WSS Feature Blogger:Shaula Evans of Tsuredzuregusa

• Name: Shaula Evans
• Blog: Tsuredzuregusa
• Tag Line: blades of grass upon the wind
• Location: http://tsuredzuregusa.blogspot.com - or Virginia, USA

1. How did you start blogging? Why do you keep at it?

My husband encouraged me to start blogging. I keep at it because I enjoy writing and I enjoy the conversation. Plus, I read a vast amount of political news and analysis, and blogging allows me to channel the resulting frustration into something productive.

2. What are your most important issues?

I blog mainly in reaction to what I read; my reading is self-selected, but I don't generally say "I'm going to write about X today" when I sit down. The issues that are important to me are progressive politics; GLBT civil rights; diversity in politcs; reproductive freedoms; civil liberties; voices less heard; promoting social change; engaging people from all over the spectrum, but particularly young people, in the political process; speaking truth to power; education reform; the orchestrated rise of fascism in the US; debunking Republican-funded front groups; Canadian sovereignty; and grassroots campaigning, aka shoeleather or retail politics. And at the moment: taking back the White House.

3. What’s the nicest recognition you’ve ever received from the media and/or the blogosphere?

When Matt Stoller invited me to write for The Blogging of the President. Also, being accused by The King of Zembla of "commiting acts of journalism."

4. Who is your audience? What is unique about your blog?

Readers seem to be mainly in the US and Canada, concentrated
in Virginia, but some international readers as well.

I bring a unique perspective as a Canadian living in the US and
working in American politics. I also read widely and try to bring
in insights from other fields (technology, psychology, history,
literature) and try to find and read good French-language blogs. I
subscribe to the magpie theory of blogging--bring back something
shiny and new.

5. Most frustrating aspect of blogging?

I wish more readers would write comments! I regret the one-to-many format of smaller blogs; I would really like to engage with my readers.

6. What’s the one point you’d like a reader to take away from your blog- the one thing for them to really “get”.

Individuals can make a difference. I try to highlight ways we can be agents instead of just observers.