Today’s post is part of a challenge issued by Amy at GoPetFriendly.com and Edie at WillMyDogHateMe.com. I’m so, so glad they thought this up because it was definitely time for me to step back and think about this blog, its purpose, and where it’s going.
So without further ado, away we go:
1. When did you begin your blog?
Technically, I started it at the end of May 2009. However, a couple weeks later, I switched platforms, and my few May posts were inadvertently deleted. So let’s call it June 1, 2009.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
This question actually made me stop and think… What was my original purpose? And, honestly, I’m not sure I had one. For someone who likes to plan everything, I have to admit: I think I just thought it would be super fun to have a blog about Emmett and Lucas. I probably figured that since I loved writing about them, obviously people would love reading about them!
3. Is your current purpose the same?
Not really. Which is definitely a good thing.
If not, what’s different?
While I do write about Emmett, Lucas, and now Cooper frequently, I’d like to think I’ve expanded my scope. Instead of being about my dogs, I really hope that the blog is about all dogs. All the dog blogs I read combined with all the people who so kindly read this blog… well, I think it’s safe to say we’re all a little dog-obsessed. So I’ve tried to expand to cover topics that the dog-obsessed would appreciate and enjoy.
If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?
Goals, huh? Oops. I actually never set any, which is strange for me since I set goals for absolutely everything. Grabbing a pen and notebook and setting my blog goals for 2011. When this challenge comes around in 2012, I’ll be ready for this one!
4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
I sort of aim for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, though there’s a lot of wiggle room there.
If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?
If the latter, do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?
I do worry that I’m not posting often enough. Three days a week can sometimes be a stretch for my schedule, but I strive to hit that mark. And yet, there are weeks (like last week I think) that it just can’t happen. Then I do start to worry, not about losing traffic, but about being boring? disappointing? something?
5. Are you generating income from your blog?
No income, but I get products and things to test (and giveaway!).
If so, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?
If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how?
This is something I have sort of avoided because, before I had learned much about blogging and income, I always thought that it required selling out to “the man,” that it involved bogus posts filled with affiliate links or whatever. Now that I’m at least a little more knowledgeable, I’d be open to sponsorships or more active (i.e. speaking) types of things. But I’m pretty sure I’m not going to go down the affiliate linking path. I guess with my goal-setting, my goal for 2011 could be to generate enough through sponsorships to cover the hosting and URL renewal of this site? Hmm…
6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?
I love that blogging has connected people from all over the world who share an obsession with our pets. How awesome that we have this supportive, clever, kind virtual community to connect with every day? That is my absolute favorite part about blogging. For my blog in particular, it’s sort of the same thing… I love that there are very kind, wonderful people who actually stop by to read what I write. Plus, all the people who read and comment seem to be some seriously dedicated pet lovers with lots of clever ideas and suggestions and a willingness to share with the rest of the community all those fab ideas. How great is that??
7. What do you like least?
Two things: Feeling the pressure to post daily to remain “relevant” and not knowing the technical side enough to make and implement changes to the blog in a reasonable amount of time. (It seriously took like 3 months for me to figure out how to get the banner up top. And by “figure out” what I mean is hire a genius designer to make the dang thing for me!)
8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?
Well, now that you have me thinking… I think the first thing I’m going to do is sit down and set some goals. I think those goals will include everything from a realistic posting schedule, possible topics, and maybe even income-generating ideas at least to cover the cost of hosting this blog.
And now for a super-adorable pic of Cooper:
It was fun to read about how your blog started and the direction you’re headed. We’re definitely glad you receive toys to review and giveaway. We received the Hartz dog toys (blogged about it Saturday) from you and Gus LOVED them!
Enjoyed reading your answers… and just loved the adorable photo at the end!
Very, very, very great! I wish I’d started a blog back when I first adopted Shiva. My life would have been 60784 times less stressful. Ultimately, my favourite part is the connection with others as well. It’s just not something I have in my real life, not in regards to dogs anyway. Everyone I know thinks I’m a little nuts in my obsession.
Thanks for sharing your answers! And the Cooper photo!
Thanks so much for participating in the challenge, Maggie! I hope when you write out your goals for 2011 you’ll share them on the blog. I’m sure you’ll have some great ideas and we might pick up a few ideas.
Hi! We took the Pet Blogger Challenge too! We like your blog… your doggies are so cute! We are trying to get some companies to let us review and give away products. How did you do it? We have just been emailing every pet company we can find, and telling them about our blog.
Hi to you, Emmett, Lucas and Cooper! I enjoy following your blog and you do a great job sharing your thoughts and experiences with other dog lovers. I sometimes get offers to review products too, which is always fun especially if they offer a product to give away too. I also love doing book reviews. Have a great day!
I do follow your blog and was sort of stunned you managed all of this + the end BSL campaign without having a plan. I guess there is hope for no-plan people like me after all. And imagine if you would have a plan … hmmm.
Love the Cooper photo!
See … the pix of Cooper alone would have been enough. :o)
Loved reading about your blog. Your pups are adorable.
Stopping by on the blog hop that stole my day, but I’m having so much fun reading all these dog blogs while my own two dogs are staring me down and begging me to get them some dinner before they perish from hunger. Enjoyed reading about how you got started, and I love that you didn’t have a plan… remember, the best ideas are usually spontaneous!
If it helps, I’ve always seen your site as an advocacy journalism enterprise. You share news and info on relevant pet-related topics, along with commentary on those topics that references your first-person experiences thereof (ex. “Bsl” or “training a fearful dog”). You spread awareness and encourage dialogue. I think it’s pretty darn awesome 🙂
Found you form the pet blogger challenge! Like your blog.
The blog challenge has been such a good way to find new blogs and see what other people are doing. My google reader is getting quite a workout today.
Glad you posted for the challenge. It’s great seeing what you’re doing. I look forward to reading more.
Oh, and as far as the tech stuff, I can feel your pain. I got my banner together pretty easily but I’ve had a terrible time setting up a new subscription widget since I started self-hosting my blog. It’s a good thing we have these wonderful doggies to aid in stress-relief.
Look how easy it is to comment here… No hoops!
Great job on the blog, Maggie. It’s always entertaining (just look at that sweet puppy face on Cooper – and how much he’s grown already) and enlightening. The animal advocacy aspect is certainly a tremendous accomplishment. The education you have provided for ending BSL is invaluable. I never even knew such a thing existed but for you bringing it to light and, from there, I was inspired to make a difference for many animal related issues. Thanks for setting that magical fire, the one you unwittingly lit under my rear end. 🙂
Are you noticing a strong theme emerging? Number 6 is looking awfully similar everywhere I go. We’re lucky to call ourselves part of such a wonderful community.
I never comment – that’s by design because I never sleep, but I’m a fairly regular lurker. Great to learn a little more about you today. 🙂
I had the same worries when I first started blogging. I thought that I would be boring, but as time progressed, I found my feet. While I admit that not every post is a homerun, people generally tend to enjoy them.
The post of little Cooper is simple adorable! Thanks for sharing!
We have the same start date!
I agree- community!
Such a cute pic of Cooper 🙂
Cooper Rocks! That picture is so cute!
That is a super adorable picture! I appreciate your candor in your answers, as you mentioned more than a couple of things that crossed my mind as I took the challenge. Happy to meet you.
Love the answers & Cooper’s picture!
Great pic -what a cutie. Goals sound like a good idea and thanks for your blog.
lol…you’ve got the marketing down-pat — the super-cute pic! He IS adorable! It’s great to meet you, I’m looking forward to all those planned goals of yours this year;) Seriously, I’m looking forward to your posts!
Cooper is adorable! Good luck with your blog. I know what your mean about posting often and remaining “relevant”! It’s an ongoing challenge, for me anyway,
Your anti-BSL section is simply awesome! And the super adorable pic of Cooper is nice too 🙂