2013 Pet Blogger Challenge

I just love the pet blogging community for setting up little gems like these. And just after my own first blogaversary! Even though I'm on the road (Jacksonville, FL is treating me very nicely I must say) I'll take a minute or two to answer some questions and will enjoy the rest of the week jumping around other entries and make some more friends.

1. When did you begin your blog?

1 year ago

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

To use this platform to highlight our adventures becoming a foster family and to help homeless pets find their forever homes.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

I'm very glad to say that it is. I was surprised to add the occasional kitten, and more than a few misadventures. I've also been very glad to impart a few tips and treats along the way.

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

Well, I'm very happy to report that a few adopter families said the blog helped them make their decision. It's hard looking at a profile photo and make a choice on a new addition to your family. A few posts on their personality, some cute videos, and seeing how the dogs interact in my home help people better understand if it's the right fit.

4. How often do you post?

Not nearly as often as I should. I average about every three days or so... but I admit to going a week between because of lack of planning, vacation, or life hiccups.

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

If I have enough forethought to jump on a blog hop awesome, but more often than not it is just as I feel I have something to say.

If you don’t publish on a schedule, why? How do you think your decision affects your audience? How do you know when a topic is “post-worthy?”

I don't always have fosters. We like to take a break in between to let us all come back to a sense of normal. In those lulls I will blog only when I think I have something "post-worthy" which to me is defined by the idea "can this post accomplish something." That could be as simple as making the reader smile or as serious as a call to action.

6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your  tips for staying on top of it all.

You know, I never thought to time how long it takes me to write a post. There are a few that I edit again and again trying to get the wording just right. Others where its just a furry of fingers on keyboard. Thankfully, Twitter, Facebook, and Google + help to keep me appraised of all the comings and goings of my fellow bloggers. I do have a few favorite blogs that I make a point to check on more frequently, but I need to be more diligent of spreading my blogging love.

7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?

To look at the comments or traffic can become obsessive, so I define each post's success by how I feel about it. Some of my most successful posts are ones that get the least amount of traffic. When I can feel moved by something, even after months of its' publishing, I am proud.

Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?

Numbers are important, to a point. My best interactions come into play when another blogger reads my posts and thinks so much of them to include a link into their own blog. First time that happened I was acting like a complete happy fool.

8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

I suppose that now that I spend so much time doing this, it would be important for me to start trying to monetize. That is a whole subject on which I know nothing and that scares me witless.

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

It was a rough first year blogging, learning the ropes if you will. Now I need to streamline my process, and get these homeless pets as much exposure as possible.

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