Friday, December 08, 2006
Just Skip It
There's a tongue-in-cheek saying that goes, "No good deed goes unpunished." That's about how I'm feeling today. So what's my good deed? You're reading it. I've spent literally hundreds of hours putting together my website and writing these BLOGs.
What do I get out of it? Primarily satisfaction. Long ago, I met one of my primary goals - being able to sell my rabbits relatively easily. I make enough back from ads to pay for my site, but not nearly enough to cover my time - even at minimum wage! My other primary goal was to help those who started in rabbits after me so they could benefit from whatever I learned along the way. I find a lot of satisfaction in helping other people get started in rabbits.
And I think that, by and large, I've been able to do that. I generally get several emails per week from people who have just discovered my website and/or BLOG. They are all positive, thanking me for the time I've spent. I receive emails from people literally around the world who have problems with their rabbits. Most can be answered with "eliminate excessive treats" or something similar. Of course, I'm not a vet and can't tackle difficult problems, but many rabbit owners are missing just basic information.
So, that's enough about what I feel has been my "good deed." Now to the punishment. I got this email yesterday (and a very similar one from the same person the day before):
Laurie First time on your site, My head is swimming as it is like reading an encyclopedia. There is no way your Blog would be of interest since it is a daily blow by blow of your daily events. You are very knowledgeable and that is obvious. A good rule to remember is "KISS" keep it simple silly! I dont mean this in a derogatory way but there is to much info on your sight and is a turn off. Best of luck with your bunnies
Yes, I did write her back and ask her why she just didn't skip my site if she didn't like it. She replied that she had meant her comments to be constructive. It's extremely hard for me to see "There is no way your Blog would be of interest," and "there is to (sic) much info on your sight (sic) and [it] is a turn off," as anything but negative.
So, ever since I received the note (the second time), I can't seem to shake it. I find it very hurtful that a person would take the time and effort - twice no less - to write something insulting. And this writer is someone I do not believe I've even ever met, conversed with, or even referred to in any way.
I suppose this sort of thing is just to be expected. I've made myself a huge target by doing something that gets noticed by many people (there have been 595,237 visits to my website as of this morning and 28,404 visits to this BLOG) . Perhaps I can make myself become all philosophical about it. My brain says forget it, but my feelings say it would be better not to have the BLOG and website so that I don't have to deal with such responses.
But it also doesn't feel right to keep all of my experiences to myself as I trudge along learning more about rabbits.
So I think I will just ask - one more time - that if you don't enjoy my BLOG or my website, just skip it. It's definitely not required reading.
Post Script: While I was finishing this BLOG post, the following message came in (this is the last part after she asked questions about her mini lop):
I'm asking your opinion because you know your stuff! I think your holland lops are so cute! I might consider getting a couple if things go well with my minis. Anyhoo, thank you so much! 99% of what I have learned about breeding my bunnies has come from your site, and I visit at least 3 times a week to double cheack stuff. Have a good day!
Maybe after a few more messages like this, I'll be able to shake off the former.
Laurie ¶ 10:10 AM
What do I get out of it? Primarily satisfaction. Long ago, I met one of my primary goals - being able to sell my rabbits relatively easily. I make enough back from ads to pay for my site, but not nearly enough to cover my time - even at minimum wage! My other primary goal was to help those who started in rabbits after me so they could benefit from whatever I learned along the way. I find a lot of satisfaction in helping other people get started in rabbits.
And I think that, by and large, I've been able to do that. I generally get several emails per week from people who have just discovered my website and/or BLOG. They are all positive, thanking me for the time I've spent. I receive emails from people literally around the world who have problems with their rabbits. Most can be answered with "eliminate excessive treats" or something similar. Of course, I'm not a vet and can't tackle difficult problems, but many rabbit owners are missing just basic information.
So, that's enough about what I feel has been my "good deed." Now to the punishment. I got this email yesterday (and a very similar one from the same person the day before):
Laurie First time on your site, My head is swimming as it is like reading an encyclopedia. There is no way your Blog would be of interest since it is a daily blow by blow of your daily events. You are very knowledgeable and that is obvious. A good rule to remember is "KISS" keep it simple silly! I dont mean this in a derogatory way but there is to much info on your sight and is a turn off. Best of luck with your bunnies
Yes, I did write her back and ask her why she just didn't skip my site if she didn't like it. She replied that she had meant her comments to be constructive. It's extremely hard for me to see "There is no way your Blog would be of interest," and "there is to (sic) much info on your sight (sic) and [it] is a turn off," as anything but negative.
So, ever since I received the note (the second time), I can't seem to shake it. I find it very hurtful that a person would take the time and effort - twice no less - to write something insulting. And this writer is someone I do not believe I've even ever met, conversed with, or even referred to in any way.
I suppose this sort of thing is just to be expected. I've made myself a huge target by doing something that gets noticed by many people (there have been 595,237 visits to my website as of this morning and 28,404 visits to this BLOG) . Perhaps I can make myself become all philosophical about it. My brain says forget it, but my feelings say it would be better not to have the BLOG and website so that I don't have to deal with such responses.
But it also doesn't feel right to keep all of my experiences to myself as I trudge along learning more about rabbits.
So I think I will just ask - one more time - that if you don't enjoy my BLOG or my website, just skip it. It's definitely not required reading.
Post Script: While I was finishing this BLOG post, the following message came in (this is the last part after she asked questions about her mini lop):
I'm asking your opinion because you know your stuff! I think your holland lops are so cute! I might consider getting a couple if things go well with my minis. Anyhoo, thank you so much! 99% of what I have learned about breeding my bunnies has come from your site, and I visit at least 3 times a week to double cheack stuff. Have a good day!
Maybe after a few more messages like this, I'll be able to shake off the former.
Laurie ¶ 10:10 AM
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Laurie,
Please don't get discouraged! I love reading your blog daily and the information on your site has been of tremendous help to my mother and I. When I was starting out, I don't know what I would have done without all of the information on your site. Whenever faced with a problem, my mother and I would always consult your website to find information on there. We always found our answer. From dealing with sicknesses to dealing with the teenage uglies, you've got everything covered. I know many people out there feel the same way as I do. Please, don't ever feel as if your work is unappreciated!!!!
Lauren
www.lollyslopsrabbitry.com
Please don't get discouraged! I love reading your blog daily and the information on your site has been of tremendous help to my mother and I. When I was starting out, I don't know what I would have done without all of the information on your site. Whenever faced with a problem, my mother and I would always consult your website to find information on there. We always found our answer. From dealing with sicknesses to dealing with the teenage uglies, you've got everything covered. I know many people out there feel the same way as I do. Please, don't ever feel as if your work is unappreciated!!!!
Lauren
www.lollyslopsrabbitry.com
Hi Laurie,
I am not a breeder; I do not even own a Holland Lop - but I really enjoy your blog and your website. I stumbled upon your site 'Precious Pet Rabbits' while searching for bunny info when I purchased my first bunny and I use it as a guide when I have any questions. I read your blog daily and find it fascinating and informative; I love your honesty and attention to detail! Please don't let that comment discourage you...Have a great day!
- Ka
I am not a breeder; I do not even own a Holland Lop - but I really enjoy your blog and your website. I stumbled upon your site 'Precious Pet Rabbits' while searching for bunny info when I purchased my first bunny and I use it as a guide when I have any questions. I read your blog daily and find it fascinating and informative; I love your honesty and attention to detail! Please don't let that comment discourage you...Have a great day!
- Ka
# posted by 
: 12:30 PM
: 12:30 PM
Laurie,
I check your Blog religiously, I love it. Please don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. The information you provide is of great value to any rabbit breeder, new or seasoned. Keep up the good work.
Pat
www.thebunnyshed.com
I check your Blog religiously, I love it. Please don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. The information you provide is of great value to any rabbit breeder, new or seasoned. Keep up the good work.
Pat
www.thebunnyshed.com
# posted by : 1:58 PM
: 1:58 PM
Laurie,
You know the old sang, you can please some of the people some of the time but you can not please all the people all the time. So don't worry about this person. I look forward everyday to checking your Blog, usually first thing I do when I come it to work is check your site. I have been in Holland's almost 20 years and have found reading your site very helpful. Keep up the good work. It was a pleasure meeting you in KY.
Karen Novina
You know the old sang, you can please some of the people some of the time but you can not please all the people all the time. So don't worry about this person. I look forward everyday to checking your Blog, usually first thing I do when I come it to work is check your site. I have been in Holland's almost 20 years and have found reading your site very helpful. Keep up the good work. It was a pleasure meeting you in KY.
Karen Novina
I have to second the comments above - my daughter and I bought our pet bunny, Macadamia, from you and I just enjoy reading your blog even though I'll never show a bunny. I find it fascinating and just like to read about what's going on with all our bunny's relatives. The website and all the info was what led us to you. Don't let people who "don't get it" bug you.
Thanks for our great bun and Merry Christmas!
Jean and Elizabeth in W-S
Thanks for our great bun and Merry Christmas!
Jean and Elizabeth in W-S
# posted by : 11:45 AM
: 11:45 AM
thanks to you and your site I have found myself OUT of a lot of trouble! Not only have you helped me learn from the things that you have done and been through...but I owe the lives of some beautiful bunnies to you and your site! without it I would have lost them!
thank goodness for you, your site, and your blog!
thank goodness for you, your site, and your blog!
I want to make a correction on kiss ..it means keep it short and simple not keep it keep it simple silly! somebody needs to learn more about what they are talking about before they type soemthing!!!
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