I made a decision. Just a few months ago I was telling my husband that I was thinking about attending the BlogPaws pet blogging conference. Being a shy introvert, going to this conference wasn’t going to be an easy decision for me. But if I was going to continue this blog, I felt like it was something I needed to do. At that point I wasn’t 100% sure that I was going to continue. My hubby suggested I give it some time, and not make a decision about the conference until I was sure about the blog.
I made a mental agreement with myself that I would decide after the holidays, after the first of the year. It was well before that when my mind was made up. I’m not sure exactly when things clicked, and I knew this blog was something I was going to continue to do. (**Update – I neglected to say that I WILL be going to the BlogPaws conference, and I am very nervous but also very excited about it!**)
The reasons I had doubts had to do with self-confidence. There were times when I felt like the readership of my blog was not growing. I don’t look at stats and numbers much; I mostly judge by how many comments a post might receive. I spent way too much time comparing my number of comments to the number of comments on other blogs. I would be highly disappointed when I didn’t get selected for a BlogPaws campaign. My whole life has been spent being mostly just above average. I was smart and performed well in school, but I was not the smartest. I succeeded at my jobs, but I never excelled. So I quit things. And that’s exactly where I saw myself headed with the blog, until I realized it and stopped doing that. This time I thought I’d work just a bit harder instead.
I decided to post more often, instead of 4-5 days per week, I upped it to 5-6. I’m not sure if that was the boosting point or not, but I haven’t compared myself to other blogs for a while now (well, maybe occasionally, but I stop myself). I’m happy where I’m at with it, and excited about where it’s going.
So when recently a Facebook support group I’m in shared a couple of posts by other bloggers who were quitting, or were just discouraged, that bothered me. One post was by a very popular and well loved pet blogger who was quitting. It was a heartfelt post about how she felt pet blogging had changed in the 10 years since she started blogging (you can click here if you’d like to read it). 10 years ago, I barely knew what a blog was. Her take was that back then people blogged for the joy of writing, and that now pet blogs were more about making money and commercialization. Since I’m fairly new to this after only 2 ½ years, this is all I know. Many of us blog not just for the sheer joy of it, but to make some income (for me it’s just some extra income, I know I’ll never live off it). For me it’s a dream come true to be a writer, but writing just for the sake of it doesn’t pay the bills.
The other post was by what I believe is someone called a “Mommy blogger”. She was not quitting, but she was bemoaning the hard work that blogging is (which it is). Her post was more of a sarcastic, tongue in cheek take on the subject. You can read it here, but I want to warn you that there is offensive language in there if that bothers you. Much of what she said was true.
I’m not here to criticize either of these posts, but the one thing that bothered me about both of them, when reading the ensuing commentary on our Facebook page, is that both were discouraging to some of my fellow bloggers (and me too). I feel that there were too many generalizations in both posts, and I just wanted to set the record straight and make it clear that we don’t all feel that way.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to tell you that blogging is not hard work, that it doesn’t mean many, many hours of not just writing but photography, social media interaction, and promotion (not to mention computer frustrations). You can get caught up in stats and SEO if you even understand it and if that’s your thing (it’s not mine). But it only has to be what you want it to be. If it consumes your life, which it sometimes does mine, it’s your choice to let it do so.
I want to point out that it’s not just hard work, but there are many benefits as well. In the pet blogging world, there is a community of like-minded people, animal lovers like myself and unlike myself. In my world, my friends and family are busy with their own lives (and I’m not saying that critically, it’s just the way it is), so it helps to have blogging and online friends as well, and they are just like family. They support you, they commiserate with you, and they laugh with you. Your pets become important to them and vice versa. Plus I never would have imagined that I would have friends in other countries like Canada, Australia, and France. I visit, read, and comment on other blogs not just to promote my own, but to support my friends.
It’s not just the benefit of community for me, it’s also the benefit to my pets’ lives. Not only do my pets get lots of treats, food, toys, and supplements to try, but they get the benefit of all I have learned from other blogs about pets. Sure, before I blogged I cared about my pets’ health and weight, and I played with them. But there have been times I got lazy, and the dogs didn’t get all the exercise they might need. Then next thing I know I was motivated by fellow bloggers to join the Idita-Walk, or to participate in a walk your dog week or a training challenge. I DO so much more and I KNOW so much more now than I used to, and that’s to their benefit.
I’m not just out here grabbing random free products for my pets. I am thoughtful and discerning about what I choose to try for our pets, and I don’t accept any reviews for products I would not buy myself, and I do not believe in. I know a lot more about healthy pet food now than I used to. I not only share useful information but I ask others to share with me as well when I don’t know something.
Sure, there is some competitiveness out there….it’s human nature. But it’s a choice to buy into that competitiveness or not. I try to take that competitive spirit to improve myself. Some bloggers take (way) better photographs than I do….so I’ll work on my photography. Each blogger has to find the balance that works for them. For me it is sharing fun stories about my own pets, sharing the tough times, sharing information on things I’ve learned such as a health issue or training; and yes, sharing products that we are trying and believe in, sometimes for compensation, or sharing a good pet related book that I read.
Am I still overwhelmed at times? Absolutely! But honestly, I mostly enjoy that, and I work better when I’m under pressure. So I’m officially sticking around, I hope for the long haul. I’d love to be doing this when I retire from bookkeeping. Above all, if you’re going to blog, be yourself, and make yourself happy. This post has gotten way too long, and the experts will tell you that blog posts should be kept shorter. But I wanted to say all this, so today I am pleasing myself. I hope everyone didn’t just skim it, but that some of you actually read every word. Just in case, I did throw some cute pet photos in along the way. 🙂
WELL, I for one am extremely glad your sticking around!!!
Your blog quickly became one of my favs to visit!!! You always have fun photos, I just love your pack, and theres tons of great info here as well. I especially love going on Luke’s journey with his training and things like that as well, so yes, I am glad your sticking around! I suppose I can understand somewhat about the one post with the person saying blogging is more about money, but I don’t think that goes for everyone. I love to write about my huskies, I love to share my life with my regular readers, and yes, I do have affiliates, and try and do campaigns to make some extra cash, but I (like you) am not ever expecting it to pay the bills or anything. BUT I am a stay at home mom, and currently my hub is the only one bringing income in aside from the rare sponsored posts that i get, so any little bit of extra cash I can bring in helps, which is why I started my jewelry business…..which has not done as well as I thought, but I am doing my best to not give up on it, and bring sales etc…to try and get some more business. Anyways sorry for the essay! haha!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I love your long reply, Jenna! Thank you so much for your support and kind words!
I think you find a great balance with your blog as well. I have often thought of trying to sell products too…but it would have to be something original and I’m not creative or artistic! I think your jewelry is great (and your other products) and a great idea. Hang in there with it…..things like that take a long time to really take off, and require a lot of promotion. You’ll get there!
I read every word. Would you believe I have a draft in my dashboard addressing the same thing? I wrote it, but just haven’t refined it to my liking and I’m not sure I have anything to say that other, wiser bloggers haven’t already said.
I get discouraged too. Despite blogging for almost five years I don’t have the readers that I would like. I’ve never been chosen for any BlogPaws campaign that I’ve applied to, so I stopped applying. I’m super picky and choosey about product reviews and I’ve not made one dime on my blog in all the years I’ve been blogging.
I don’t buy into the “I’m in competition” with fellow bloggers. My voice is unique, my dogs are unique and my blog is unique. Just as you and yours are. The sad thing for me is that most sponsors/advertisers I know of only want the big numbers. They don’t care about the relationships. I had a sponsor tell me I have great connection with my readers that is way better to me than a $100 post. 🙂 Keep on blogging Jan, you’re doing wonderfully and I cannot wait to meet you in Nashville.
I would love to hear what you have to say on the subject, Jodi, if you decide to get that draft out.
You might not have all the readers/followers you would like, but I think you have a pretty good group of them.
I think you are right that each blog is unique, and there is no reason to compete with each other. In fact, when I started blogging, I expected it to be competitive, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that pet bloggers are supportive instead. I still don’t think that stops those of us with low self confidence from comparing ourselves though, but I am really working at not doing that.
I can’t wait to meet you in Nashville too!
We are sure glad you are sticking around and you will enjoy BlogPaws, it is the nicest bunch of people ever. You will feel like you are at a reunion with old friends. Remember, they are just best friends you haven’t met yet.
Oh, that’s so true, thank you, Brian!
Sorry it’s taken me so long to comment on this! I’ve been busy with all the insanity of getting our ***t together and haven’t had much time to read my favorite blogs. I love our little community too — for all the reasons you mentioned. While I have no intention — and never have had the intention — to make even “circus money” from blogging, I love that the potential is there if I ever change my mind. As for BlogPaws? I think it’s a great way to get to know people and learn things; but for me it’s just not a viable option. Yes, I intend to keep blogging, but at my own pace and for the pure joy of sharing — as Jodi Stone says in her headliner — “the good, the bad, and the oh my god of living with dogs”. I’m not worried about my photography skills, my stats, or competing with other bloggers for readership. I just want to have something I can look back on when my furry babies are gone from this world. And having like-minded friends who “get” what it’s like to be a pet parent (or guardian or whatever word you want to use) to share and commiserate with and the mutual moral support.
No matter what all of our reasons are for blogging, the fact that we’re sharing our lives with our pets is the most important. I already am so happy that I have things to look back on about my pets that are now gone. And the friendships we are making are priceless. With busy lives, it’s hard, especially when we’re older, to make new friends. It’s especially hard to find people we connect with through our love of pets. I love every other blog I read for the individuality of it. Sure, I enjoy the perfect photos some take, but a less than perfect one can still bring a smile to my face. And when I visit a blog, I’m certainly not concerned with how much other traffic they get! First and foremost, the content and the story are the most important thing.
QUIT? You can’t – don’t you dare – I just found you 🙂
Seriously, I think we all have had those moments where we wanted to shove our computers in a closet, and close the door. We would’t be human if we didn’t. But we blog for various combinations of reasons but we can all agree we have one common denominator and that is to share what we know, love and care about when it comes to our pets. Blog Paws will be the absolute best this year because we will finally get to meet (yes, you and I) along with so many other people you’ve been communicating with. Thank you for this post, it was so honest, and refreshing. Take care my friend, see you soon!
I’m so glad you liked this post, Cathy. I’m always most nervous putting out a post where I’m really speaking from the heart. I’m always honest in my posts, but sometimes the reserved side of me holds back a little bit. This time I didn’t.
Yes, no matter how different all of our blogs, and our reasons for blogging, are, we’ll always have those common denominators that tie us together.
I am so happy that you will be going to BlogPaws as well and that we’ll get to meet!
So glad you’re going to keep blogging. This is a super blog! I am going to share this with our blog manager, Robbi, and see if she wants to curate it for the BlogPaws blog. Would you be open to that? It fits in so well with the post I wrote yesterday, but you said it way better than I did! Thank you! And, see you at BlogPaws!
Yes, I absolutely would be open to that, and would be thrilled. Now I need to go and read your post as well! Thank you!
Jan, first I tried very hard to READ this and not skim! We have so much in common its uncanny from our love of writing, why we blog, and always comparing ourselves to other bloggers. I can’t wait to meet you at BlogPaws, it will be my 3rd conference, I doubt I would still be here without it. Sandra
I look forward to meeting you too, Sandra, and it sounds like you and I will have plenty to talk about! 🙂
If you keep going back to the conference, that tells me right there that it is worthwhile.
What a good post. You’ve written what many of us bloggers have thought. Blogging should be first and foremost, fun. I’ve met so many wonderful people through blogging. I’ve been to 2 BlogPaws conferences now. I was very nervous the first time I went. I worried too much about things, and because of that, I don’t think I enjoyed myself as much as I could have. Though I did have fun and enjoyed meeting many of my fellow bloggers…most who I knew only from online. The second time I went, I knew more of what to expect…and I had a blast. I’ll be going again this year and I look forward to meeting you.
Island Cat Mom
I think it is hard to go into something when you don’t know what to expect. It has to be easier subsequent times when you know the ins and outs, and aren’t feeling as nervous.
Oh, I’m so happy you are going too, and can’t wait to meet you as well!
Oh, my gosh. I had no idea you were thinking of quitting, but I’m thoroughly relieved to read that you aren’t! I would really miss this corner of the internet!! I have too much to say and too many scattered thoughts on this topic that I just haven’t been able to articulate since I read Kristine’s initial post. BUT! Since you’re going to BlogPaws, we can discuss over a glass of wine! Can’t wait to meet you in person! I am SUPER shy and introverted, too, but thankfully we all can talk about our dogs to break the ice!
I appreciate your words, they help to cement my decision to stay.
I would not go to any other conference, because being able to talk about dogs is the only way I’ll ever feel comfortable! I definitely look forward to discussing this more over a glass of wine, Maggie. I had more to say on the subject that I didn’t even get to, and I’d love to hear your thoughts as well!
I love your take on this Janet 🙂 And I am so hoping I can go to BlogPaws too, but right now that’s not something I’m sure I can do. I try not to compare myself with other bloggers much…to we are all different and have different styles. I DO look up to many other bloggers however, and strive to be better. I get discouraged sometimes, but that usually has to do with things going on in my life at home, and not in my world of online blogging. Keep up the good work! I think you do a great job and share great stories with us.
I think that’s a good way to look at it, Ann. We are all different, and if we all did the same thing, everyone would get bored with it! Looking up to other bloggers and striving to be better, and not being jealous or competitive is definitely how to do it.
Thank you for your compliments and I’m glad you enjoy my stories. I hope maybe you’ll make it to BlogPaws after all, because I would love to meet you.
I’m so glad you’re not going any where! On the terribly cold days, I always know that you and your gang feel our pain. And I love reading about Luke’s training, seeing the adorable pictures of Cricket with her ball and ones like today’s fun picture of Sheba–and, of course, seeing the love your pups have their kitty siblings!
Thank you, Beth! I feel the same about you…I enjoy so much all the things that we have in common, and following your adventures. That is truly what makes this all worthwhile.
Oh, we are glad you are not leaving…we would miss you too much! We used to get caught up in stats and comparing our blog to other blogs but now, we just do what we want – be it product reviews, BP campaigns, silly Blogville posts or poems – and we try really hard to not compare what we do and how “big” we are to anyone else. You should come to BlogPaws conference! It will be my first time going too…and I am a bit outgoing so I will just sniff you out of the crowd and say HELLO!
Oz
I think it’s so great that you do exactly what you want, and it is obviously working for you! You know, I will sometimes put up a post that I know might not do as well as others, but if it’s something I really want to do, yes, I do it anyway.
I am going to BlogPaws! I am excited to know that you will be as well, and will be a newbie like me. I will certainly need someone outgoing to find me and break the ice! Can’t wait!
Wow, that was awesome. Thanks for saying it out loud! I am SOOOO excited that you are coming to BlogPaws. Don’t be nervous, everyone is just like they are on their blogs. Super friendly, super helpful, super fun, and super smart! I learned an incredible amount in the sessions from the speakers, but a ton of additional things from my fellow bloggers. I know it sounds cliche, but it really is going to change your life and how you think about blogging. If you have any questions, post in the Newbie group and I will find your answer.
Thank you, Melissa! I really think it was some things I saw in that Newbies group that made me finally decide to go! That is a really great group and I’m sure I’m going to have some more questions between now and the end of May. When I didn’t go last year, everything I read afterwards made me regret it. I could really see how much enthusiasm everyone came out of there with.
I can relate to what you’re saying. I started my blog very naively, not even realizing there were blogging communities and all kinds of social interactions, some of which can turn into real-world friendships (that really surprised me!). The entire purpose of my blog was to journalize about Daisy and document all the fun times we have with her and her silly little ways, coupled with photos. I was surprised when I started getting comments from people, and when I started reading their blogs, I realized how valuable the blogging community is. I learn so much from them and their experiences, and I was happy to see that they actually find what I say useful sometimes too. The support from the blogging community is incredible, far more than I would ever get from the physical community I live in. The benefits I’ve discovered are innumerable and far-ranging. Every time life gets in the way and I have to take a few weeks off from blogging, I do miss it and everyone I’ve come to know. Personally, I don’t care for the commercialization aspect, I was offered a couple different opportunities but turned them down because I wanted to stay true to my blog’s purpose. BUT – I don’t judge anyone who does review products, and sometimes those reviews can introduce us to something we’d never have known about. So there’s value to everything.
Because my blog is more about recording Daisy’s world, I don’t participate in other social media like FB or Twitter. I do that for my clients and it’s a lot of work, so it’s not something I really want to do in my personal time. Maybe someday when I retire (if ever – as a freelance writer I have no definitive retirement age!!) and have more time, but not now. 🙂 So I also like the fact that blogging is something we can get as deep into as we want or just skim the surface, there are no rules to what “has to be done”.
I’m glad you’ll be sticking around. And I love that photo of Sheba sleeping behind the pillow! I’m sure you’ll enjoy BlogPaws even if you’re shy, because I’m positive that blogging buddies will be just as nice and supportive in person as they are in print. 🙂
I was like you when I started blogging….I had no idea about the community and friendships to be made. What a pleasant surprise, right?
I appreciate that you don’t judge others who choose to monetize their blogs. I suppose that was what upset me about that one post….I felt criticized because I have chosen to do that.
You are so right….we only have to do as little or as much as we want with our blogs. I’m on a lot of the social media, but that’s not where I spend the majority of my time.
I know you are right about BlogPaws, and maybe you’ll decide to go one day as well? I think the social aspect of it will be as rewarding as the learning part.
Thanks for this post Jan. I can tell you that I know of a few bigger bloggers who have thought of quitting too from time to time….so you are not alone. Glad you are choosing to stick with it and I will see you at BlogPaws. The conference can be overwhelming but it’s also wonderful. My biggest piece of advice is to pick one one session, or time period, that you will have no agenda. If you skip a session time there will be plenty of people out walking around to meet and it usually feels more causal then.
Thank you, Jessica, it’s great to know I have not been alone in feeling the way I did.
Thank you for the advice about BlogPaws, and I look forward to meeting you there!
What a wonderful post. I’ve found that my passion for blogging has grown exponentially since bringing Truffles into the fold and the wonderful friendships we’ve made with our readers. It’s a lot of work but brings me so much happiness and satisfaction in return.
Thank you, Melissa. I love hearing from other bloggers that are still enjoying it and getting so many good things out of it!
Jan, this was a well written post that I could tell came from your heart! I too had no idea that were you thinking about quitting your blog. I’m so glad you decided not too, I so enjoy your post and have loved following along with your crews adventures. You have added so much with your training and reactive posts. I’m glad you are going to blog paws, I think you will have a ton of fun there. I am like you and even know I like to be the clown, love to have fun when I am in a place i’m not familiar with i shut down, I usually don’t recognize people so people have to come to me, I just sit back and watch usually. I like going places with my friends cuz then they walk up and introduce themselves to others and then I get in on the gig too. Hugs!
Thank you, JoAnn! Like you, I have good friends who are more outgoing than I am, and I do things with them because it makes it easier for me! The best thing is that one of those friends is going to drive to BlogPaws with me. She won’t be going to the whole conference (maybe the last day and dinner though), but I think it will really help me to have her there. xxoo
Thank you for sharing your story. I am new at blogging and I have never attended a pet blogging conference and I would have exactly the same feelings as you – scared to death. Please post of your experience after you attend. I would love to hear you had a great time but also of the scary parts. I am an introvert too and never plan on going to a blogging conference and therefore I may never be too successful, but maybe you can change my mind.
I felt the exact same way last year when the conference was going on, Rebecca. I was too scared to go. Then when I was reading everyone’s posts about their experience afterwards, I wished I had gone. I promised myself then as long as I didn’t have to fly to get there, that I would go. (add fear of flying to my list of things I’m scared of)
I will definitely be sharing about my experience, good and bad, and I hope I’ll be able to convince you to go next year!
I always read every word of every blog post! I want to know what you have to say! 🙂
I’m glad you’re sticking around, even though it’s a challenge sometimes to do so!
If I can give you any advice, don’t compare yourself to others… even though I know it’s very easy to do. The important thing is not what others are doing, but that you enjoy what you’re doing and you’re proud of what you’re accomplishing. I always tell my clients, the goals that others set for themselves aren’t any of your business because they distract you from meeting your own goals.
Can’t wait to meet you at BlogPaws in Nashville! 🙂
That is very wise advice, Christina, thank you! I’m so glad you’re going to be at BlogPaws as well, and look forward to meeting you too.
I wish I wouldn’t live on the other side of that big pond and we could enter BlogPaws together as two shy girls :o)
I know that feeling, I sometimes feel the same …
I’m glad you will be sticking around, it’s like a job and it needs tons of time, but I’ve found the bestest friends via blogging :o)
Oh, I wish that too!! Since I’ve always been the quiet one, I have had only a few friends, so that makes it extra wonderful to be making all the great friends like you out here! It makes the time we spend doing this so worthwhile.
I read every word, I usually do on any blog. That being said….I was there in the quitting blogging camp about a year ago. I even blogged about the fact that my blog was running away from me. I was being carried along the tide of product reviews and not writing what I wanted to. I was also getting sucked into that deep hole that says you HAVE to be making money or you’re no good. I’m never going to make money blogging, so few people do. So I stopped all that. I will do the occasional review if it’s something I love. Rebranding for me was a huge thing too. It allowed me even more freedom to write what I wanted, and to focus on our life in general and not just the dogs. I like your writing style, and the storied you share. I’m glad you’re hanging around.
Thank you, Mary. I am so glad that you decided not to quit, but to do things differently in the way you wanted. I think it was the perfect decision for you to focus more on your photography, and your traveling lifestyle. I think I would be right in saying that probably all of your readers accepted that change and no one went away.
I am glad you are sticking around too. The surest way to kill your motivation is to compare yourself to others (I do it ALL of the time and I need to stop because it greatly depresses me)
NEVER judge your blog by the number of comments you receive, many read and do not comment.
I am blogging almost SIX YEARS now (yeah, that’s a lot) and every year I say I am quitting (I might still be quitting at the end of this year, there is a strong chance that I will) but the friendships and learning I have experienced along the way (well, friendship, in MOST cases, I have also experienced a HIGH incidence of backstabbing), I wouldn’t trade for the world.
You will LOVE the Blogpaws conference. All pet people like us, all warm and friendly. You do not have to be an extrovert to have a blast there. You will love it.
I read the first post and maybe I agree with a lot of it because I have been blogging for so long. Haven’t read the second post yet, but think I will now.
Anyway, glad you are staying!
Thank you, Caren. It makes me sad to hear that you might be quitting though, I hope you don’t. You were one of my first friends out here, and I would miss you, and Cody and Dakota, greatly. I’m also sorry to hear about the backstabbing….you don’t deserve that. You do need to stop comparing yourself to others, because we are all individuals and do things our own way, and each way is special.
I’ve told you before that writing is one of your gifts, and I’m proud of you for having the courage to follow your dreams… 🙂 you’re successful at it because you’re passionate about it (and your pets), and because you’re not afraid of hard work. I’m glad you’ve decided to stick around! 🙂
well said, Sheryl, I agree!!
Thank you SO MUCH, to both of you. The support I get from both of you has also gone a long way towards keeping me going. ♥♥
*raises hand* I read every word, and I read the first blog post you mentioned when it was published. I feel much the way you do. Before anything else, I write the blog for myself. When I started writing, I had no idea that anyone beyond one or two of my friends would ever read it. I really enjoy it, even though it is a second full time job.
I learned long ago that blog comments are the be all and end all of blogging. I love getting comments and knowing how people feel about what I’ve written, but for me, many of our readers aren’t bloggers and commenting isn’t a priority for them, or they may feel very intimidated about it, so I try not to stress about it.
As far as BlogPaws goes, I highly encourage you to do it. I’ll be there with Bunny, if that makes any difference. We would love to meet you in person!
I knew there were still people out there who were reading every word!
I agree about comments, I even had one person, a non-blogger, say something to that affect….that she didn’t feel comfortable commenting so usually didn’t. On the rare occasion I do get a comment from someone who is not a blogger (other than my family and friends), I get very excited! 🙂
I will be at BlogPaws and I am looking forward to meeting you, and Bunny! I know that there are so many pet bloggers out there that I don’t know, so I’m happy to know that those like you that I do know are going. That will make it easier, and so much more fun.
We’re so glad you are sticking around – we would miss you. While our blog serves a different purpose than many (promoting our brand) I still appreciate being able to write freely about our silly dogs and to help educate our followers. But most of all I love following our friends – you get to laugh a lot more at silly antics and learn from other’s experience. I think even if I stopped, I would still be a reader of many of the blogs I follow now. Go to Blog Paws…it will be fun. I’m not sure we are going this year – it’s quite a trip for us, but you’ll enjoy it.
Thank you! I agree…if I had decided to stop blogging, I would still want to visit all of my favorite blogs. But I don’t think it would be quite the same as being part of the community. I love the balance of your blog, great information along with great stories….which is the perfect way to promote your brand.
I AM going to BlogPaws and I hope you’ll decide to go as well…I’d love to meet you!
I am glad that you are sticking around. You were one of the 5 highest commenters on my blog! lol Just kidding. I am glad that you are sticking around because I love your blog.
One trend I have noticed is that more and more blogs write about general topics with very little personalization. I think that has to do with wanting to monetize a blog. Speaking for myself, I get really bored reading the same basic post on ten blogs. I get bored with general posts. It is fine once in a while but not as a steady diet. I like your blog because I feel like I know your gang and enjoy reading about them. I guess I need a connection to stay engaged.
I agree about those two blog posts. I feel like there was some moral superiority because they quit blogging and the rest of us did not. Perhaps poor writing on their part. Having blogged for a while now, I can usually pick out when people are going to quit. It follows a pattern. 🙂
Forget what the experts say about long posts. That post I wrote about dog shows a couple of weeks ago was over 1200 words. That is a lot for me but I could not split it. That darn post was shared over 100 times and got a ton of hits. I bet it will end up being one of my most viewed posts for the year. So much for experts. 🙂
I did not skim, but I did not see if you decided on BlogPaws or not. 🙂
Apparently I neglected to say that I AM going to BlogPaws! I fixed that since.
I’m glad to hear that about long posts, because this is certainly not my first one that has gotten lengthy. Sometimes I’ll split them when they get that way, but sometimes you just can’t.
I agree about the general topics with no personalization. I try to make my review posts personal in some way, and you are good at that too. I’ll also get tired of reading some of the repetitive posts on one topic, and that is when I WILL start skimming! LOL
That was exactly how I felt about those two posts….I felt like those of us who do some reviews and such were being criticized for it, and that they felt it lessened us as writers.
Heavens! We had no idea you were even thinking of quitting! Many bloggers are more shy types, so you are not alone there, but imagine hanging out with a ton of people who are so similar to you, it is almost scary! Mom went to her first BlogPaws in 2013, all alone, it was huge as she is very shy and keeps to herself a lot. It was huge for her, but she wanted to do more with our blog. Once she got there she realized she was alone and did not know a sole and how would she even find anyone she knew? It was amazing. People found her, she met people she only knew online, everyone spoke the same language – pets and blogging. It was the most wonderful thing she had done in years and it was over before it had even started. This will be her third year and we can’t wait. You should seriously consider going! Until you give it one try, you won’t be able to understand why it is so magical and how it can help your blog. We aren’t into numbers much, we have fun and hope it is enough for people to come, but BlogPaws will open so many doors and ideas for you. Please consider attending and if you are afraid of not knowing anyone, email me and we can set up a meeting point or even if you have questions about going or not, email us. mygbgvlife@gmail.com
I am so glad to hear about your Mom’s experience at BlogPaws, Emma, it is very encouraging to me. I’m sorry I didn’t make it clear in this post that I am definitely planning on going (I since amended that). But I’m still a nervous wreck about it, so it’s great to hear that it really will be worth it, and that I probably won’t be uncomfortable for long. I just may email your Mom though and maybe try to set something up to meet ahead of time. Since I won’t have a dog with me, I probably won’t be recognized….but I’ll know your Mom for sure when I see you!
Good for you Jan! i had no idea of the way of the pro bloggers..i still don’t really..i started because i wanted a better place to share my world..because i love to write and i love to share my pets and wildlife..i am still dazzled by the number of pros out there..i don’t do reviews as it seems the aussies don’t get the opportunities maybe..or i am a dud hahahaha..i do what makes me smile and usually it is something i think makes other peeps happy and smile :).
I take ok pics..i can throw words together alright..but i have fun..and sure i was at one point worried about stats..but you know what stats to me are nothing..i have met the most wonderful people and pets and have been given a look into their worlds and this is to me the best thing!
I think with all things in life..if you are true to you you cannot go wrong..you sell yourself as the real thing and people will appreciate it 🙂 loves Bev xx
Thank you, Bev! It must be that Australian companies haven’t yet figured out that blogs can be a good source of promotion for them!
I think your photographs are wonderful, and that you write very well. You have a way of painting a beautiful picture with words that brings things to life.
You definitely make me smile often, and I’m glad that you are enjoying it so much as well. Hopefully that means you will stick around for a long time too!
xxoo
Jan thankyou for your lovely compliments 🙂 yes i think Aussie markets are yet to see the benefits of blogging and the networking..maybe one day..until then the roos and furries here have a place to share their stories 🙂 xx Bev xx
Bravo and well said……….glad that you will be sticking around. Blogging is hard work but I would NOT be doing it if it wasn’t also a ton of fun. I’ve met the nicest and most caring people through Sam’s blog – I look forward every day to reading what’s up with them and responding to their comments on Sam’s blog in turn. Blogging was what I turned to when I stopped writing books but still wanted to be creative – it’s been just grand as a transition. Anyway, glad you’ve decided to stick with it!
Pam
Thank you, Pam! I’ve kind of thought it might go the other direction for me…blogging might lead to writing a book! We’ll see on that though.
At the times I’ve had to be away from the blog, I miss my blog friends and can’t wait to get back and see what’s up with everyone!