In an interview with Jordan Business, Queen Rania has mentioned Ikbis and Toot as examples of “homegrown Web sites that use their tools to generate innovation, creativity and even job growth.”

We got excited when we saw this and of course the whole team is honored! Check out the whole article in the Jordan Business may issue.
Here is a quote from the interview:

JB: Do you believe that the Internet experience – personified by blogs and domestic news sites – will ever be translated to mainstream traditional media?

HM: I think it’s very encouraging to see that Jordan is keeping up with the new media trends, especially when we consider that Internet penetration isn’t as high here as it is in countries that have been toying with e-mail for a while. Many of the top-visited Wes sites in Jordan are social networking pages, and some, like Maktoob, incorporate blogging elements. When u say we’re keeping up, we’re not just engaging in existing sites, but there are many local developers that are adapting concepts to our Internet and cultural needs – sites like Ikbis, Toot, and Akhtaboot are homegrown Web sites that use their tools to generate innovation, creativity and even job growth.

Even the more “traditional” media outlets in the Arab world, such as TV and newspapers, are heavily promoting their Web sites and encouraging viewer interaction, feedback and input into their programming.

“Citizen Journalism” has found a home on the Internet; it’s only a matter of time before that filters into mainstream media, which I think would be a very positive step.