Catch the Brainwaves is our ongoing series of interviews with a variety of folks participating in blogging and social media. I ask them ten questions and they respond with their brilliant answers and insights! Today’s Q&A features a rising force in social media who really knows how to Digg for gold  and find it!

Muhammad Saleem?The two identities of MSaleem spade.png

Muhammad Saleem is possibly the hardest working man in social media! In addition to being one of the most prolific and successful Diggers out there (currently #2 on the list of submitting popular stories), his writing pops up in several top blogs. Muhammad is also active on Propeller and other social media sites and works as a social media consultant.

Are you ready to catch his brainwaves, including:

The TRUE story behind his famous avatar/icon?

Then let’s begin!

1. So how did you discover Digg? What made it “stick” in your mind?

Actually, I discovered Digg through Diggnation. I had just bought an iPod and was looking through the iTunes selection for podcasts to have on there, and I kept wondering, what’s up with Digg (they kept mentioning it). I checked it out and absolutely loved the idea of a socially driven news site.

2. What the story behind your Digg icon? Why a spade?

You know most people don’t get the joke. A spade (or an Ace) is a major suit in a deck of cards, but a spade is also something you Digg with. I think you’re the first person I’ve actually explained this to.
(ED:  never said I was the sharpest spade in the…. Never mind… )

3. Is there any one key difference between Digg and Propeller (you are quite prominent in both communities)?

Definitely. Propeller is all about the conversation. Digg is about discovering content and Propeller is actually about discussing that content. Comments on Digg are usually limited to useless and juvenile statements like “Bush can’t get laid” whereas Propeller has some very thought-provoking conversations.

4. Would you describe yourself as a typical Millenial?

That sounds about right. I think I’m Gen Y (ED: this is another term used to describe the Millenial generation).

5. How would you rank the quality of the post-secondary educational system that you went through?

I think it was pretty good considering I was in Pakistan. The public schooling system is not the best but if you can afford a private school education it’s pretty good.

6. I believe that you are currently in university. How do you manage to balance that life with your social news and social media activity?

Actually I graduated in June of last year, but even then, I would spend more time on social sites than in class. Plus when I would be working on my computer, I always have tools open in the background that keep me plugged into the social web.

7. Would you say that introverts have a decent chance in succeeding in social news and/or social media?

I think the Web is open to all people, and in fact it works for introverts because they can be anonymous and let it all out. At the same time, it is hard to be an introvert and be prolific on social sites. People expect some degree of access to you.

8. Who’s the coolest social media personality that you’ve met in person?

You know, I haven’t met many social media personalities in person. But it was fun to be at the live taping of Diggnation at Macworld and meet Kevin and Alex. Personally I would like to meet James Surowiecki in person, more than anyone else.

9. Pretend the Internet is destroyed overnight. What do you do the next morning?

Wow. That’s a heavy question. Probably have a nervous breakdown at first, then open the classifieds and start looking for a job.

10. What one piece of knowledge, advice, or wisdom do you have to share with our readers?

Never underestimate the value of an online relationship. They can be just as ‘real’ and just as important/relevant as offline relationships.


Thanks to Muhammad for sharing his brainwaves!

Previous in series Next in series

Table of contents for Catch The Brainwaves

  1. Catch the brainwaves of Tamar Weinberg
  2. Catch the brainwaves of Mathew Ingram
  3. Catch the brainwaves of Patricia Mayo
  4. Catch the brainwaves of the Incredible Help
  5. Catch the brainwaves of Melanie Nathan
  6. Catch the brainwaves of David Cohn (aka DigiDave)
  7. Catch the brainwaves with Mr. BabyMan!
  8. Catch the brainwaves of SexySEO
  9. Catch the brainwaves with Monika Mundell
  10. Catch the brainwaves of Jon Dyer
  11. Catch the brainwaves of Nowsourcing aka Brian Wallace
  12. Catch the brainwaves with Muhammad Saleem
  13. Catch the brainwaves with SEO Smarty
  14. Catch the brainwaves with Lisa Rousseau
  15. Catch the brainwaves with Mimzie!
  16. Catch the brainwaves with George Mantey
  17. Catch the brainwaves with Chris Brogan
  18. Catch the brainwaves with Patrick Bisaillon
  19. Catch the brainwaves… How To Split An Atom
  20. Catch The Brainwaves With TheNanny612

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