Pratima Sharma is the Software Engineer at Goreto Software at Pokhara. Apart from being Software Engineer, she is a blogger and a writer. During her spare time, Pratima loves to read a lot and often write. She is currently writing a content for Themepalace. Pratima is also M.D at Mandala IT Solutions. You can get in touch with her on @pratima726 on Slack and WordPress.org.
At the WordCamp Kathmandu 2018, she talked about “You should blog (Even if you’re killing it on Instagram and Snapchat). Discover a handful of reasons why you should still blog even if you’re killing it on much newer, hipper social media platforms.”
We had a conversation with Pratima Sharma at the event.
Have you been to WordCamp Kathmandu 2017 or any other previous WordCamps?
It’s my first WordCamp. I hadn’t expected WordCamp to be this grand. So, I am definitely enjoying everything that’s happening around here.
What do you like about this WordCamp Kathmandu 2018?
What I liked most about this WordCamp is that, back home during our Meet-ups, there are so fewer numbers of female participation and interactions. And today there is much female participation, more than my expectation. And also, there so many people coming and interacting at this WordCamp. I feel like this is the great way to socialize and make connections.
How long have you been on WordPress?
I started working from about 3 years ago when I joined Software Company. When I first joined the Company, I started with WordPress and have been using it ever since then.
What do you think of WordPress Community in Nepal?
I think it is really good. In the sense that there are so many people from the diverse place who are gathered here in the name of WordPress. It’s just a name for people to collaborate and make their connections. So, it’s really good.
What would you like to see change in WordPress Platform in the next 5 years?
I think that the community has been already good. There’s nothing very lacking. I mean it’s good in all aspects. But I would definitely be nice if we have more people coming at WordCamps and many people actively participating in this community.
Do you find the value of being here today?
Yeah, it has been an incredibly valuable opportunity for me and I wouldn’t have been able to do this if it weren’t for the people who inspired and encouraged me to come and speak out. As it’s my first time at WordCamp as a speaker and as an attendee, it has been an incredible journey for me. And I will definitely come back for WordCamp Kathmandu 2019.
What are your suggestions to make WordCamp better in the upcoming years?
I think it’s really already pretty good now. If I had been to previous WordCamps then I would have some ideas. So, I am satisfied with it.
For someone who is new to WordCamp or even WordPress, what would you like to recommend or suggest?
Just because someone is not that familiar with WordPress, it does not mean that the person should feel uncomfortable at joining WordCamp. Because WordCamp is not just about WordPress, it’s about diverse fields, networking, and meeting new people. So, there’s anyone who is hesitating to join WordCamp just because they are not familiar with WordPress. It should not be stopping them.
What was your background before stepping into WordPress?
Before Stepping into WordPress, I started blogging as a freelancer when I am totally unaware of blogging.
Besides WordPress, what are your hobbies or passion?
My hobbies or passion includes reading and writing. I don’t have much these days because I am involved in too many activities. But when I have little spare time, I use it to read new books and write.
Thank you, Pratima Sharma, for having a wonderful conversation with us.
