I drafted this blog post two weeks ago in an emotional response to the last post. But I didn't publish it. Although my anger has cooled, I believe every point is true.
Many many years ago I commented to a friend that I had never met a bunch of (highly) opinionated people as I had with horse folks. Boy, did I get that right.
I have been lambasted/villified on a Linked In horse forum for daring to utter my opinion on vaccines, I have been criticized on a FB donkey group for describing a feeding regime I use with my donks. Fellow donkey blogger, Kris, said, "Therein lies the
problem with FaceBook, too many opinions based on not enough data." And now I have been criticized on my own blog. Not really constructive criticism, just criticism. Balderdash.
I think I can synthesize the point of this blog as this:
* offer non-donkey owners a glimpse into the lives of my four to enjoy their day-to-day routines and exploits
* share info with fellow donkey owning readers
* provide an avenue for my writing enjoyment
Criticism doesn't fall into any of those categories. Suggestions, yes.
I think I need to rethink this whole blogging business.
Janet,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read this post...seems it happens to quite a few blogs that I follow, regardless of the content. We have 13 mini donks that live on our farm(all are rescues). Yes, I do things a little differently than you do but I think that has to do with space, region of the country in which I live and the amount of donkeys that reside on our farm. Whose to really say what is right and what is wrong? We are both doing our part to help God's animals. Even though I don't always leave comments, I really do enjoy reading the updates on all of your babies, chickens included. Keep on keepin' on, please!
Thank you!
DeleteI don't know if I've ever commented on here before, but please don't let one or two ruin your enjoyment. I have two mini-donkeys and have only found your blog recently. I don't know anyone with donkeys locally and love to see blogs and hear what other people with donkeys are doing. Stick around for those that love seeing your posts and pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteI must have missed your last post...I am sorry you are getting so much negativity. You are right about the horse world, the drama is so endless. I hope you can set it all aside and continue blogging for all of your very good reasons. Write for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI should also probably warn you that there are now feed factions that will vilify you for using beet pulp. Even though it has been used safely for many years, it has fallen out of fashion in some circles. The reasons are vague and not substantiated, but that never stopped an internet expert from sharing their opinions. The reality is, just as oats are an excellent choice for some animals and a terrible choice for others, beet pulp is a good option for some and not others. Each situation needs to be addressed individually and a FB group can not do that.
I hope that you and Alice are doing well.
Kris, you are an invaluable cheerleader.
DeleteOh, and PS. I think you can set limits on your comment section. You can set it up that they won't publish without your approval. Maybe that would help?
ReplyDeleteOh, and PS. I think you can set limits on your comment section. You can set it up that they won't publish without your approval. Maybe that would help?
ReplyDeletePlease don't let negative people ruin a good blog for everyone.
ReplyDeleteNew follower here, but seasoned blogger. Your blog is YOUR blog, just as your opinions are yours. I use the comment moderation option and decide which ones I want to post and pick the pleasant ones which one usually gets. Don't let anyone ruin your day. Opinions are like noses....everybody has one. Toss out the rubbish and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI have had the same thing happen to me and I know others have also. One of the pitfalls of blogging. It got so bad that I actually took down my blog and started over with a new name. I made it that I had to approve all comments. I thought about stopping my blog all together, but I didn't. And now I'm glad I didn't because I have met so many wonderful people since that time. Hang in there. As Debbie said it's YOUR blog. You don't have to answer to anyone. You are allowed to have an opinion. Don't let these haters ruin your day. (And I know that's easier said than done.)
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, Just caught up with your blog as I was away last week. Was very sorry to hear that you have had some negative feedback. I agree with all the comments other people have posted. This is YOUR blog and your experiences and because you choose to share your wonderful stories and ideas, you should not warrant criticism in any way at all. I feel it is very generous of people like yourself to share with other like minded people. I think your blog is great and there is no way this minority of negative people should make you feel this way and also spoil the enjoyment that your blog provides to other people if you were to decide to stop blogging for this reason. So, please keep sharing and remember all the people that love your blog - this will far outweigh the negativity. Kind regards, Louise S, Cheshire UK P.S. I think your volunteering work at the Animal Shelter is a wonderful thing to do - Keep up the good work.
ReplyDelete