This is it! Today's the day!! Here we go.........
THE PET BLOGGER CHALLENGE
QUESTIONS FOR FIRST-TIMERS
QUESTIONS FOR FIRST TIMERS
1. When did you begin your blog?
In 2010, when Wordpress.com swallowed up Windows Live Spaces.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
In the beginning, it was just an extension of the Spaces page, with music videos, photos and reprinted articles. (Yes, yes I know (now); BAD BLOGGER! In my defence, I wasn't a real blogger yet and always quoted the source in full.)
3. Is your current purpose the same?
Definitely not!
If not, what’s different?
I am completely immersed in the blogging world now, and hope to turn parts of the blog into a book or two at some point. Also plan on switching to a self-hosted site in order to sell said books, (and maybe even make a few bucks on the side with the blog on its own.)
If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?
Not applicable, as I haven't, yet, but am making great inroads by being more active on social sites, networking, reading tutorials, making friends with some wonderful professional bloggers and writing, writing, writing.
4. How often do you post?
Depends on what else is going on in my life. Generally, about once or twice a week, but this is already my 6th post of the new year. Not likely to keep up that pace.
5. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
Mostly as the spirit moves me, but occasionally I will join a day-specific blog hop.
If you publish on a schedule, why? How strict are you about your publishing deadlines? What do you do for inspiration when it feels like you’ve covered every topic?
N/A
If you don’t publish on a schedule, why?
When it comes to earning a living, my dog business is priority one and each day's schedule varies widely, depending on client appointments. A full personal life with hubby, (priority one overall), and spending time with friends is also important. It's all about balance. (I know this, because I'm a former burnt-out, workaholic Corporate slave.)
How do you think your decision affects your audience?
My core followers will always be there, no matter what, because I have developed cyber friendships with them. If someone decides to "unfollow", for whatever reason, that's THEIR loss, in my opinion.
How do you know when a topic is “post-worthy?”
A topic is "post-worthy" when it's something I care to write about. Have never been a fan of crass commercialism, (ie. writing for the masses, whatever sells). An old expression comes to mind: "Do what you love and the money will follow". Here's hoping!
6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week?
Hard to say. Depends what else is going on. Average best guess, perhaps 7-8 hours.
How much time visiting other blogs?
I visit other blogs several times a week and comment on some, as well. Guessing also around 7-8 hours.
Share your tips for staying on top of it all.
Ha, ha! Talk about an impossible task! I have started using HootSuite, which helps a LOT. It keeps track of Twitter, Google, Facebook and many more posts, plus all the blogs I follow via RSS feed. Very handy tool. As for the daily chores around here, let's just say I'm not quite as efficient as I used to be, but, that's alright, since the standards have been lowered. LOL
7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?
While it's nice to see large numbers, for me, it's all about comments and shares. In my opinion, if someone takes the time to do either of these, then they were really engaged.
Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?
As per above. Comments and shares mean more than views only. Likes are better than nothing and do indicate some engagement, at least.
8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?
How do you solicit more comments and shares without annoying people?
9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?
I hope to turn parts of the blog into a book or two, make the move to self-hosted Wordpress and perhaps earn a few bucks from the blog on it's own.
This is a Blog Hop.
Thank you, Amy, for this opportunity! Am looking forward to making some wonderful new friends and doing it again, next year.
