The Third Annual Pet Blogger Challenge is today, January 10th and all pet bloggers are invited to join this community event! There is still time, whether you are a first timer or have participated in past Pet Blogger Challenges. Find more information and get the Linky list and code to join the blog hop at the Go Pet Friendly blog. If you are using Word Press, the link does not work and you will need to add your blog post directly on Go Pet Friendly.
I am a first timer and these are the questions and my answers:
When did you begin your blog? We just celebrated our 6th Blogoversary with a tribute to Fisher.
What was your original purpose for starting a blog? Back then, I was excited about my new computer and read many articles about using the internet. I have always wanted to be a writer, but never found a venue that would be as much fun as the things I learned about blogging. I had the idea that Fisher would be a pet advice writer for other pets who would write letters about their issues. I would post the letter and her answer on the blog. After a slow start, Fisher’s letters were published in the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times) free daily tabloid, tbt*. We had a great run for a few years, and then many columnists were cut from the publication, including us.
Is your current purpose the same? Yes, in many it is, but now it is a little different.
If not, what’s different? Fisher has passed. The blog and I went into a bit of a tailspin over how to handle the situation. Ask Fisher, the advice-giving cat, is coming back. We can no longer physically sit together in the office, but I know her inspiration will still be the brains behind the advice. The old goals were met, and we feel we can bring them back and meet them again.
How often do you post? Now a minimum of three times a week.
Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you? I prefer to post when the spirit moves me. Knowing Fisher, posts will easily be three times a week.
- If you don’t publish on a schedule, why? I highly admire the bloggers who do have a schedule. I have tried it, but it just does not work for me.
- How do you think your decision affects your audience? The more natural I am, the better my writing. I hope they enjoy it and visit often.
- How do you know when a topic is “post-worthy?” When I am inspired to write it. It is important to be happy with my own post first before I can expect anyone else to enjoy it. Fortunately pet bloggers are the nicest people, and they do not criticize.
How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? I spend much more time noodling an idea around in my head than the actual writing of it. On average, it is probably 7 hours a week of writing.
- How much time visiting other blogs? Share your tips for staying on top of it all. Visiting other bloggers is a pleasure. I make sure I have the time to enjoy it. I learn a lot from them. The time spent varies.
How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)? I know this is a very important issue. I have little knowledge of how to do it. I do not get a lot of comments, shares, or traffic. I do know it helps if I comment on other blogs and acknowledge bloggers when they visit me. When I started to do that, things picked up.
- Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions? Neither. I realize this should be my next learning curve.
If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be? Oh dear! I really do not know where to start. But, I will definitely think about this question.
What goals do you have for your blog in 2013? My biggest goal is to get back to my original purpose of providing entertaining and helpful advice to other pets out there. Secondly, I will keep visiting different sites and reading about best practices.
These questions are inneresting. I should do this. Good luck with the advice column.
Thank you, Cathy. I have high hopes and appreciate your response. This was really a fun exercise. Once again, proof that pet bloggers are the nicest, funniest, most passionate people in the world!
Wow! I didn’t know you and Fisher wrote for the Tampa Bay Times!! That is so cool! This is my first year participating in the Pet Blogger Challenge…paws crossed I answered the questions correctly!
Even though we are participating in this year’s Pet Blogger Challenge, we are really enjoying reading everyone’s answers! Thank you for sharing!
Now that I think about it, a cat is probably better at giving advice than a dog.
It’s good to meet a blogger who has been doing it longer than we have.
I am in stitches over your blog! I love it and your fantastic sense of humor. Sure seems to me you have been at it longer, though. You know what you are doing and best is you are having fun.
Yes, even though Fisher is no longer there physically, I’m sure she’ll still be a muse for you and your blog. She’s your special angel now, like Abby is for me.
I agree – pet bloggers *are* the nicest people!
Happy 6th Blogoversary! Wow!
Hi Jackie – one thing I have learned is there are an awful lot of us who have just such a special angel. Boy, are we the lucky ones! Thank you for stopping by.
Wonderful post and I never knew your wrote for a paper…wagging cool. I think having a cat give advice to dogs is perfect. I was raised with four and even today I like high places, sleeping on the back of the couch and chasing toy mice! Looking forward to your 7th year of excellent blogging in 2013
Maggie
Thank you so much, Maggie, for your wonderful words! We wish you a great 2013, too. I think it is going to be a little magical for all of us.
Great responses! My condolences on the loss of Fisher. I wish you the best in the upcoming year.
Thank you so much, Coralee. I took a trip over to your site and I love you gorgeous dog!
Congrats on the longevity of your blog – 6 years is really quite an accomplishment! I understand how difficult it is when the pet who inspired your blog passes away. Bunny crossed the Rainbow Bridge in June 2011 and for about six months I was really in a funk. I forced myself to keep writing (in my own voice, not hers) and eventually I worked my way through. I haven’t really thought of bringing her back although I know other people who continue to write in the voice of their pet long after they’re gone. Good Luck with your goals in 2013!
Thank you for your comments, Vicki. I have a good feeling about everything – glad to have finally gotten off the bench!
Very interesting to read about your past and your future hopes. Sometimes Teri feels like she is just floundering around…
Thanks for stopping by, Teri, Curlz and Swirlz. I often feel like I am floundering around, and then a lot of times I am really sure of it! Please keep me posted on the cats living like humans day. Let me know when and I will stand ready with phone an emergency numbers!
It looks like you and I are both wanting to get back to our original purpose this year.
All the best. I am glad that Fisher can help other pets without being physically with you.
I am sure we can both pull it off this year, Tegan. Like you, I do not want to feel forced to blog. So far, so good! Nice to meet you and best of luck in all your plans.
Thank you so much for participating in the Challenge, Jobi – we’re glad to have you! I think it’s fantastic that Fisher will continue to help other pets and I’m glad you’ve found your way back to blogging. I’m looking forward to following your posts and I hope you enjoy yourself in 2013.
Don’t look now, but there’s a “selfish tart” commenting on your blog.
(I’m striving to be less tart-like, btw.)
And, a tabloid columnist?! I’m so jelly (I say that word a lot to annoy my kids)! Fisher must have been a real piece of work (I have one or two myself), and how wonderful that you have this fun legacy for her! It’s very inspiring.
So nice to learn more about you.
P.S. There are lots of corgis in your area…just saying.
Haha – thanks, Elizabeth. IF we ever move to where we can have a dog (cats are mandatory), it will be a Corgi. Geoff is great with dogs, and I love them, but I am horrible at discipline, training, and all. Dogs just know how to give me “that look” (white of eyes showing), and they have me wrapped around their big feet. That plus a Corgi smile would put me under!