I have been on the fence about taking a blogging break. It's been a rough couple of months for all of us at 24 Paws of Love and I've been thinking of taking a little vacation from posting. I think one of the most discouraging aspects for me about blogging is you are all just faces and names on my computer screen. I can't think how many times I've read a post or comment and really would like to follow up the conversation with the actual person. My husband and I are pretty tight friends and most of the people we know are not dog fanatics like us. I can not tell you how many insensitive and critical comments that people have felt the need to share about loving a dog as part of the family. And if one more person asked me, "Don't they cost a lot?" in that tone of voice that implies we would be better off financially if we got rid of one or two dogs because of the cost, I'm going to punch them.
So what I'm trying to say is that this dog blogging community is such a blessing. To know and understand that there are other dog crazy people out there that 'get it.' And that we don't have to explain ourselves or justify why we have 6 dogs when the answer is plain and simple...We love them. You guys get that and live it everyday. Others just don't have a clue.
So it would nice to put a face with the blog and have an actual conversation with this group we have been following, I have actually considered the possibility of attending Blog Paws 2013. Something I would have never thought of before, but curiosity has really been peaking about who exactly is behind the blog curtain of the post I read everyday. And so being that I don't like large crowds, big cities, or much of any place where there tons of people, I don't know that I would attend any of the lectures or seminars, but I would love to meet all of you and be able to just talk instead of typing to you at home. I'm not one to make big plans for my future, but I think it would be such a great way to actually get to know the paws and faces behind the blogs. And to finally meet the dog crazy people who have shape and change our dog lives together. If I could I would fly you all in so I wouldn't have leave our crew who's never been separated from us. Which might sound a little selfish, having you all come here, but don't you think that would be totally awesome??
Our unique experience and journey of the unconditional love of our two packs of dogs. A healing love that binds us all together and makes them more than just dogs. They are family.
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24 comments:
This is such a great post. I think we all get on that blogging fence once in awhile, and your right it's nice to take a break but then you miss your dog support system and blogging friends. When our late basset Barney had to have pins put in his broken leg, someone said "Why don't you just buy a new dog?" and I lost it! That's why it is nice to have this community where we all think alike about our pets isn't it. So don't worry break or no break there will always be blogging friends here waiting even if it is for short conversations about our pets! :)
I share the comments above mine from Bassetmomma! What a wonderful post!!! If I could only win the lottery, I would rent us a giant conference hall and have everybody flown in WITH their pets!! Wouldn't that be something?? I'd love to be able to sit and have a cup of coffee with you...it's kind of what we do everyday...just typing instead of talking. One of my best friends I met through blogging and she only lives 20 minutes from me. Now her husband and mine have become buddies as well! I totally agree with you...the "outside" world just does not understand those of us who have dogs and/or cats that are family!! You take whatever break you need, we will all be here whenever you get back!! xo Jeanne
That's what I like best about blogging too ~ the community! I've made some real friends through my blog and I know that my Mom has made several, life-long friends through hers! I think we should plan a Canine Bloggers Reunion (even if it IS the first time) for this fall...
Your Friend,
HERO
I can't say much more than the other people before me said! Do what's right for you, we will be here when you come back. As for attending BlogPaws, that sounds like a wonderful thing for you to do! It is so fun to meet the face behind the blogs! and don't worry, many, many people feel the same way about being out in large groups, including me. I am way more outgoing on my blog than I am in person, unless of course there is beer involved:)
The others have said it all... we have "met" some wonderful people since we started blogging, we didn't realise how much friendship and support that the blogging community brings. Yes, it would be great to meet a few of the people and dogs that are just a 'name on the screen' but we feel as though we know so many of you anyway... so, if you decide that yo want a break then have one, you will be welcomed back by your blogging pals whenever you return!
Deccy x
The community of dog blogging is great! Many people comment that I am "obsessed" with dogs. And I do agree about the people out of the community. A cat lover said to me, "Don't they bark a lot?" I was astonished. Yes, dogs bark, but it's not like any animal is perfect! You fall in love with your pet, whatever it may be.
But lots of the people in the community are compassionate and polite. Absolutely all the pet bloggers, as I can see, really bring a lot of confidence to me, and keep me blogging! I can't wait until you start blogging again. What a great post!
I have been fortunate enough to meet a couple of fellow bloggers and it has been great. I hope you have the same opportunity because it is really special.
I considered attending Blogpaws for the same reason, but then I realized most of the bloggers that I want to meet aren't really involved with Blogpaws. I am not sure why this is ...maybe more will get involved as time goes on.
As always, great post!
I'm so with you on this one. Sometimes, after I'm gone for a bit, it's hard to get back. But then I think of all the blog-friends I've met and here I am! There's something that just draws me to the blogs I follow...there's always so much heart there.
And, yes. It would be totally awesome to meet.
Hey., just do what you want and enjoy what you do...
Dog Fence
It would be lovely to meet so many of the nice people I have met online while blogging. If I could come there I would (wherever you are!), but like you, I cannot leave the crew. Jasper and Lady would be fine with a pet sitter, but Daisy would not.
If you can afford to go to BlogPaws you should go. I have heard wonderful things from the bloggers who have attended.
I'd never even heard of BlogPaws. I'm behind the times!
I'd love to meet your pack, and I'd love to meet people who know that dogs ARE family, at least that's the way it's supposed to be. If you're on Facebook, we can "talk" that way. It's at least a little quicker than blogs. If you are, my email for Facebook is wolfe6688 at hotmail dot com.
No question our community is made up of the most awesome two and four-leggeds on the planet! You want to have a real conversation? Want a voice and a bark to attach to the White Dog Army? We're game. You are invited for an afternoon tea, just us and momma and you and your family. email momma at sehismith@aol.com and we can set up a time to have a nice leisurely phone visit where we can get to ask all the questions we have wondered...not quite in person but one step closer. I bet you don't know momma has a dark smokey laugh! We would love to talk!
I've known a few people who have cut down and post less frequently just to get a little break. I hope you find the balance that works for you so that blogging remains a fun community and isn't just a drain on our energy.
I bet you'd enjoy BlogPaws much more than you'd think an introvert would. You could also participate in some of the groups at the BlogPaws community. I didn't see you over there after searching for your name. If you join, please add me as a friend. http://community.blogpaws.com/profile/PamelaDouglasWebster?xg_source=profiles_memberList
And anytime you want to host a BBQ for pet bloggers, count me in. :)
I really relate to this post, it's funny how the other people that are as super crazy over their dogs as we are, never seem to be around in day to day life. But it's good to know they're out there! I really enjoy your blog, but a break would be understandable. Thank you for posting about the blog meet up, that sounds something worth looking into to.
Hope your summer is going well so far!
I so understand and relate to the large crowds thing and also to the having trouble getting away with all the critters I have here. I agree, it would be nice to actually talk to other dog lovers who understand that loving a dog has nothing to do with money. I've gotten the same thing from my friends as you have. "You know, you'd have a lot more money if you didn't have all those animals." Maybe so, but it's not the money that makes me happy...it's my dogs and cats that do that.
I have to admit, I've never heard of Blog Paws, either. BTW, having everyone come to you is not being selfish at all and it would be totally awesome!!!
If you do decide to take a break from blogging, please don't stay away too long.
I know - the temptation to quit, at least temporarily, is often there for me too. Not that it hasn't been great making all of these connections, but because I just don't have a lot of time at my disposal... I feel like I get behind in my blog reading, which makes me feel guilty, and I know that I am not turning out as many posts as I used to either.
But the blogging community is second to none, and all of you were here to cheer me on when it felt like so many people that I see face to face were not.
If you do take a break, I completely understand. You have my email. I know that I am not always the best with response times, but I promise to do better. :) Keep in touch, whichever way you decide to go.
2013 is still quite a way away, lots of things might have changed for you by then:)
I know where you're coming from about not being able to leave your family behind. It seems a lot of us pet bloggers are introverts but that is something else we have in common as well as our 'obsession' for our pets, and often a preference for their company rather than human company:) But like minded human company is different, don't you think?
Having just come back from a self imposed 2 month break from blogging it's difficult to get back into the swing of things. I'm so far behind that it's impossible to catch up and that makes me feel bad instead of refreshed. But it's not the end of the world, it will keep turning no matter how I feel:) Don't feel guilty if you take a break. We'll still be here when you return. Hugs to the hounds:)
In the meantime, I have just received a Liebster Award, and would be proud to award your blog in turn! I have put a post about it here.
I can definitely understand what you mean - sometimes it does seem like a lot considering that everyone is just names with no faces. I went to BlogPaws last year and it really gave me some new motivation - it was so great to meet other bloggers in person and have a face to go with a name. I was pretty nervous, but everyone was really welcoming. I wish I was going this year, and I'll try to go again next year for sure. So maybe I will see you there! :)
I've only just started Bloggging.
I prefer dogs to people, they don't judge you & accept you for the person you are. I,m hoping to meet some new friends through the Blogging comunity.
What a great post! We currently are a house of 8 dogs and 2 cats. And yes, we get the same comments and looks. I gave up giving a crap a long time ago. Also, I would love to get to know the humans behind the pets! Thanks to Facebook, I have "gotten to know" some, but I still have a hard time putting the blog/dog/human names together.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts!!
Hi - I'm Stewey and I just found your blog! Such a thought-provoking post! My mom can relate to the community aspect of dog blogville!
Stewey
I think its great to take a blogging break. I take them all the time, sometimes I just need a break like after Fred died and sometimes life just gets in the way of blogging.
Ive made some wonderful friends I hope to have in my life for a long time. I actually plan on going next year to meet some of these sweet people in our ommunity. You know you can always email me to talk about stuff !
Just popping in to say hello and see how you are doing!
xoxo Chloe and LadyBug
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