An answer for Shubber Ali – The Tipping Point of Space Tourism (it’s not Snark 1.0)

Like many of those who have been eagerly reading Anousheh Ansari‘s Space Blog, I am disappointed that some have chosen her blog as a place to vent their own issues, without adding anything to the global conversation.

Here’s an answer for you Shubber Ali:
Anousheh Ansari engaged many people around the world by sharing her experience as a female Iranian space tourist in a blog in more than one language, with photos and video. No, Anousheh is not the first space tourist. No, Anousheh is not the first blogger. No, Anousheh is not the first person to blog in two languages. Yes, Anousheh is a woman. Yes, Anousheh is from Iran. Yes, Anousheh is the first person to blog from space. Yes, this is something very new.

Shubber Ali mentions that Anousheh is fourth and is not therefore new. This completely misses the point as newness is not why Anousheh is popular, her ability to engage is.

There have been three space tourists previously, but they did not contribute like this to the global conversation, they did not connect with the global community. For every Neil Armstrong there is also a Michael Collins. No one is disparaging the visits of the other three, they just didn’t have this level of engagement with the global community.

Alan Bean was the fourth person on the moon, for those of you playing at home. But what exactly does that have to do with Anousheh, other than give you a chance to prove how “old school” you are (real subtle).

Anousheh Ansari has shared thoughts in a blog, shared photos on Flickr, published her vacation videos for the world to see, told us what it’s like to wash hair in space and generally brought a little bit of space to everyone, not just the “old school” people who don’t want to share, not just the adults, not just the rich, not just the science geeks, and not just the men from America.

Some people say if you scratch a cynic, you’ll find a disappointed idealist underneath. If there’s any idealism left Shubber, I think I’d rather hear some of that, or even what has disappointed you.

So far, most of Shubber’s blogging has dissappointingly been of the shallow, snarky, substanceless sort of name-calling and insult hurling that is all-to-common these days in the blogosphere.

At this point in time, I’d rather read Anousheh’s blog over yours, any day of the week. It’s not a matter of perspective, it’s not about fan clubs or what’s cool. It’s about engagement and conversation.

You don’t know how to engage your fellow man online Shubber Ali, have a think about it. Snark is not a conversation, it’s just rude.

Anousheh Ansari – Inspiration for the Y Generation

Anousheh Ansari – First Blogger In Space
No posts, been too busy reading the SpaceBlog

I wanted to also use this trip to inspire and promote interest in space exploration and other sciences and technology for our youth, because I believe that’s very necessary for the future of our race.
– Anousheh Ansari