"Taiwan Photographers" is the winner of the Best Taiwan Blog Awards for 2008 in the "Best Taiwan Photography Blog 2008" category. The lovely Carrie Marshall who's running the group project shared some of her thoughts about the project, her personal blog, blogging, the Taiwan blogosphere, photography and Taiwan in general.

Background details

Blogger - Carrie Marshall, recently made Kellenberger (congratulations!)

About the blogger (from personal blog) - Writer, photographer and culture vulture.

Blogs - Taiwan Photographers and My Several Worlds

Years in Taiwan - 3-4 years

Years blogging - 2 years

Blogging platform - Wordpress.COM and self-hosted Wordpress

Country of Origin - Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada

Age - 31-35

The interview

Q: What was your main motivating force for beginning your own blog?

My Several Worlds was created in January 2007 as a personal blog with feature articles on culture, English as a Second Language (ESL), and travel and living in Asia. My readers responded by asking for more feature articles and personal photography. I created Taiwan Photographers in August 2007 in the hopes of creating a network of photographers in Taiwan who might be willing to exchange ideas and information about photography.

Q: What is your blog mainly about? Please tell us a little bit about the general topics you usually discuss in your blog.

Taiwan Photographers features eye-popping photography from around the island. We have a group of over 100 contributors on Flickr. Our members contribute to a group pool and one member is selected each week to be our featured photographer.

Q: What does blogging mean to you? What importance or contribution does your blog have, if any, to yourself or the community?

I consider blogging to be my creative outlet. It's a chance to grow and learn about yourself and the world around you. Taiwan Photographers is important to me because I use it as a networking and learning tool. I believe it's important to the blogging community because it's bringing together photographers of every nationality from all walks of life in every corner of the island. Our work puts Taiwan on the map and lets others know what this incredible island has to offer.

What I especially love about Taiwan Photographers is that it features both expatriate and Taiwanese photographers. We don't need to worry about getting a message across to our readers. There are no language barriers because photography doesn't require words to project a meaning. Each and every photographer on Taiwan Photographers sees this island from a different perspective. Their photos speak about these experiences and the individuals who create them. Everyone experiences Taiwan in a different way and it becomes really apparent when you sit down and take a look at the site.

Q: Did you experience any special or out of the ordinary events or interactions as a result of writing a blog?

At times, I'm astounded at the opportunities that have presented themselves since I started blogging in 2007. I've published my photography and writing in Asian and North American books and magazines. I've done case studies, radio shows and podcasts. There always seems to be something new around every bend in the road. Moreover, I have an incredible network of friendship and support both online and offline.

Q: How did your blogging help promote you personally? (either professionally, by reputation, additional direct/indirect income or similar)

As I mentioned above, I've published my writing and photography. It's nice to be paid for the things I love to do. I've also recently taken on a job that was offered to me through another blogger here in Taiwan.

Q: How much freedom do you feel you have to discuss what you care about in your blog? Are some topics more sensitive than others? Do you include personal details and stories in your blog? Why?

I maintain a lot of freedom with Taiwan Photographers because it's a photoblog. My Several Worlds has gotten to the point where I'm starting to hold back on some of the more personal details of my life. There are always things I want to rant about, or discuss, but I've learned what my readers are sensitive to and I pick and choose what I want to share about myself. I think it's important to include some personal details of yourself, because it lets your readers know there is a real person behind all that information you're putting out there.

Q: How would you generally describe the Taiwanese blogosphere? Do you personally know any other Taiwan bloggers? In your opinion, what contribution or role does the Taiwan blogosphere have?

I think the Taiwanese blogosphere is incredibly warm and welcoming. I've attended several blogger meet-ups, all hosted by MJ Klein (The New Hampshire Bushman), and I've met dozens of bloggers thanks to these meet-ups.

There are incredible stories coming out of Taiwan because of some of the bloggers in Taiwan. I think we're helping the world get to know Taiwan better.

Q: Do you have any favorite blogs about Taiwan you would like to recommend?

• The New Hampshire Bushman
• Craig Ferguson Images
• Lief in Taiwan
• The Daily Bubble Tea
• Fili's World
• Mark Forman 2.0
• Tumbling in Taiwan

I've recently discovered a new site, Taiwanese Secrets. It's only four months old, but it looks really promising.

Q: How did you first make the decision to arrive in Taiwan?

I moved to Asia in 2003 primarily for the adventure and the experience. My husband and I met in China in 2004. After three years, we decided we needed a change. We chose to live in Taiwan because we both wanted to live in an environment where we were already familiar with the language and culture.

Q: What do you think about life in Taiwan, the Taiwanese people and Taiwanese culture? How would you generally describe your experience in Taiwan?

We love Taiwan. Our experiences here have been extremely positive. We've met an incredible group of friends, both foreign and Taiwanese. In terms of personal growth, I've grown immensely in the past six years. I've found courage where I didn't think I had any. I've learned new things and had adventures every day. My successes and accomplishments feel extra special because they were achieved in a foreign country against the odds.

Q: What advice would you give new bloggers?

Blog about the things you are passionate about and don't pass up the opportunity to get to know other bloggers.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering coming to work, study or live in Taiwan?

I highly recommend it. I wish everyone could try it at least once. But, I've also learned that the pressures of living abroad are not for everyone. Some people are content in their own backyard while others feel the irresistible urge to roam and explore. My advice to working, studying or living in Taiwan: Keep your eyes open and learn from all your experiences. Remember you are a guest here. A little courtesy goes a long way. Explore and inquire as much as you can.

Carrie's one of the most positive bloggers I've had the pleasure of following throughout the years, an inspiration - I believe - to readers and friends. Thanks, Carrie.