Third Annual Pet Blogger Challenge

Well, actually, my FIRST annual - I was sure I'd participated before, but apparently those were other blog challenges, blog hops, etc.  I'm not quite sure how this one works - except I'm supposed to answer a set of questions and put some weird code at the bottom of this post.  Hopefully, it will take you to other pet blogs in this challenge.
Here's the 'rules' for anyone who is interested - if you live on the West Coast you still have three hours to complete it before January 10th is over.  In which case, you would have to wait until next year, I guess.

Here's the questions and my answers:

1. When did you begin your blog?

January 18th, 2008.  Good grief, it is my fifth anniversary in one more week!

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

I was a regular guest poster for a blog for a sanctuary I volunteered with.  When I was no longer involved with that group, I missed the opportunity to write about the humor and pathos of animal care.  I had four dogs, a cat, an alpaca, and 12 little potbellied piggies in my care and just HAD to share their stories with anyone who would listen.  The critters made me laugh and cry, and I wanted others to have that experience vicariously, and maybe even influence them to adopt or foster rescue animals.

Besides, it was one way friends and family knew I was still alive - I am a terrible at keeping in touch!

3. Is your current purpose the same?

Sort of.  I don't have as many animals now, but I'm still involved with rescues and I still write about animals.  I've also moved into photography, and write a lot about the beautiful area where I live - for a wider audience.  In a world with so much violence and ugliness, I want people to see beauty and humour and caring. 

And it still lets my friends and family know I'm alive. 

4. How often do you post?

Usually two or three times a week, sometimes daily, sometimes once a week. 

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

As the spirit moves me.  

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?”

Too busy, not inspired, or no new photos to put up.  My audience increases considerably when I publish daily, decreases when I go for days without posting.  I have no idea how I decide something is post-worthy - usually if the sentiments come from my heart, and/or if I have some good photos to share!  

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.

Time varies - sometimes I rush something off, other times I'll spend hours getting it right.  I spend about an hour a day visiting other blogs - sometimes more, sometimes less.  I don't even try to stay on top of it all.  

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

Traffic, though the stats collectors I use differ in their efficiency.  And comments - I love comments! - though I know the security code thing drives people crazy and deters many from commenting.  I don't do facebook or other forms of social media, so shares are meaningless to me, but I do get a kick out of seeing other bloggers refer to my blog and/or link to it. 

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

My stat collector tells me lots of stuff - About once a week, I do a quick scan of duration, paths followed, repeat visits from the same IP, etc, as well as how they found me (a google search for me personally?  for an image of a seashell or a sunset?  for information on dogs?).  

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 I put a watermark on my photos on blogger, without having to use something like photoshop which is waaaaay too complicated for me! 

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

Goals?  What are goals?  I write and post pics for fun - fun doesn't need goals.