All Things Dog Blog

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Pardon my slower than slow report on the Blogpaws pet bloggers conference that I attended recently in Salt Lake City. Some of you were interested in what it was all about. Beside the networking opportunities, we had great speakers, educational sessions on all sorts of fun blogging and social media-related topics, with multiple choices during each session. It was tough to choose when there were multiple speakers that I wanted to hear. Too bad I couldn't bring a clone or send Tanner to a different session with a Eyenimal to record it. Would't that be cool?!!

There were also lots of pet brands displaying their products and a few demos as well. I'll include some photos of some of the pets I met, along with a video of Tillman skateboarding. This stout fella was amazingly agile on the board and quite a charmer in the photo opp as well.

A few of the speakers were motivational by choice, like Lena West, whom I love to chat with. She's always the same. No BS; she says it like it is and sometimes I need that shot of reality. She really gave me a kick in the butt to get my priorities straight and focus on where I'm trying to go with this site. Good for her!

Every blog has a mission. Mine is to share pet solutions with dog owners who may or may not have other pets in their homes. But there are so many other variations on the pet themes of different blogs that speakers often found their sessions were filled with bloggers that all had a different direction to go in. I'm quite sure they found this challenging. I would have.
Part of the fun of networking was getting to learn more about the variations in pet blogging and the different goals that are out there. Some sites work only to create awareness or raise funds for a particular cause such as rescue. Theirs is a tough road and I applaud them for sticking to it.

One of the conundrums of pet blogging is the divergent views of whether it is acceptable to run a blog with the goal of making some sort of an income. As one speaker discussed the challenges and methods of moving in that direction, some bloggers left the room or complained. It was interesting to see how unaccepting some could be of those that chose to work toward making their blog not only educational, useful, and entertaining, but also profitable. As my father always said,
"It takes all kinds to make a world. You must learn to accept and respect everyone's views".

I hope you have enjoyed some of the Blogpaws photos I shared. Now I'd like to hear from you. What makes a blog earn your time to visit and read on a regular basis? Feel free to leave your honest answers. I really want to know what you think. Is there anything you would like to see me do differently in providing the assistance in pet solutions that I seek to offer? The comment link is open: