Steve has been on our elite list long ago before Deborah from Life In A Fast Lane could remind us of our missing him. We had always admired his writings over Inventorspot with little knowledge that he has started contributing on other renowned blogs well i.e. Weburbanist. Wish Steve could spare sometime for elitechoice also and breed his creativity here.

Hailing from Toronto, Steve is our first elite guest who is consciously aware of Japan’s economy in and out. Here, we managed to get more insight of Japanese culture from him and also, his take on other areas.

Read further to know more about this self-employed blogger:

•    Steve, kindly introduce yourself to my readers and take us through your usual day at work.

Hi fellow Elite Choice readers! Let me first thank you for inviting me to be an Elite Blogger, it’s a great honor. As for my work day, I’m self employed so I get to set my own hours… which really isn’t as much fun as you might think. Being the boss AND the staff, I can’t goof off without the boss knowing what I’m up to. Seriously though, I don’t lock myself into a rigid 9 to 5 schedule but I do try to complete 3 major tasks every day. That way I feel I’ve accomplished something and I clear room for the next day’s projects.

•    To what extent have blogs become an integral important part of the way people now access information? When did you sense an inclination towards blogging? Are you satisfied with the functionality of the blogging ecosystem or think there is a need for revamp?

It’s very exciting to be a blogger in this day & age. Getting in on the ground floor just a few years ago and watching the medium grow in so many ways is like having the window open as history unfolds around you. I’m convinced that the trend away from traditional sources of news and entertainment and towards dedicated blogs will only continue – and that’s a good thing! People who know what they like can go online and get it at their convenience, and those who don’t have any particular interest can browse the web until they find something that DOES interest them. Blogging is democratic in nature, universal in appeal and available to anyone with an Internet connection. One would hope the rest of the world follows down the peaceful path the Blogosphere has blazed.

•    How different is Japan’s culture from countries that you have visited?

From my experience, Japan’s modern day culture is unique. Rising from the ashes of not just war, but nuclear war, Japan has risen to become the world’s second-largest economy while managing to keep much of its traditional culture and society intact. This is a cultural anchor that supports people and helps prevent them from getting swept away by rapid societal and technological change. Things are by no means perfect in Japan but in my opinion, the rest of the world can learn much from observing – even imitating – the Japanese model.

•    Steve, you have been writing a lot about Japan and also international technology. How would you relate technology with luxury products? Do they correlate with each other?

In many cases technology does correlate with luxury products since many people are willing to pay more for something more technologically advanced. On the other hand, today’s technology may be surpassed tomorrow, yet with traditional luxury items like jewelry, gold and fine art there is an intrinsic value that will always be appreciated no matter what.

•    While it is true that most luxury products are assumed elite, and most elite products as being luxurious, we think there is a difference. What do you think?

Well, it all depends on what market the product is intended for. Just like the old cliche goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.

•    Having seen Japanese culture up close, can you tell us why there are no evident signs of an economic recession that has clawed onto this country for more than a decade now?

The signs are there if you look in the right places. Unemployment and even homelessness are up but most tourists don’t visit Toyota City, where many auto workers have been laid off. Also, many full time jobs have been quietly replaced by part-time jobs – the trains may still be full but the commuters’ pay packets, not so much. There’s also been change in the retailing sector: “100 yen stores” (1 yen = roughly 1 dollar) and low-priced chains like Uniqlo have become more popular.

•    We also hear that the Japanese government is issuing a ‘help allowance’ to those living in Japan to help pull through the hard times. Frankly, we have never heard of anything like this before. What’s your opinion — is it just plain bizarre or do you understand the psyche behind this step?

I understand what the government is trying to do: put money in people’s pockets and hope they’ll spend it but it’s more likely people will just save the money. Japan has a very savings-oriented culture. The amount of money being given out is also very small, only us$120 or so. Here in Canada, our provincial government will be giving people up to $1,000 so that’s something I’m in favor of… and very much looking forward to!

•    Is it true to say that technology and gadgets are being produced at a rate that poses a tough time for the makers themselves considering the cruelty of terrorism age?

I wouldn’t say so; people have always looked to distractions from bad news and tough times. In the Great Depression, movies were a favored escape, at least for those who could afford to go. Today people distract themselves by playing video games, using their Wii, fiddling with some new cool gadget and so on – all these are more fun than reading the financial news.

•    Tell us about your ‘must-read’ or favorite blogs?
I’m lucky to write for blogs like InventorSpot, WebUrbanist, Burbia and The Thinking Blog that also feature some really great writers and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for great reading, interesting information and something a little out of the ordinary.

I also read blogs like Japundit and News On Japan that specialize in Japanese content – not only do they cater to my interests but they’re also a source of great topics for my own articles. Last but certainly not least, my son’s blog, Yersys Technology Blog . He’s just 14 and High School is his main focus but in less than a year he’s managed to create a popular blog that features computers and news from the tech world. I really hope your readers will check it out; new bloggers need support but notwithstanding that, he’s done a terrific job and I’m very proud of him!

•    Provide us with your five favorite posts you have written to date over at InventorSpot and WebUrbanist.

I’ll include Burbia and The Thinking Blog in the mix as I’m now a regular contributor there:

“The Top Ten Weird and Bizarre Japanese Soft Drinks”

“Future Past: 173 Radical Retrofuturistic Directions in Design & Technology”

“Pirates Amok – Yo Ho Ho And A Sultanate Of Rum”

“Japan Tobacco’s Delightfully Disturbing ‘Smoking Manners for Adults’ Ads, Part 1″ of an ongoing series

From The Thinking Blog: “Extinct Human Species Smarter Than Us?”

How would you like to be known:
•    Explorer:
•    Blogger:
•    Technophile:
•    Product Reviewer:
•    Entrepreneur:
•    Others:

Well, I’ve had a few different careers over the years but writing and blogging has been the most enjoyable. As far as being “known”, that’s one good thing about the Internet: it gives you a measure of immortality. If what I write is appreciated then it (and “me”) will keep floating around long after I’m gone.

Quick bites:
•    Hours you invest digging the Net: About 6 hours a day, more or less. Usually more.
•    Biggest blogging mistake you made: Not learning how to write for Adsense early enough.
•    One hidden truth: Be nice to people you write about – they just might write about you one day!
•    If asked to post only on one blog (not InventorSpot or WebUrbanist): Burbia , where I’m given the most freedom regarding topics and content.
•    Advice you would have given yourself five years ago?: All blogs (and all bloggers) get off to a slow start but patience – and regularly posting good content – will pay off in the long run.
•    If not a Blogger/Writer, then… That’s hard to say, because writer and blogging isn’t my first career, it’s only my most recent one. If I wasn’t blogging, I would probably be consulting people on how to be bloggers themselves.
•    Life without Internet: I grew up without the Internet but it’s still hard to imagine living without it today. No single technological advance has changed people’s lives as much. If the Internet crashed for some reason and could not be resurrected, I think that would make the current financial crisis look very trivial.

•    Which is your favorite social networking site? Digg, StumbleUpon, Twitter or… There are so many social networking sites out there and they all have their pros and cons but I especially like a site called Fark. Posters submit actual news stories with headlines crafted to be humorous. Another feature of Fark is the Comments section, which is a real comedic goldmine.

•    Whom would you recommend as my next EliteBlogger and why?

That’s a tough decision because there are so many great bloggers out there, but if I had to choose one I’d recommend Gerri Elder from Absolutely True. Gerri writes for and operates her own blog, is active and popular at sites like Digg and StumbleUpon, and she somehow manages to manage her family in real life. I think she sets a fine example for any new blogger who’s considering starting their own blog and/or getting into social media.

•    Give us your views on EliteChoice.

Elite Choice is a very appealing site for those who want to seek out the best life offers from the comfort of their cozy computer chairs. Not everyone has the time to physically shop for luxury goods – an endeavor that requires much window-shopping due to the high cost of such goods. Why not virtually browse for the best, using your computer’s browser? A clever concept, nicely executed!

•    You can ask me one question:

Thank you Zola. I see that Elite Choice is based in India and the language used is English. How would a non-Indian, English-speaking blogger such as myself gain wider access to the vast pool of young, educated, upwardly mobile Indian netizens? I think this is the one major problem bloggers face today – how to boost readership beyond their home countries. The Internet is International so let’s try and break down those walls!

I hear you Steve and understand your concern. With social media networking/ marketing evolving as a new culture, I believe all your worries would be dumped as it offers you not only international reach but widens your approach towards things. I am saying this out of my learning from my stay at networks like Stumbleupon, digg, twitter and others. Also, I believe that its word of mouth that can drive savvy readers to a blog. Hope that answers.

At last, I would like to thank you for your interesting shot of answers and Vlad and Saba also for equally remarkable questions. Steve, we wish to luck for your future endeavors.

Fielding questions about the inroads in respect to growth of InventorSpot, today we have its chief business officer cum managing editor Michelle Blu with us. Geographically renowned as a geek cum blogger, Michelle deems in innovation as essential tool for survival. And her very presence at EliteChoice is the result of our due amount of respect for her. Having associated with InventorSpot since its launch in March 2006, the growth visibility of the blog says all about her. Ooops..did i tell you InventorSpot was amongst the 125 Elite blogs handpicked from 2007 work-outs and is shining under “2007 Elite Odds & Ends Blogs?”
Stopping myself here, I handover it to her to takeover with tight shoulders. Enjoy the ride into the inventor’s world with her lovely responses.

Hi Michelle, Introduce yourself to my readers.
I’m Michelle, chief business officer and a managing editor of InventorSpot.com. At InventorSpot, we have a team of bloggers covering the latest inventions, innovations and interesting ideas from around the world everything from the wacky to the wonderful.

Take us through your typical day at work.
What I love about working on the web is the flexibility that it offers me. I really don’t have a set schedule although my family would claim that’s because I work around the clock.

Your blog very beautifully deals with inventions, inventors and ideas. What can be the fourth ‘I’ that we can expect at InventorSpot in 2008?
In 2008, we will continue to work on making incremental improvements to our site. With the site’s focus on inventions, innovations and interesting ideas, we have plenty of opportunities to improve the content we provide to our readers. We are also working in 2008 to improve awareness of InventorSpot.com, since we are still a relatively new site and only a few people know about us.
InventorSpot targets the discoverer in all of us, how has your involvement with the site contented the inventor in you?
We offer Serious Fun for the Inventor in All of Us. Since the definition of an inventor is someone who creates something using creativity and imagination, I feel very much like an inventor in helping to create this site.

Your deep sense of knowledge on ‘invention’ has helped you reached at a pedestal of mentor. Whom do you consider as your ideal?
For me, the ideal inventor is anyone who has a good idea and is actually willing to do all the hard work necessary to bring it to life. There are a number of successful inventors that are an active part of our inventor community and help new inventors in our forums that I really look up to as ideal role models.

We along with other bloggers’ are great fan of yours and enjoy reading your wacky finds. We would like to know those three inventions that you have discovered about you while contributing to InventorSpot.
We are always looking for great inventions to share with our readers, from the totally wacky to the truly inspired. Depending on my mood on any given day, I would pick different inventions that I like.

My favorites this week are:

Surfboard that doesn’t need waves
Sandals that hold your booze
The diet sunglasses that turn off your appetite
The airbag suit for motorcyclists

Pen down your two favorite posts:
a) from InventorSpot.com

This is a really hard question as I don’t really have any clear favorites. I think a lot of our articles are really informative and entertaining. We seek to inform and entertain, so I think articles that do that well include:

10 Ways to Piss Off Your Woman by one of our wacky products writer Amused and Bemused. For some reason, I find his ridiculous humor and goofy finds really entertaining.

Experiments with Flying Cars by Lisa Zyga, our science innovations writer. I just thought this was a really interesting article.

10 Weirdest and Funniest Japanese Condoms by Steve Levenstein, Japanese Innovations writer, InventorSpot. I thought it was an original and fun look at normally mundane item.

b) From others
A favorite post from another website? This is too hard a question for me so I’ll just have to skip it.

Name one ugliest and award-winning invention (each) that you have come across so far?
I’d have to pick as the ugliest invention, eyeball tattoos. It’s just so wrong on so many levels. In terms of award winning inventions, there are so many that I think really deserve awards. You’d have to qualify the criteria and time frames. A practical invention was an item we wrote about a while ago – a staircase made up of drawers. It is such an ingenious use of space that the invention seems totally obvious when you see it. I love inventions that seem oh so obvious once someone has done the hard work of conceiving and making it.

Do you contribute to any other blog/site as well?
No.

Name five best online reads besides InventorSpot that you like to go through everyday.
There are about a 100 sites that I really like and visit often, including many of the popular gadget, news, financial and political sites. A few of my current favorites include:

DarkRoastedBlend
CalculatedRisk
Miss Cellania
TheThinkingBlog
HackedGadgets

Which is that one sector (technology, gadgets, household, furniture or others) that focuses on producing luxurious creations?
I think all of them do. And creating something super luxurious is a great way to get free publicity for your brand so I think many companies try to do that.

They say living in a healthy competition can help one grow. Whom do you consider as InventorSpot competitor in blogosphere?
There is a tendency for some folks to consider us in the same category as the technology and gadget blogs. I think we are broader than that. We just look at the world through the lens of the inventor, and I don’t think there is really another site on the web doing exactly that. Sites like boingboing, Neatorama, TrendHunter, SpringSpotters, Wired, MakeZine are some of the sites we’d like to be like when we grow up.
Your Biggest Achievement.
I am hoping the biggest achievements are yet to come. In terms of successful milestones, I’d probably point to the great team of writers we have managed to find.

Any regrets?
That it takes so much time to do so little.

InventorSpot is now a huge team. What is the revenue-generation model behind InventorSpot?
Right now, our revenues are from advertising and affiliate programs. Over time, perhaps we’ll find ways to diversify from that.

How would you like to be known as Blogger, Inventor, Editor or Entrepreneur?
A successful serial entrepreneur.

What interests you besides new inventions?
I like to topic of inventions as it covers pretty much all aspects of life. When I am not thinking about inventions, I am obsessed with food and what I am going to eat next.

Give us your opinion about EliteChoice? Criticism is invited.
Your site is fun to visit. You choose great things to write about on your site. You also have a fun topic focus which works on many levels. I think the appearance of site is a bit cluttered. I noticed because InventorSpot.com is really struggling right now with how we can make our site better looking. We are finding it a real challenge to build something that looks good and works well.

Your Turn! Feel-free to ask me one question.
What do you think has been the smartest thing you have done on your site?
Well, I think you as my friend or my savvy readers can answer this question well. I believe this series of Elite Blogger and the smart choice of posts can be counted as my USP. Add to this, the Elite Handbag, Elite Estate and Elite Fashion Blog Bazaar posts done frequently. Bottom line: Unlike other blogs, i take pride in running this blog independently.

Many thanks Michelle for considering this interview call and putting it in your tight sked. Readers here is a mud pile, feel free to drop in any queries or questions, if I have missed on anything. Michelle, am sure would be open to answer them. Wish you luck for giving your best shot in whatever you pursue.