January 2016, this blog has been my (main) source of income. This was after I lost my job at CIO East Africa where I served as an editor for 2 years, from late 2013 to the end of 2015.
- Of all the posts you have ever written, which one is your favourite? Why?
There are a number of posts I can pick out but I’ll settle on this one which I did in 2017 I’ve picked it because it was developed not from a specific but rather from a series of events and observations. It is story of the rivalry and cut throat competition between two of China’s major ICT firms – Huawei and ZTE – and the great lengths their executives go to in order to beat each other when it comes to getting clients and business, mainly in overseas markets.
- What is the most difficult thing you ever had to do?
When an employer in 2016 tried to convince me to shut down my blog so that I can concentrate on the IT Security magazine he’d employed me to help in setting up. I declined, and I later lost even the job I’d been employed to do. I have to admit here that the loss of the job was due to my fault though, not my employer’s.
- Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
Several people have influenced my life over years, so I won’t be fair to pick one specific individual. A number of people have over the years helped and molded me to what I am today, both in my personal and professional life. They include my parents, siblings, relatives, professional colleagues, as well as those who I’ve been fortunate to interact with in one way or another over the years.
- besides blogging, what else do you do? What is your obsession?
This would be playing and listening to music. And watching documentaries.
- What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
When Kachwanya told me to start blogging in (or around) 2010.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Mentor other aspiring bloggers and have them join me in running aptantech.com. And God willing, use the resources from the blog to set up another side business, in other words, diversify my revenue streams. And to learn new skills, especially Video Editing and Web Design.
- Is there a quote/mantra you live by?
We are all here by God’s grace. Always be grateful for all the blessings we have.
- If you would be a superhero, who would you be and why?
David in the Old Testament. I like underdogs.
- What lessons have you learned the most from 2020 and how do you plan to make a difference?
The importance of having a job (or income generating activity) which you can do flexibly or from your house, without the daily requirement to report to an office.
- What is your greatest achievement?
I’d say transitioning from a freelance journalist to a Public Relations executive (at Ginadin Communications) to editor at CIO East Africa, then becoming a full-time blogger in 2016, and sustaining myself (or earning my upkeep) from aptantech.com.
- What are some of the changes in the blogsphere between now and when you started out?
Around 2010, most bloggers used their platforms to share their thoughts, perspectives and expertise on various issues, but not necessarily to earn an income from the same. Of course the exception here would be pioneer bloggers like Kachwanya (of Kachwanya.com) and Martin Gicheru (of Techweez.com) who had by then already decided to make their platforms their main occupation (and source of income).
Again, most of those who engaged in blogging were based in Nairobi, but currently, bloggers are spread throughout the country even though major towns tend to host the majority of them. Besides blogging, production of video content (using professional cameras or smartphones) and uploading them on YouTube has also gained popularity, with a growing number of people making it their sole occupation and earning from the same. The other emerging and growing area is Podcasting.
- Advice to the budding blogger
Pick an area (or theme or topic) you’re comfortable with and write (or produce content) on it. This way, you’ll be able to attract a following with time. Specialize instead of trying to cover many topics. Be consistent and eventually, you’ll attract and gain a readership and an audience, then the revenues will of course follow. But never think of getting into blogging with the aim and goal of attracting revenues in the shortest time possible, as you’ll be left disappointed and disillusioned.