2012 Pet Blogger Challenge

As I mentioned in a previous post, I participated in last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge and found it helpful for reviewing where I've been and where I want to go in the coming year. So when Amy and Edie issued another challenge for 2012, I knew I wanted to participate!

This time two sets of questions were posed - one for new bloggers, and one for bloggers who participated last year. Here are my answers to this year’s questions:

1. Provide a link to your post from last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge so we can refresh our memories.

http://bunnyjeancook.blogspot.com/2011/01/pet-blogger-challenge.html

2. What do you consider the most important goals you set out in last year’s post?

My goals from last year were to continue writing about animal-related causes, write more about rabbits, and monetize my blog.

3. Have you made progress toward those goals, or have your goals changed over the past year?

I have continued writing about animal-related causes. It is the subject that interests me the most.

I have not written as much about rabbits. Although they interest me personally, I do not want my blog to be viewed as a rabbit blog. I am interested in writing about all kinds of animals.

The most difficult goal to achieve has been monetizing my blog – mostly because I’m on the fence about it. As a result, I haven’t actively pursued sponsors or advertising.

4. Has your opinion of blogging on a schedule or as the spirit moves you changed? Which are you doing now? Do you still worry about lost traffic, momentum, etc?

I continue to blog every other day, and it seems to work well for me. I occasionally take a day off or post two days in a row.  I set a goal of 15 posts per month to keep myself on track. Sometimes I hit it and sometimes I don’t, but it gives me the ability to gauge were I’m at. My annual goal was 180 posts, which I hit on December 20.

This year, it was harder for me to stay on track because BJC passed away in early June.  I was tempted to take some time off, but I was afraid I would lose momentum so I continued to write through the grieving process. I’m sure they were not my best posts, but I managed to work my way through it.

5. Are you generating income from your blog? Has this changed since last year?

As I mentioned above, I’ve wrestled with whether I want to monetize my blog. Right now I am not actively pursuing sponsorships or advertising.

If you are generating income, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?

 I’ve had a few people approach me, but I’m also particular about who I’m willing to work with. One person wanted to purchase a text link for selling puppies on eBay Classified. That was a definite no!

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

I’m not sure I want to monetize my blog. I’m more interested in fundraising and increasing awareness of animal-related causes. Coming from a nonprofit background, I would love to work with some of the major brands in relation to the charitable work they do.

6. Have your likes and dislikes about blogging changed since last year?

My favorite thing is still the people l have met both online and in person. Pet bloggers are wonderful, caring people. I especially enjoy working with other bloggers and being a part of the BtC4Animals team has really helped me grow.  I do occasionally get frustrated, and sometimes that comes through in my posts.  But in general, I have to say that I really enjoy blogging. 

7. Overall, are you pleased with the progress you made in 2011?

Yes. My blog is nothing like it was when I first started, but it is continually growing, changing and evolving.

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012?

I can see myself moving more toward issues of animal welfare and animal rights.  I’ve met some really interesting people who are working to make a change both locally and nationally.

I would also like to get clear about whether I want to monetize my blog or keep it as my own personal playground. Something tells me I already know the answer.