Jar of Buttons won the popular vote for best general blog in the 2009 Taiwan Blog Awards. The blog focuses on arts and culture in Taiwan. Read what Kate had to say about life in Taiwan.   

Blogger - Kate Nicholson
About the blogger - I currently work as an English teacher but professionally work as an editor. I have just started writing for art news website, Art Radar Asia, which is allowing me to indulge my passion for writing and the arts. Combining both of these makes me very happy. And I get to delve further into the arts scene here in Taiwan and throughout Asia.
Blogs - www.jarofbuttons.wordpress.com
Years in Taiwan - 1 year
Years blogging - 1 year
Blogging platform - Wordpress.com
Country of Origin - New Zealand
Age - 28

Could you please tell us little about your background? What brought you to Taiwan?

I was born, grew up, studied and worked in New Zealand until I was 24. Prior to living in Taiwan I resided in Melbourne, Australia, where I worked as an editor. I moved to Taiwan with my boyfriend because I wanted to experience living in Asia for two years as a break from my regular employment.

What do you like about living in Taiwan?

I'm probably going to list all the things that everyone says: it's so easy to travel around the country - Taipei and Kaohsiung are only one hour from Taichung by HSR; the food is amazing; I love being able to speak another language - even if I'm poor at it; Taiwanese people seem to be super friendly... I have just begun to explore the local Taiwanese arts scene through my work with Art Radar Asia, which is exciting.

How long have you had a blog and why did you start blogging?

I've had a blog since I came to Taiwan. I did have an earlier incantation of jar of buttons but it was a pretty bad attempt at blogging. I started blogging here because I found it really hard to find anything in English that suited my aesthetic tastes and eclectic interests.

What are the main topics you blog about?

Art, literature, events, music, places to eat and drink and shop. I love to hunt out stuff that is hidden or new, like the post I wrote on Cat Lair. That place is just great! Or my experiences at the Taiyuan flea market in the Beitun District, Taichung.

Every Friday you post about upcoming events. Do you compile this information yourself or get suggestions from readers?

I mostly compile the information myself. It takes ages! But I do try to spread it out over the week by keeping on top of Google Alerts and checking various websites and forums daily. Sometimes people send stuff through to me. I wish they would do this more often. Please send me your information! I have just cut get to it (that's what the Friday post is called) back a little as I have less time at the moment. I've decided I'll just post on the one event I'd like to see/listen to/experience under the categories of music, art and other. I hope my readers like it. Let me know if you don't! Actually, I'd love to have contributors to the site from all the main cities in Taiwan. Scouts that can hunt out local events and quirky places to eat, drink and shop at. If anyone is interested, contact me!

What kind of feedback do you get from readers of your blog?

I don't know that I have that many readers yet but when they do send me feedback I really love to hear it and feel so chuffed! I have been told that the blog is a good source of information, particularly to new arrivals to Taiwan, and also that it can be a stirring read. I had a lot of positive feedback on my rundown of Viewpoints and Viewing Points. I always love to receive feedback and have yet to receive anything negative. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing though. A little constructive criticism is always a good way to judge how you're doing.

Do you have any advice for new bloggers?

I'm fairly new myself so feel a bit weird about dishing out advice. I guess new bloggers should try to write about the things that they love and try to be honest in their opinions and with their style. Also, I think it takes some time to discover what your style actually is so new bloggers just need to keep writing until they settle into it.

What are some of your favorite Taiwan blogs?

The Renegade Bean - The places she writes about make me wish I lived in Taipei, like the recent article on Booday, a shop I actually stumbled across when I first arrived in Taiwan.

A Hungry Girl's Guide to Taipei - Mmmm, food. Enough said.

Taiwan Photographers - A scroll through great local pics is always time well spent.

Hiking in Taiwan - I love the places they hike to! The two recent articles on wild hot springs and snow hiking had absolutely amazing images. I read and dream about one day becoming fit enough to travel to those places.

David on Formosa - this blog seems to have a little bit of everything interesting in just the right amounts.