So who would ever think that Karl Betita, also known in our office as this tall quiet guy who is also this beauty queen's little brother, waxes philosophical on life's mundane occurrences and writes flawless prose? I never knew for sure until I visited Echeblahblah, a blog he shares with long-time friends Andrei, Pau, Gyzmo, Michele and DAJ who are all talented writers in their own right.As its name suggests, Echeblahblah houses the group members' interesting ramblings on politics, local and international events, pop culture and urban legends.The blog is great proof that two or more heads are definitely better than one. Let's get to know more about them in the following interview:
 
Q. Why the name Echeblahblah and how would you describe your blog?
 
Karl: Our blogsite title banner says, "Everything and anything under the sun or the moon."  That is why it is that.

Andrei: It's all about what we think about... novelty, history, wag lang porn para di naman offensive.
 
Q. How were you able to gather all the members of the group together? What's your commonality?
 
Karl: It was really easy since we've been friends since highschool. Andrei and Gimo were introduced to me by a common friend, and we've gone a long way since. I mean, we have been sharing a lot of stuff, not to mention partying through the nineties. If my recollections are correct, it was in the latter part of 1989 when we all first met . You can say it was a long time ago. The same with Pau T. since we were college buddies and that we were both familiar with British music, that's why we jived together even before freshmen "Orientation Day" came. In all truth, the three of us, along with the other guys in the group, or barkada as you will, shared the same pursuits. Pau T. really is what you call "The New Wave Encyclopaedia." He has a vast collection (and knowledge) of hardcore Britrock CDs from unknown sources only he knows; while Gimo (whom we fondly call 'Gimovox') is a mineful of rare pop oddities. In one sentence, we are somewhat a product of that part of the "other" New Wave eighties (and into the nineties where others thought it was "all over") mainstream conventional guys our age failed to grasp.
 
Q. You've only been blogging for the last six months or so. What took you so long to join the blogging game?
 
Karl: Honestly, I don't think it's too late for anyone to blog. It just so happens that someone (or in this case, a lot) went ahead of the others.
 
Q. What do you love about blogging? What do you think is the best thing about it?
 
Karl: The word "love" is a deep thing. But for me, blogging is a simple way of expression. The wonders of the internet makes us close to one another as a  people. It is its ultimate purpose. I have this electronic organizer for example, one I got as a gift from a close friend a long time ago. I wrote tons of memories on it. But the only one who can really have access to it is myself. Now comes "The Web." The best thing about blogging is that you have that opportunity to share thoughts to other people through the the web. In fact, lots of people. I really don't know if I love doing it, but I feel better knowing that others get to read what I say. The same thing that I enjoy reading other's thoughts for that matter.
 
Q. What do you think are the qualities of a good blogger?
 
Karl: I really don't know. I guess it's when other people recognize what's worthwhile to read. It shows in the stats, too doesn't it?
 
Q. Echeblahblah is one of the few Pinoy blogsites doing podcasts.What's your forecast now on the future of this technology?
 
Andrei: Ang prediction ko nga in the next 20 years di  na uso ang TV, we're gonna watch TV on the internet, what more in the case of podcasts? Dati our parents could not have imagined there would be something like the internet, now everybodys into net. So  let's just assign (what will happen) to the wonders of technology.
 
Q. Are things like ad revenues, search engine optimization and the like important to you?
 
Karl: If you really have "love," or at least an inclination for writing, I really don't think you have to be absorbed of the fringe benefits of the income that involves from blogging. Writing is an art. It is also a lifelong romance with words and telling other guys of great adventures you either saw or have done. It is sort of a talent you use which many do not have the opportunity of having. Earning money from writing is only--and will always be--secondary. You could always detect someone who writes for money and not for passion anyway.

Andrei: Traffic and income are important but it should not be as important as the writing you put into your blog.
 
Q. Any other plans for your blog?
 
Karl: It is always of interest to explore on a lot of things. It is the sole reason for life. As for blogging and Echeblahblah, I think I have to publish those things I wrote on my electric organizer. All I need are two AA type batteries for it to be ressurected from its shallow grave, of which is my study table. But seriously, I will.
 
Q. Do you think blogging is here to stay?
 
Karl: Blogging will definitely be here for a long time. People just love writing, and it doesn't matter if it's good writing or bad writing. It is the nature of humankind to record events. Luckily, we have Echeblahblah to do the recording.  
 

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