Dog News

The Pet Blogger Challenge: Q&A

by ADMIN

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Pet Blogger Challenge

I noticed this challenge with 34 minutes left to get a post together for it, and I’m glad I did not miss it – it’s a fun mental exercise that will help you get to know some of your favorite bloggers a little better.  Click the image above for the rules.

1. When did you begin your blog?

That depends on how you look at it. It existed for years on blogger with a few lazy posts a year. Things got busier with the move to a dedicated domain in the spring of 2009 and a commitment to regular posting.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

A journal of dog memories. A nice way to memorialize our dogs. Probably the same reasons most start blogging.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

Yes and no.

If not, what’s different?

I still do the same, but between a lot of other general interest posts. Traffic, fan and follower counts have jumped with a  shift in content. The goofy cartoon content is slowly moving to nigelbuggers.com

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

I’ve secured a broader audience to share material with, and the true benefit is that as a large group we are able to affect positive change in situations that require it. Consider the abusive YouTube video that we just had yanked as a fitting example.

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

On schedule. No rest for the wicked.

If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?

Seven days a week, multiple daily posts. I sleep 4-5 hours a night to make time – it’s the only way.

5. Are you generating income from your blog?

Not yet.  😉

If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how?

Parterships, online retail offerings, ads – in that order. Advertising is a necessary evil that we have avoided for the sake of our readers, but there is a breaking point at which any site owner must decide to monetize or drop out.

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?

Blogging: the people I’ve met and the friendships formed. Nothing like it. You bloggers are likely nodding in agreement.

The blog: Affecting positive change, inspiring and informing readers. There is nothing like a heart warming story and watching the reaction to it when  it publishes.

Oh, and the technical challenges. I guess I’m wired funny.

7. What do you like least?

Animal rights extremists who leave ridiculous comments claiming that every damn thing they see is animal abuse. You know, the miserable souls who have forgotten that dogs are animals. They are the bane of this blogger’s existence, and I’m slowly banning them from our fan page as they make themselves known in order to improve the experience for the rest of us.   😉

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?

Expanded content for a growing audience, huge giveaways to reward reader loyalty, a number of technical enhancements that I cannot yet disclose, and even more dog goodness.  In other words, more love.   ♥

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Thanks to Amy at Go Pet Friendly for the concept, and for hosting!